attractions

From historic gems to fabulous festivals and shows

Dominating the landscape for miles around, Lincoln Cathedral is perhaps the city's most potent symbol and where many visitors start exploring the historic quarter of the city. It is amongst the foremost of the country's religious monuments; an awe-inspiring building with the added attractions of the famous Lincoln imp hidden in the carved walls of the Angel Choir, and the Young Victoria exhibition.

Strolling through the pretty cobbled streets of the Bailgate, the next stop is the 11th century Lincoln castle with its ancient walls and Victorian prison. Elsewhere in the region, stately homes of beauty and repute abound; from Doddington Hall with its formal gardens and Gainsborough Old Hall, one of the UK's best-preserved medieval manor houses, to further afield, Belvoir Castle, Tattershall Castle and Burghley House.

Many visitors and residents craving a little sea air head out east of the region, where the traditional English seaside delights and blue-flag beaches of Skegness, Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe await. For nature lovers there are also noted nature reserves at Gibraltar Point and Donna Nook, the latter a breeding ground for seals that is open to the public.

Back in the city, the ever-popular Lincoln Ghost Walk is a chance to explore Lincoln's spookier side, or you could take a relaxing trip up the oldest Roman canal in the country. Further north there is Market Rasen Races and you'll also find lots of special events in the region throughout the year to entertain the whole family: the RAF's largest air show held every year at Waddington (the Red Arrows are based in Greater Lincoln); the annual Lincoln Christmas Market, one of the largest of its kind in Europe; West Lindsey Churches Festival, held over two weekends in May; and lots of celebrations of local food, including the Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Fair and the Sausage Festival.