The Lincoln Bucket List: Things to do Before Graduation

Graduation will soon be upon you, and all that comes with it. One minute you’re unpacking at Brayford Quay, the next you’re standing in a gown and cap, wondering why you never explored the city to its fullest. This place isn’t the biggest city in the world, so it should be easy to check off your Lincoln bucket list. Plenty of it costs nothing to explore, either.

Here are seven of the top things you need to do in Lincoln before you head home.

Lincoln Cathedral

If you’re studying in the city, or indeed anywhere else in the UK, you can visit Lincoln Cathedral for free. Just make sure to bring a valid student ID.

Once you’re in, hunt for the famous Lincoln Imp, a tiny carving hidden away in the Angel Choir. If you’d like to climb to the top of the steeple, you can book a tower and roof tour from April. They cost £10 on top of standard admission if you plan on visiting with non-student friends or family.

If you’re around in early December, you can even visit the cathedral’s very own Christmas market. Unlike most markets, this is a ticketed event, and as such, you’ll need to get them ahead of time.

A Day at Lincoln Castle

The castle grounds are free to explore, but you’ll need to pay to get inside. Tickets will set you back £16.50 as a student, but this includes access to the vault, which is home to the Magna Carta. If you’re not familiar with this parchment, it is essentially the basis of royal life in England.

Each document in the vault is displayed on rotation and will be off-display for three months a year to ensure they are preserved for decades to come.

Climbing Steep Hill

One of the most famous streets in Britain, Steep Hill is a pilgrimage for the people of Lincoln. While not a mountain of Ben Nevis proportions, it’s got a hell of a gradient! Steep Hill has an average pitch of 16.2%, making it a brutal challenge for those not used to the hills of Britain. Take your time and stop off at the Norman houses, independent shops and tea rooms on the way; the cathedral awaits for those who make it to the top.

See Some Art for Free

Head to the Usher Gallery on Danes Terrace. Entry is free and it’s open from 10:00 to 16:00 Thursday to Monday, making it the ideal weekend activity. The neighbouring Lincoln Museum is closed for refurbishment at the time of writing, so you’ll have to wait to visit here.

International Bomber Command

Telling the story of Bomber Command, the centre on Canwick Avenue is a stirring afternoon out that should inspire and teach visitors about Britain’s finest hour in the early years of World War II. Tickets can be purchased online or at reception, but are more expensive when bought in-person. Every ticket you buy also serves as an annual pass, meaning you can visit as many times as you like that year.

If you’re coming to remember someone, or pay tribute to fallen heroes, you can visit the Peace Gardens, Spire, and the Wall of Names without a ticket to the museum. Winter opening hours are from 9:30 to 16:00, Tuesday to Sunday.

What Makes Brayford Pool Special?

Well, firstly it’s something you have to make no effort to check off! You’re living beside it at Brayford Quay. The pool is the oldest inland harbour in England and is packed with local artwork and an architecture trail that tells the story of the surrounding buildings.

More to Know About Lincoln

• Always carry your student ID, as it can double as a ticket or discount card for a variety of attractions.
• The climb to Steep Hill is cobbled, making it even tougher in bad weather.
• The Lincoln GP takes place every year, around Michealgate. It’s one of the biggest races on the domestic cycling calendar.

Your Lincoln bucket list will likely include even more than we’ve added today. Check off one or two of these things this winter before finishing the list off in Spring.

To make sure you’ve got your ideal Lincoln student accommodation, check out life at Brayford Quay and make student life here unforgettable.