Lincoln Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Lincoln Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Lincoln packs serious historical punch into a compact city. The Cathedral Quarter sits at the top of a steep hill (aptly named Steep Hill) and houses the main attractions. Lincoln Cathedral (LN2 1PX, open 7:30am-6pm Mon-Sat, 7:30am-5pm Sun) dominates the skyline and costs £9 for adults. The guided tours are worth every penny for the roof and tower access.

Lincoln Castle (LN1 3AA, open 10am-5pm daily) houses one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta and offers a complete wall walk with stunning views. Adults £14.50, kids £8. The Medieval Bishops' Palace (LN2 1PU, open 10am-5pm Wed-Sun) sits in the cathedral's shadow and shows how Lincoln's powerful bishops lived. Entry £8.50.

The Collection Museum and Usher Gallery (LN2 1LP, open 10am-4pm daily, free entry) houses archaeological finds spanning 300,000 years of Lincolnshire history. We love the interactive exhibits that bring Roman Lincoln to life. The Museum of Lincolnshire Life (LN1 3BJ, Wed-Sun 10am-4pm, free) showcases the county's social history with tanks, agricultural machinery and recreated street scenes.

Pet Friendly

Lincoln's brilliant for dog owners. The Arboretum (LN2 5RP) offers 22 acres of gardens and lakes where dogs can run off-lead in designated areas. Hartsholme Country Park (LN6 0EY) has woodland walks and a large lake that dogs love exploring. Both parks have free parking.

Many Lincoln pubs welcome dogs. The Adam & Eve (LN1 3BP) claims to be the city's oldest pub (1200s) and serves great food with water bowls for thirsty pets. Café Portico (LN2 1JL) allows dogs in their outdoor seating area and even offers doggy ice cream in summer.

Most hot tub cottages have enclosed gardens, but check the listing details. I recommend bringing your dog's bed from home to help them settle. Lincoln's hills can be tough on older dogs, so plan routes carefully. The Lincolnshire Wolds (30 minutes drive) offer gentler walking options with stunning views.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Lincoln

Lincoln Cathedral stands as England's finest Gothic building according to many architectural experts. The stone carving inside is mind-blowing - look for the famous Lincoln Imp high in the Angel Choir. The roof tours (extra £5) take you into the roof spaces where medieval graffiti from the original builders can still be seen. One visitor wrote: "I've seen cathedrals across Europe but Lincoln's ceiling bosses and stonework are unmatched."

Steep Hill connects the modern shopping area with the historic quarter. This cobbled street dates from Roman times and houses independent shops in buildings dating back to the 12th century. Jews House Restaurant occupies England's oldest domestic building still in use. The street's 1 in 7 gradient explains its name! Take breaks at the small cafes on your climb - Browns Pie Shop halfway up serves amazing food in a 17th century building.

Doddington Hall (LN6 4RU, open Wed-Sun 12pm-4:30pm, £12) sits just outside Lincoln. This Elizabethan mansion has remained unchanged for 400 years and contains original furniture and textiles. The gardens are spectacular in summer and their farm shop sells incredible local produce. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Unlike many stately homes, this feels lived-in and authentic rather than a museum."

Is Lincoln good for children?

Yes! The castle has a Medieval Wall Walk with interactive displays about sieges and battles. The Collection Museum runs free holiday activities and Hartsholme Country Park has excellent playgrounds. After sightseeing, head back to your cottage for family time in the hot tub.

When's the best time to visit Lincoln?

Lincoln's Christmas Market (early December) transforms the Cathedral Quarter into a magical experience with over 200 stalls. Summer brings better weather for exploring, but spring and autumn see fewer tourists and lower cottage prices.

Do I need a car in Lincoln?

The city centre is walkable but hilly. A car helps for exploring the wider area and reaching most cottages with hot tubs, which tend to be in rural locations 5-15 miles from the city.

What's Lincoln famous for?

Besides the cathedral and castle, Lincoln was a major Roman settlement (Lindum Colonia) and important medieval trading centre. The city built tanks during WWI (hence the Tank Memorial) and has strong aviation heritage from WWII bomber squadrons based nearby.

Are there good restaurants in Lincoln?

The Old Bakery (LN1 1LN) serves outstanding locally-sourced food in a 10th century building. The Jews House Restaurant occupies England's oldest domestic building. For casual dining, Bailgate area has excellent pubs and cafes.

What's near Lincoln worth visiting?

The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB offers beautiful countryside. Woodhall Spa (LN10 6PU) has unique Kinema in the Woods cinema and Jubilee Park outdoor pool. RAF Scampton (former Red Arrows base) has an aviation heritage centre 15 minutes from Lincoln.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Lincoln Official Tourism Site
2. Lincoln Cathedral Official Website
3. Lincoln Castle Visitor Information
4. Dog Friendly Lincolnshire Guide