Lincoln Cathedral is one of the most spectacular Gothic buildings that held the record for the world’s tallest building for over two centuries. Enjoy exploring the magnificent exterior and interiors, colourful stained glass windows and discovering the famous Lincoln Imp. With free entry for children, Lincoln Students, and dogs, Lincoln Cathedral is the perfect place to visit with your entire family while discovering over 1000 years of history and culture.
Cafe / Tea Room
Restaurant
Guided Tours
Parking
Accessible
Toilets
Gift Shop
Dogs Welcome
Groups Welcome
Meeting Facilities
Internationally acclaimed, one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture
Discover Lincoln Cathedral, both spectacular and beautiful. Standing tall over the city of Lincoln and visible for miles around, it has starred in Young Victoria and The Da Vinci Code. William the Conquerer commissioned Remiquius de Fécamp, the first Bishop of Lincoln to build Lincoln Cathedral in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of Britain.
Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world after the spire was added in 1311, overtaking the Great Pyramid of Giza until 1549 when the spire collapsed in a turbulent storm.
Despite the cathedral’s dramatic scale there are many small and intricate hidden surprises to discover, beautiful embroidery, a tiny carving of a friendly lion, a graffiti of a sailing ship, not to mention the famous Lincoln Imp.
Lincoln Cathedral has been described as “out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have” by John Ruskin, leading Victorian art critic and writer. Lincoln Cathedral today remains recognised as one of the most precious pieces of architecture in the British Isles. Lincoln Cathedral is a must-see attraction when visiting the county.
Lincoln Cathedral
restored to glory
Lincoln Cathedral undertook a £16m investment which completed in 2022. A new visitor centre, café and exhibition space that tells its 950 year-old story. The Cathedral West Front was restored and after years of being shrouded in scaffolding the craftsmanship and detail can be seen in all its glory.
Lincoln Cathedral Tours
Lincoln Cathedral host free Floor Tours included in your entry throughout the year, as well as additional bookable tours covering various topics including: architecture, stained-glass, history and other stories, and Roof Top Tours where you can get a great view of the city of Lincoln and see the inner workings of the cathedral's architecture.
Gallery & Discovery Centre
As well as exploring the main Cathedral building, visitors can discover centuries of history in the exhibition gallery – where the internationally important Romanesque Frieze takes pride of place. In the Discovery Centre all members of the family can get hands on with history as they explore the engaging, interactive exhibits.
Free entry for children & students
Children under the age of 16 and Lincoln students can enter Lincoln Cathedral for free all year round. Younger children can also pick up an explorer’s backpack from the welcome desk to help interactively and creatively guide them through the Cathedral and to find the Lincoln Imp!
Medieval & Wren Libraries
There are many hidden gems located inside Lincoln Cathedral including the spectacular Medieval & Wren Libraries. Hidden above the cathedral cloisters is a beautiful, ornate library designer by Sir Christopher Wren, filled with precious 15th century books.
did you know?
It is not just Lincolnshire people who believe Lincoln Cathedral to be one of the finest buildings in the region, the country and beyond! This is a wondrous building, whether viewed up close or seen on the skyline from afar.
William the Conqueror picked this strategic site of a former Roman fortress to build his castle (1068) and cathedral (1072) as very clear messages proclaiming his power and dominance to his new population; one the stick, the other the carrot. Lincoln Cathedral still has the instruction from William saying ‘Build me a cathedral at Lincoln’, it is known as the William the Conqueror Writ and that such a tiny piece of parchment, about eight inches by three should have led to such an extraordinary building is rather wonderful. Now seen as something of a backwater, Lincolnshire in the early Middle Ages was, through the wool trade, wealthy and powerful and the diocese of Lincoln stretched from the Humber to the Thames. Lincoln Cathedral has hosted parliament, welcomed kings, buried queens and withstood armed attack. A visiting medieval audience would have been able to ‘read’ every element of the building, the carvings and stained glass acting as a book telling the Christian stories with almost cartoon-like simplicity. Today we see the beauty but have forgotten how to read this Gothic vision.
The Cathedral’s sister building, Lincoln Castle, is clearly William’s stick, making his ‘I’m in charge now’ statement. It is a pragmatic building, functional where the Cathedral is beautiful, built using lower-quality stone and having money spent on it only when needed. It was the site of battles and sieges, not to mention some complicated medieval wheeling and dealing. It has always been a working building, containing a former prison and a still operational Crown Court.
what's on at Lincoln Cathedral
Here is a selection of the events planned at Lincoln Cathedral. Visit their website for the complete calendar.
Lincoln Cathedral Experiences
Duration 1.5 hours
Price: £7.50 plus general admission fee
Max 15
What's included?
Explore the roof space of Lincoln Cathedral with views across the City. The friendly guides will show you the fascinating structures that hold up the roof of the Cathedral.
You'll get an insight into the workmanship required to build and maintain this stunning building. You’ll also get up close to the stained glass windows, visit one of the bell chambers and for those who are not afraid of heights, there is an opportunity to enjoy views down the full length of the Nave and across the City from the Cathedral’s West Front. If you love architecture, this tour is for you.
opening times
The Cathedral is open daily from Morning Prayer until the end of Evensong or Evening Prayer.
From time to time, Lincoln Cathedral will have restricted access to certain areas. This can be due to a number of reasons including services, events or maintenance.
entry & prices
Access to services is always free of charge.
Free entry to all UK Students with valid ID
*Donate your entry fee to the Cathedral and add gift aid in exchange for an annual pass (free access for 12 months)
If you are a companion or carer for a visitor with a disability, please let the Cathedral team know on arrival and they will provide complimentary admission.
more information
Lincoln Cathedral
Minster Yard
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN2 1PX
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