With the start of a new academic year almost upon us, many nervous students from across the UK will be moving to Lincoln to begin their university careers.
So to make moving a little easier, The Lincolnite has compiled this handy top ten guide of essential things to do in Lincoln.
Tackle Steep Hill
A hill that definitely lives up to its name, Steep Hill is an absolute must for all newcomers to Lincoln. It may be a gruelling climb but there are plenty of quaint stores and tea shops, like the famous Bunty’s Tea Room, to keep you going along the way.
Steep Hill in Lincoln
Visit the Cathedral and Lincoln Castle
If you do happen to make it to the top of Steep Hill, you’ll be treated to a rather majestic view of Lincoln Cathedral. The 3rd largest in the UK, Lincoln Cathedral’s medieval architecture certainly offers some Instagram-worthy views.
Across the square, dotted with pubs and cafes, is Lincoln Castle. Whether you’re taking a walk around the castle grounds or a trip up onto the walls to admire the views, Lincoln Castle is an a must-see.
Lincoln Cathedral is free entry for students when you show your student card. Lincoln Castle is also free to visit on non-event days, but there are extra costs to take a wall tour or check out the Magna Carta vault and the Victorian prison.
Lincoln Cathedral as seen from Lincoln Castle
Experience Lincoln’s arts and culture
Lincoln is a fantastic place for arts and culture, you just need to know where to look. The Collection and Usher Gallery can be found on Danes Terrace and bring together an award-winning display of archaeological artefacts and fine and decorative arts.
For the budding artists out there, life-drawing classes are held every Wednesday at the Usher Gallery.
Also check out the Mansions of the Future project on St Mary’s Street (across the road from the train station) and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life uphill.
Usher Gallery
Visit the city’s parks
If city life gets a little too much, you can always take a walk around some of the area’s beautiful parks. The Arboretum is by far the most accessible, located just off Monks Road, a short walk away from the town centre. For those willing to trek a little further afield, Hartsholme Park is located just three miles west of the city centre and Whisby Nature Park is just off the A46.
Lake view of Hartsholme park in Lincoln. Photo: CoLC
Register at the health centre
Possibly the most important ‘must-do’ on the list. Go and get registered at the University of Lincoln health centre. Located on campus next door to The Swan, you can register here for GP services. There is also a student wellbeing centre next door that offers mental health support and counselling.
The sexual health clinic is located at 134 Dixon Street.
The University health centre
Try a food challenge
Last month, The Lincolnite got to sample the toughest food challenges in the city. Check out our video below to see how we got on and give them a go yourself!
Buy your fresh fruit and veg from the market
Head down to the indoor Central Market on Sincil Street to support local, independent city traders. Here you can pick up good quality meat, fresh fruit and veg at prices that won’t break the bank when you’re on a tight student budget.
There are also regular farmers’ markets on Castle Hill.
The farmers’ market in Castle Square.
Hire a bike
Fancy taking a bike ride to explore the sites? Just hire a bike from one of several orange bike points dotted around the city. The nearest one to the uni is on the Brayford Waterfront just outside the Royal William pub or outside Sparkhouse (Enterprise Building) behind the uni library. The service is available 24/7 and you can find more information and also a price list from the website.
Hirebike on the Brayford Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Go to a Lincoln City football match
The legendary Lincoln City are such a part of the fabric of the town that many say you can only be a true Lincolnite once you’ve been to a Lincoln City match. The atmosphere is always great, the fans are passionate and you’ll get to experience what it’s like inside the Sincil Bank stadium.
Sincil Bank Photo: Lincoln City Football Club
Enjoy an ice-cream!
There are lots of places to find sweet treats in Lincoln. Perhaps the most unique spot is Daisy Made farm. All the ice cream is hand-made on the farm with milk from the dairy cows and they have a huge selection of flavours for you to choose. You can also enjoy a game of mini golf whilst you’re there. Located on the Lincoln Road in Skellingthorpe, just a short drive (or bike ride) out of the city.
Here are some other ideas.
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Anglian Water said that the leak was due to a naturally-occurring spring, rather than a burst pipe, which now appears to have been plugged.
The water spring had been causing problems for at least two years | Photo: The Lincolnite/LDRS
Natasha Chapman, who lives nearby, has rung Anglian Water monthly since March to try and get something done about it.
“It was awful, there was so much algae that you had to step into the road to walk around it – and that’s not a good idea on Monks Road,” she said.
“At one point it got really bad. It wasn’t easy to avoid. We were worrying about what was going to happen in winter when it froze.
“I began calling Anglian Water when I moved into the area in March, and I was going back and forth with them at least once a month to find out what was happening.
“We were told that it was a natural underground spring and nothing could be done about it.
“But then more work started about two or three weeks ago on the leak and it seems to have been sorted now. It’s great to be able to walk down the road safely again.”
Anglian Water previously said that they were aware of the running water.
“This is a spring that has been there many years and Lincolnshire highways are aware of it. Our teams have surveyed this many times and there is no indication of a water leak,” a spokesperson said at the time.
They have been contacted about the reason being it stopping.
Lincolnshire County Council also said that underground springs occurred all along the Monks Road/Arboretum hill, and they had plans to manage the flow of water to prevent any safety issues.
Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and nachos will whet your tastebuds when Mexican grill restaurant Tortilla will officially open fully to the public later this week and The Lincolnite went for a sneak preview and first taste.
The restaurant is located between Phase Eight and Everyman Cinema on the corner of the redeveloped Cornhill Quarter and will open with its full opening hours on Saturday, August 13.
Prior to this, the Lincoln outlet, which is the company’s 52nd restaurant in the UK served burritos to local businesses earlier this week. On Friday, August 12 there will be an offer of a free medium or naked burrito for people between 12pm-2pm (with no more allowed to join the queue after 1.30pm), who are advised to use the QR code on the Tortilla website.
Matt Harrington, General Manager of Tortilla in Lincoln, told The Lincolnite that all the food is made fresh daily and he can’t wait for the official full opening this weekend.
He said: “We have a great team and site, and the company is growing a lot, so it’s an exciting time for us and the city of Lincoln.”
Why not try some delicious tacos! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Or a burrito! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The team at Lincoln aim to offer a fresh, healthy, affordable casual dining experience with plenty of build-your-own possibilities, rather than having to just stick to a set menu. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free alternatives.
Once open, it will become the first Tortilla restaurant in Greater Lincolnshire.
Delicious MexiCal food at Tortilla in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Take a look inside! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The restaurant is located between Phase Eight and Everyman Cinema on the corner of the redeveloped Cornhill Quarter. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Tortilla will be the latest in a long line of businesses to be welcomed with open arms into the Cornhill Quarter, following a multi-million pound redevelopment project to give Sincil Street and surrounding areas “a new lease of life”.
Stores and sites such as Hobbs, Whistles, The Botanist, Trent Galleries and 200 degrees have all opened in the area in recent times, with more set to be on their way to Lincoln.