Lincoln is quite an Instagrammable city. These days we’re always looking for the next best shot to post and, if you’re looking to #VisitLincoln any time soon, you won’t be short of incredible sights to photograph. The city might be famous for its festive Christmas Market or its rather aptly-named Steep Hill, but they’re not the only places where you’re likely to get a little snap-happy.
From medieval castles and film set cathedrals to modern architecture, natural beauty, and unique building restorations, this beautiful university city has got it all. Get your camera at the ready, release your inner influencer and get ready to discover the most Instagrammable places in Lincoln.
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Lincoln Cathedral
The ultimate image of Lincoln
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Lincoln Cathedral is the jewel in the city’s crown and no trip would be complete without capturing some stunning photos of it in all its glory. Perched high at the top of Steep Hill, it may no longer hold the title for the tallest building in the world but, standing out on the skyline for miles around, it’s still an impressive sight to see.
Zoom in on the intricate Gothic detail of the cathedral’s epic exterior, pick-up the magnificent colours of the stained-glass windows inside or come back at nighttime when you’ll find the grounds spectacularly illuminated. Did you know that the cathedral was used for the filming of The Da Vinci Code (2006)? #TomHanksWasHere
Location: Minster Yard, Lincoln LN2 1PX, UK
Open: Daily from 7.15 am to 6 pm (until 5 pm on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1522 561600
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Lincoln Castle Walls
Step back in time for an 'ancient art' shot
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Lincoln Castle is one of the city’s top attractions, located in the ancient Cathedral Quarter at the top of the famous Steep Hill. Home of the world-renowned 1215 Magna Carta, there’s a wealth of history to uncover. Plus, one of the must-do parts of any visit there is the Medieval Wall Walk.
Experience the ultimate #throwback as you circumnavigate the entire length of the ancient castle walls, taking in the breathtaking rooftop views of Lincoln as you go. Whichever way you turn, you’ll find another arty angle for 'the gram'. It’s free to enter the castle grounds, but there are entry fees for the Medieval Wall Walk, the Victorian Prison, and the Magna Carta.
Location: Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 554559
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The Wigford Way Bridge
Give your followers something to ponder
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The Wigford Way Bridge has become famous in Lincoln, with its inquisitive signs on either side, quizzing you as you walk in and out of the city. Whether you’re heading from the direction of Brayford Pool towards the High Street, or you’re on your way back towards the waterfront from town, you’ll be met with either WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? or WHERE ARE YOU GOING? in large lettering across the edge of the road bridge, for all who walk the underpass to see.
Literal, metaphorical, thought-provoking or just plain nosy, there’s no denying that this bridge screams ‘Instagram opportunity’. But it’s up to you which question you want to pose to your followers.
Location: Wigford Way, Lincoln, UK
Mapphoto by ExpoLight (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Empowerment Sculpture
An example of contemporary art at its finest
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The Empowerment sculpture is one of Lincoln’s more modern attractions, but it fast became one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. Stretching up and over the River Witham, right next to the Waterside Shopping Centre, the 52-foot-tall aluminium and steel structure was designed by Stephen Broadbent and completed in 2002.
The sculpture depicts turbine blades transforming into 2 humans, reaching out for each other over the river. It’s a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage and a striking sight to behold. You’ll get a great shot of the design from the footbridge spanning the river between the Waterside and City Square.
Location: Waterside N, Lincoln LN2 5DQ, UK
Mapphoto by Jim Linwood (CC BY 2.0) modified
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The Usher Gallery
Build the whole picture around this Grade II listed gallery
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The Usher Gallery is a beautiful public art gallery and the only purpose-built one of its kind in Lincolnshire. Located just a short walk from the city centre, its lush terrace gardens provide the ideal foreground for your Insta photo.
Opened in 1927, the Grade II listed building features a stone and brick face, with Tuscan pilasters, a decoratively-carved roofline and an impressive portico and pediment. Angle your photo right and you’ll get the medieval Bishops’ Palace in the background too. Exploring the gallery’s fine art while you’re there is a must, plus entrance is free.
Location: 1 Danes Terrace, Lincoln LN2 1LP, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 550965
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Brayford Pool
Play with reflections at the city’s picturesque waterfront
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Brayford Pool is the city’s picturesque waterfront, housing the University of Lincoln on one side and an array of bars and restaurants on the other. Formed by a natural widening in the River Witham, you can expect to see numerous boats parked up, as well as gaggles of geese and flocks of swans aplenty.
You’ll be able to get a fantastic shot of the whole pool by standing at the railings on Brayford Wharf East and there’s no better time than sunset to get the colourful reflections of the sun on its surface. If you’re lucky, you might snap one of the graceful swans making a not-so-graceful landing on the water.
Mapphoto by Jim Linwood (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Ellis’ Mill
Get a shot of the last working windmill in Lincoln
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What makes Ellis’ Mill so unique is that you don’t often find a working windmill in a city these days, or any windmill, for that matter. And who doesn’t love a windmill photo, wherever it’s located? Just a 10-minute walk from Lincoln Castle and close to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, it’s actually the only remaining working mill in Lincoln and well worth taking a wander to.
Head there at sunset to get an idyllic silhouette shot. Or, if you visit during the day at a weekend, you might just be able to get a free guided tour inside from one of the friendly volunteers.
Location: 21 Mill Rd, Lincoln LN1 3JJ, UK
Open: April–September: Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm. October–March: Saturday from 2 pm to dusk
Phone: +44 (0)1522 782040
Mapphoto by L. Shyamal (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Lincoln Guildhall and Stonebow
A stunning Tudor archway in the heart of the city
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The Lincoln Guildhall and Stonebow is one of the city’s most instantly recognisable landmarks, right in the centre of town. Recognisable though it may be, not everyone is actually aware of the building’s importance, although it’s impossible not to be drawn in by its magnificent architecture, dating back to the time of the Tudors.
The Guildhall was built in 1520 and its impressive limestone archway sees hundreds of pedestrians pass beneath it each day. And, with its intricate carvings, parapets, tablet and clock, it’s a sight that begs to be photographed. Full council meetings and events still take place here, but there are regular free guided tours for those who want to further explore inside this hidden treasure.
Location: Saltergate, Lincoln LN2 1DA, UK
Open: Guided tours available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday at 10.30 am and 2 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 541727
Mapphoto by Mike Peel (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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University Library
A remarkable example of #RenovationInspiration
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A university library being among the city’s most Instagrammable places? Might be surprising to hear... but the University of Lincoln’s Library is pretty special. What was once the Great Central Warehouse has been magnificently transformed into a modern building. Its latest additions have been built around the original early-20th-century brickwork, complete with the original painted wording on the side.
The combination of old brick and original factory windows with the newer sections built with modern floor-to-ceiling windows certainly makes for a unique photograph. Be sure to check out the student union next door while you’re there. Taking on a similar style, it’s a renovated railway engine shed, giving it the imaginative and apt name, The Engine Shed.
Location: University of Lincoln, Brayford Wharf E, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
Open: 24/7
Phone: +44 (0)1522 886222
Mapphoto by Chris Goddard (CC BY 3.0) modified
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Lincoln Arboretum
Capture the peace and tranquillity of an inner-city green space
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Lincoln Arboretum is situated in Lincoln’s Cultural Quarter and is considered a hidden gem among the otherwise bustling city. Head here for a welcome dose of #greenspace and have your camera at the ready to capture some of the park’s Grade II listed monuments.
Wandering around the arboretum, you’ll find the impressive 1884 cast iron bandstand, a late 19th-century shelter and the huge lion statue, all of which are worth a spot on your grid. When you’re done exploring, visit the onsite Arboretum Café for a bite to eat and a drink. The building itself is also Grade II listed.
Location: 16 Lindum Terrace, Lincoln LN2 5RT, UK
Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1522 881188
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