As thoughts turn to the first restriction-free Christmas in two years, many people will be drawing out the festive celebrations this year and looking for even more ways to get into the Christmas spirit. With its medieval architecture and quaint cobbled streets, Lincoln makes the perfect backdrop to a weekend of Christmas shopping. Noted for having one of the UK's oldest Christmas markets and for its wonderful array of independent shops, Lincoln is the ideal destination to explore, dine and shop this Christmas.  

The Christmas Markets 

Since Lincoln brought the first traditional German Christmas market to the UK in 1982, it has grown from just 11 stands to now over 200 stalls. Visitors are transported back through time as they stroll along the cobbled streets of the city's Cathedral Quarter, shopping with a view of the historic Castle and Cathedral. There is something for everyone, from quirky gifts to food and drinks. The Artist's Christmas Village is the ideal place to find unique presents, all whilst supporting local artists and crafters. Visitors can enjoy a mulled wine as they peruse the stalls, before stopping to take in some of the festive, family-friendly entertainment. Various shops across the city will also stay open late for the duration of the market.  

Lincoln Christmas markets will take place from 2nd-5th December 2021. For more information, please visit: https://www.visitlincoln.com/whats-on/lincoln-christmas-market-2021 

Steep Hill  

Connecting Lincoln's Cathedral Quarter with the city's more modern centre, Steep Hill offers the perfect location for Christmas shopping. Noted as the fourth steepest street in England, Steep Hill is famed for its eclectic mix of independent businesses, housing boutiques, tearooms, and vintage bookstores in some of the city's oldest buildings. A freshly baked pastry from the artisanal bakery, Vine's Bakery, is well worth the climb to the top. The family-run Lapid Art is the perfect place to source quirky presents, offering more unusual crystals, fossils and jewellery. To source wine for festive celebrations, a stop at Steep Hill Wines is a must. The independent wine merchant specialises in Chablis and Burgundy, selling their hand-selected wines in a centuries-old building.  

Find out more at: https://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/steep-hill-the-strait-shopping 

The Cornhill Quarter 

As Lincoln's newest leisure development, The Cornhill Quarter offers a contemporary location to shop and dine this Christmas. The Cornhill Quarter strikes a great range for a day of shopping, blending traditional high-street brands, like Whistles and Hobbs amongst independent businesses. A particular highlight is the local jewellers, k. fines jewellery offering its shoppers a range of beautiful, contemporary pieces made with ethically sourced materials, it is the ideal place to treat someone special. A recent addition is to the Cornhill Quarter is Trent Galleries, where you can peruse and purchase contemporary fine art in a relaxed and personal setting. Their catalogue boasts an exciting range of award-winning artists from across the globe, with art to interest all tastes.  

After a day of shopping, the Botanist is a must-visit. Its forte is gin-based cocktails, offering a range of herbaceous, spiced, citrus, and floral drinks. This winter, the Botanist is introducing new greenhouses for their guests to dine in, allowing them to enjoy an alfresco evening admiring the Christmas lights, but without feeling the winter chills.  

Find out more at: https://www.cornhillquarter.co.uk/ 

Accommodation & Getting There  

From luxury hotel rooms, self-contained holiday homes, glamping sites and B&Bs, there is a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes in Lincoln.  

Lincoln's Cathedral View Guest House is a beautiful, Grade II listed property, that dates to the 12th century. Named due to its proximity to the iconic Lincoln Cathedral, the Cathedral View Guest House boasts a stunning view of the city's historic skyline. Due to the age of the building, each room differs, offering guests a unique experience every time they visit.  Prices start from £87.50 for a double room per night, which includes breakfast.  

Enjoy the tranquility of Lincolnshire with a holiday stay on the 42ft luxury yacht, Burton Waters. The static yacht has an inside and outside deck area, a dining seating area below and above deck, as well as a retractable roof to enjoy the sunshine in the summer season. Burton Waters Marina offers a unique way to enjoy a staycation. Prices start from £200 per night, with a 2-night minimum stay.  

Find out more about accommodation here. 

Via the LNER railway line, Lincoln is just a 1 hour and 55-minute trip away from London King's Cross. Trains depart every two hours. Tickets start from £36 for a day return.

For further information on Visit Lincoln: www.visitlincoln.com.  

For further information on The Cornhill Quarter: www.cornhillquarter.co.uk 

For media enquiries, please contact the LOTUS team at lincoln@wearelotus.co.uk / 0207 953 7470.