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How to Spend 24 hours in Lincoln

24 hours in Lincoln will see you meander down cobbled streets, stroll around historic castle grounds and push yourself up one of the steepest hills in England. Famed for its medieval cathedral and its links to the Magna Carta, Lincoln is teeming with history, culture and some pretty incredible architecture. I spent 24 hours in Lincoln when I met up with my friend and fellow travel blogger Rachel last summer and we had a wonderful weekend soaking up the sunshine on one of the hottest days of the year. Here’s an overview of what we got up to, including recommendations of where to eat, drink and stay, and how I’d recommend you spend your 24 hours in Lincoln…

 

Visit Lincoln Cathedral

 

No trip to Lincoln is complete without paying a visit to the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral, located at the top of Steep Hill. With history dating back to 1072, the year of its construction, Lincoln Cathedral was built in the Early Gothic style and is the fourth largest in England, with only Liverpool Cathedral, York Minster and London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of it. It is widely known that the cathedral held one of only four remaining copies of the original Magna Carta, which is now proudly on display in Lincoln Castle instead. From the outside, the cathedral is impressive and doesn’t look dissimilar to Paris’s stunning Notre Dame, whilst inside there are vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and stone carvings of famous Lincoln Imps.

 

Walk up Steep Hill

 

Lined with independent shops, cafe’s, restaurants and tea rooms, Steep Hill is one of Lincoln’s most famed attractions, and is the gateway to the Cathedral Quarter. Connecting Lincoln Cathedral and Castle with the rest of the city, this steep, cobbled street is a must-see during your 24 hours in Lincoln. First used by residents when the city was called ‘Lindum Colonia’, the Roman inhabitants expanded the settlement down the hill, and archaeological excavations proved that the hill was once lined by steps during that time. Nowadays, Steep Hill, with a 16.12º gradient, has been named the fourth steepest street in England by the Ordnance Survey. Please note that Steep Hill isn’t suitable for those with accessibility needs, but the Steep Hill Shuttle can help you get to the top instead.

 

Go to the historic Lincoln Castle

 

 

One of the most famous medieval castles in Great Britain, and built on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress by William the Conqueror in 1068, a visit to Lincoln Castle is an absolute must for your 24 hours in Lincoln itinerary. The castle has two mottes, making it one of only two castles of its kind in England, with the other one at Lewes, East Sussex. One of the best preserved medieval castles in the country, Lincoln Castle was used as a prison and court throughout history, and is still used as a Crown Court even today. Inside the castle you can find one of only four surviving exemplars of the famous Magna Carta from 1215. The castle is open to the public seven days a week, and you can either buy tickets for the castle itself, to walk around the medieval walls, or both! If you are tight on budget you can also walk around the castle grounds for free, but this will not get you into either the castle or the walls itself.

 

Wander along Brayford Waterfront

 

After we had spent an hour or so at the Waterside Shopping Centre, located right in the middle of the city and home to a wide range of high street stores, we took a wander down to the waterfront’s north side to check out the Brayford Waterfront. There we found plenty of restaurants and bars as well as luxury hotels and a multi-screen cinema. We didn’t get chance to dine here during our 24 hours in Lincoln, but we both thought it would make a lovely place for lunch or dinner, and if the weather is nice you can enjoy an alfresco meal whilst overlooking the waterfront on a summer’s day. You can also take a trip on the famous Brayford Belle, a boat which takes you around the Fossdyke Canal and Brayford Pool, where you can learn all about the area’s history.

 

Where to stay

 

 

There are many hotels and b&b’s from which to base yourself from for your 24 hours in Lincoln, with well known hotel chains littered across the city. We opted to stay at the Premier Inn Lincoln Centre, as it was cheap and cheerful and in a great location. At £39 for the night it was an absolute steal and was the perfect base for our stay. The room was spacious, the check in was easy, and there was a restaurant on site for booking breakfast, lunch or dinner if you wished. Being just a 15 minute walk from the train station was really handy, and the rest of the city was even closer on foot too. I’d definitely recommend a stay at the Premier Inn for your trip to Lincoln, but the Doubletree by Hilton, Castle Hotel and The Lincoln Hotel looked like great places to stay too. Apparently the rooftop bar on top of the Hilton is a great place for cocktails but it was a bit out the way and we didn’t have time to go there during our short 24 hours in Lincoln.

 

Where to eat and drink

 

 

The great thing about Lincoln being quite a small city is that everything feels quite close together. The shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance of the river, cathedral and train station, meaning there’s no part of Lincoln that feels too far away. We tried quite a few food and drink places during our short 24 hours in Lincoln, and it was a great way to get to know the city a little bit better. For lunch and sweet treats I’d recommend Stokes Cafe, they’ve got one located on the main High Street, and another at the back of the castle on Union Road. It was the first place Rachel and I stopped as we arrived in Lincoln, with our suitcases in tow, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Later on that afternoon we had a couple of cocktails in the sunshine at The Lion and Snake, a lively bar with a big beer garden located in the Bailgate area of the city. For dinner on the Saturday we headed to Wildwood, a cute grill restaurant serving huge portions of Italian classics – we had a pizza and calzone which were bigger than our heads! For cocktails that night we headed to The Curiosity Shop and Carousel Bar, both of which were super cute and good fun for a night out. The next day, just before we caught our trains home, we had a delicious Sunday lunch at The Horse and Groom, located by the Brayford Waterfront area. There are just over 300 restaurants in Lincoln, and there were so many places I got recommended, including Ole Ole for authentic tapas, The Strait and Narrow for delicious cocktails and Browns Pie Shop for amazing pies.

 

I had a fantastic time during my 24 hours in Lincoln, made even better by the glorious sunshine we were treated to all weekend long. Lincoln is the perfect place for a UK staycation, with plenty of sights to see and excellent places to eat and drink. The shopping is great, the history is interesting and the nightlife is good fun. Have you visited Lincoln before? I’d love to know what you thought of it! I’ll certainly be spending another 24 hours in Lincoln at some point in the future and can’t wait to revisit this pretty English city.

Love Jess x

 

 

 

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6 of the Best Holiday Parks for Caravan Holidays in the UK

Caravan holidays in the UK; you either love them or you hate them. Personally, I love them! I have many fond memories of spending summer after summer staying in caravan parks across the country. From the sandy beaches of Cornwall to the rugged hills of the Lake District, caravan holidays in the UK are perfect for travellers of all ages and offer affordable accommodation in some of Britain’s best loved destinations. Whether you’re travelling with kids as part of a family, or with adults as part of a group of friends, caravan holidays in the UK make for a wonderful getaway across our four nations. Here’s my list of 6 of the best caravan parks from which to enjoy a fun-filled staycation this summer…

 

Loch Lomond Holiday Park, Scotland

 

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First up on my list of parks for the best caravan holidays in the UK we’re heading all the way to bonnie Scotland. Perfectly positioned on the banks of Loch Lomond, the Argyll Holidays Loch Lomond Holiday Park offers a fantastic waterside retreat for families, couples and groups of all ages. Boasting an array of caravans, lodges and glamping pods to choose from, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit your every need. There’s a variety of onsite facilities including a laundrette and convenience shop, TV lounge with pool table, kids adventure play area and numerous hiking trails from which to enjoy loch-side walks. You’ll also find a small dog beach and areas where you can launch boats and jet ski’s as well as a place to hire kayaks from too. All of Loch Lomond Holiday Park’s lodges are pet friendly so you can take your four-legged friends away with you as well.

 

 

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa, Somerset

 

Nestled in the heart of Somerset’s Mendip Hills, Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa offers both an active mini break and relaxing staycation all rolled in to one. Close to the fascinating towns of Cheddar, Wells and Axbridge, as well as being in the middle of some of Somerset’s best hiking routes, this resort by Darwin Escapes offers luxury lodges, excellent sports facilities and a fantastic pool and spa. I stayed here a couple of years ago with my family for a new years eve retreat and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to one year and ring in another! Kids will love this place; there’s a tennis court, football pitch and trampoline section as well as woodland walks dotted around the entire site. For the adults, a relaxing spa treatment and use of the pool and gym will certainly be welcome. There’s also an onsite restaurant, mini bowling alley, Costa Coffee shop and souvenir shop at Reception. Don’t forget to visit the incredible caves and climb Jacobs Ladder at nearby Cheddar, or explore the medieval town of Wells too. Check which lodges are pet friendly before you book as not all of them are!

 

 

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall

 

Another of my favourite parks for caravan holidays in the UK is St Ives Bay Holiday Park down in Cornwall. This is the first place I ever went on holiday as a six month old baby and my parents took me and my sisters back every year for our summer holiday until we first went abroad when I was 8! I have fond memories of spending many summers at this holiday park and it is just perfect for families with young children. Located in Hayle and just a 15 minute drive to St Ives itself, the park has private access to a gorgeous 3 mile long sandy beach and there’s an amusement arcade, indoor swimming pool, crazy golf course and a tennis court onsite, as well as a restaurant and bar. You can enjoy stunning sea views from many areas of the park, and there are plenty of coastal walks nearby. Lots of the chalets, caravans and camping pods have recently been upgraded and new wooden lodge style caravans have been introduced for this summer season too. Sadly pets are not permitted here but the park still makes for a wonderful Cornish getaway.

 

Little Sea Holiday Park, Dorset

 

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Located close to both the dramatic Jurassic Coast and the bustling harbour town of Weymouth, Littlesea Holiday Park by Haven Holidays is in a fantastic location from which to explore all that Dorset has to offer. The beautiful Lulworth Cove and iconic Durdle Door are both nearby, as is Monkey World and Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park which make great family days out. For activities there are two heated swimming pools joined by a lazy river which is great for kids, plus there’s archery, tennis, adventure golf and a nature trail too. Onsite facilities include a supermarket, launderette, coffee shop, outdoor play areas, amusements arcade and no less than four food and drinks venues. In terms of accommodation, opt for a 2 or 3 bedroom Standard, Deluxe, Prestige or Platinum caravan or choose one of the 2 or 3 bedroom luxury lodges which offer floor to ceiling glass windows and spectacular views of the park. Dogs are most welcome at Littlesea!

 

 

Tan Rallt Holiday Park & Spa, Wales

 

Up next on my list of the best parks for caravan holidays in the UK is Tan Rallt Holiday Park in Wales. Situated in Conwy, this holiday park is perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the best attractions and landmarks in North Wales. You’ll be close to Snowdonia National Park, Llandudno and Llanddulas, as well as the harbourside town of Conwy with its historic Castle and Town Walls.  Although close to some wonderful Welsh tourist sites, and within easy reach of the local beach, Tan Rallt is a hidden gem tucked away in the valleys. Onsite at Tan Rallt you’ll find the Cliffs Bar and Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks throughout the day. There’s also The Retreat Spa with first class facilities including a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and well equipped gym, plus the Silver Birch Golf Club is a five minute drive away.  You can choose to stay at either caravans or lodges during your stay at Tan Rallt, and dogs are welcome for an additional charge and extra deposit.

 

 

Lakeland Leisure Park, The Lake District

 

 

Last but by no means least on my list of recommended places for caravan holidays in the UK we are headed to the glorious Lake District, another of my favourite places in the UK! Located in Cumbria, this Hoseasons Lakeland Leisure Park is close to the Victorian seaside resort of Grange-over-Sands and within easy reach of some of the most popular areas of the Lakes, including Ambleside, Bowness and of course Beatrix Potter World! The park is perfect for those who love water, with an abundance of lake based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding which can all be done from the water sports centre onsite. You’ll also find a 9 hole golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a brand new Aerial Adventure treetops course too. The arcade amusements, bar and restaurant and entertainment venues offer plenty of things to see and do, and there’s also a tennis court, outdoor play area, boating lake, shop and launderette too. Choose from 2 or 3 bedroom Standard, Prestige or Deluxe caravans, some of which are pet-friendly.

 

So there we have it, my list of 6 of the best parks for caravan holidays in the UK. I have stayed in a couple of these parks before and many more across the country over the years. There’s just something about caravan holidays in the UK which make for wonderful summers and I have many happy memories from family holidays staying in many different caravan parks. Travelling in your own caravan? Take the hassle (and cost) of hiring one of the park’s caravans by staying in your own instead! All of these parks have the option to use your own caravan, enabling you to pitch up and make your own home away from home whilst having access to all the facilities on site too. Make sure you have valid insurance before you travel though, and remember it only takes 5 minutes to compare static caravan insurance quotes online. How many caravan parks have you stayed in, and what are your thoughts on caravan holidays in the UK? I’d love to know where your favourite parks are!

NB. This post was sponsored by The Insurers but all thoughts and words are of course my own.

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