The Magna Carta in Lincoln Castle (well, there are 3 others, but this is still pretty unique!)

It is not certain how many copies of the 1215 Magna Carta were originally issued, but four copies still survive: one in Salisbury Cathedral, two at the British Library and one in Lincoln Castle! (See more in Castle section)

The Lancasters

Lincolnshire is the home of the only remaining UK flying Lancaster PA474 – Out of 7,377 Lancasters built, PA474 is one of only two Lancasters remaining in an airworthy condition, (the other being in Canada). Its home is in Coningsby, just 7 miles from here where you can usually see it (when it isn’t out doing fly-pasts, etc) at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre.  Pre-book a tour of the hanger and you will be treated to a unique experience (access to the hangar is by guided tour only). You will be shown around by knowledgeable volunteer guides, many of whom have first-hand experience of the aircraft.

You can see another Lancaster – ‘Just Jane’ at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Society at East Kirkby, near Spilsby and although it does do amazing taxy rides, it doesn’t actually take to the air at the moment (perhaps one day it will?).  Amazing feeling to watch it head off down the runway on special days when you can pre-book (many months ahead of time) a ride in it. Nearly as amazing is the feeling of nostalgia you go to one of their annual 1940’s dances when you dance under the wings of ‘Just Jane’ to the fabulous music of the 1940’s.

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

During the Great War Lincoln played an important role in the war effort as it had the ability to produce a tank based on existing expertise in building agricultural machinery, steam engines, threshing drums and tractors. Very few of these tanks still exist but the Museum of Lincolnshire Life is lucky to have obtained one of the few surviving Great War Female Mark IV Tanks. It is well worth going to see this one, called Daphne, She was restored in the 1980’s and is on loan from Bovingdon Museum.

The Kinema in the Woods

You must watch a film here! The Kinema started life as a sports and entertainment pavilion dating from the late 19^th Century. The pavilion sat in the grounds of The Victoria Hotel, looking over tennis courts, croquet lawns and gardens until The Victoria Hotel burnt down. The pavilion was transformed into a cinema which opened its doors in September 1922.  It was known as ‘The Flicks in the Sticks’ during the Second World War. Today, with its unique rear projection and the opening of a second screen in 1994, you can catch all the latest movies, as well as some classics. Not only is it a great atmosphere to watch a film, but it’s also special to have an interval, have your icecream and watch and listen as Mr Underwood plays lively songs on the Compton organ which appears up through the floor and then disappears again at the end of the interval (generally on Friday and Saturday nights).

Lincoln Christmas Market

Lincoln brought the first traditional German Christmas market to the UK as part of its friendship and twinning with the town of Neustadt in Germany.  The market grows annually, constantly adding new attractions for the thousands of visitors who come from near and far. From its beginnings in 1982 with just 11 stalls in Castle Square, the market now takes over most of the uphill part of the city, with well over 200 stalls. The German link is still strong, with stallholders from Neustadt bringing German crafts, food and drink to the market. There are plenty of perfect gifts to find here and in the Bailgate, especially if you want something a bit different.

The Lincoln Imp

He is situated on the south side of the most north-easterly pillar of the Angel Choir and is about 18inches high. In Medieval iconography he represents the evil side of all of us. The legend is that a small devil entered the Cathedral out of curiosity and plagued the Angels. To prevent further mischief they turned him to stone.  He now symbolises the cathedral and the city of Lincoln.

The Home of Tom Thumb

Lincolnshire was home to what has been claimed to be the smallest man who ever lived. Tom Thumb, just 47cm tall lived in the village of Tattershall until the age of 101. There is memorial to him in the Holy Trinity church near the font. Rather amazing! It is claimed he lived in a tiny house in the market place on the roof of a normal house.