If you’re craving an ultimate girls’ day out in 2021, head over to Lincoln’s The Cornhill Quarter. Boasting a vibrant blend of trendy shops, bars and restaurants, the Cornhill Quarter offers the perfect setting for your day of post-lockdown escapism.
Lincoln is a fantastic location for a day trip or weekend break, and the good news it’s easier to get to than you would expect! The Cornhill Quarter is only a short train ride from London, and before you know it, you could be at the door of Lincoln Cathedral, one of the finest gothic buildings in Europe, or exploring some fantastic shops and eateries which is bound to make you feel like a tourist once more.
Lincoln is one of those places in England that is steeped in history. Its name reputedly comes from the Iron Age word, Lindon, which means ‘Pool by the Hill’. This is said to refer to the hill on which the city stands and the Brayford Pool. In the 13th century, Lincoln was England’s third-largest city and only York and London were considered larger.
The cathedral is the city’s most iconic landmark, and building work first started on it almost 1000 years ago (1072). Originally, the central tower had a spire upon it, and at that time, it was the world’s tallest building, estimated to be 160 metres high.
However, this guide is less so about the city’s history and more about the fun you can experience there. So, let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
Places to shop in Lincoln
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 yourself on your day-out.
If you are in search of more specialist shops, a great, 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.
Where to eat?
When in search of the ideal evening dining spot, you will be spoilt for choice. The Sign of the Fish is a family-run fish and chips shop and have perfected their recipe in their over forty years of experience. The theatrical Cosy Club is highly recommended for an evening of drinking and dining. With a newly opened outdoor terrace, it is a great place to lounge al fresco as you watch the sun setting over the historic city of Lincoln.
The eclectic décor celebrates the heritage of the original Corn Exchange, using historic marketplace adverts and portraits to adorn the walls. The lavish interiors and exteriors make it one of the favoured dining and Instagramming spots.
Places to whet your whistle
For the best cocktails in the Cornhill Quarter, the Botanist is a must-visit. It boasts an extensive range of moreish specialist cocktails, and you will be tempted to try them all! Their speciality is gin-based cocktails, and they offer a wide range of herbaceous, spiced, citrus and floral tipples that are sure to add some extra fun.
While there, enjoy their secret garden of food and drink, which is accompanied by the promise of live music every night. And at the end of the day, make a toast to rediscovering your social freedom and to your new favourite day-trip location.
Where to grab that perfect picture
When looking for the perfect backdrop to your Lincoln photos, there is no place better than Steep Hill (main image). Connecting the area surrounding the Cathedral with Lincoln’s more modern centre, 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.
The bright coloured shopfront and cobbled streets have a distinctly European feel, giving the illusion that you’ve suddenly found yourself somewhere on the continent when, in reality, you are just a short train journey away from home!
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 more information, and for information on all the places we’ve mentioned in this guide, visit the Cornhill Quarter website www.cornhillquarter.co.uk.
Read more of our recently published UK travel guides here.