PROJECTDiscoverEnglandLincolnCathedral(©VisitEngland2019)11 ©VisitEngland2019

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral punctuates the city skyline and can be seen for many miles, it was once the tallest building in the world (before the central spire fell down in 1548).

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Opening times

Open every day (exceptions advertised on the website).

Address

Minster Yard
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN2 1PX

Once inside, there is so much more to see from the vast space of the nave, the lofty Angel Choir, the intricately carved choir screen, the soaring vaulted roof of the Chapter House, the many stained glass windows to the various small chapels.

Bishop Hugh of Avalon, later known as St Hugh of Lincoln, oversaw the rebuilding of the Cathedral from 1186 following an earthquake that had caused damage the previous year. A statue of him can be found on top of the southern turret. On the opposite turret can be found the statue of the Swineherd of Stow, a poor man who gifted a peck of silver pennies, earning himself a commemoration at the same level as St. Hugh.

Above the cloisters is the Medieval Library, with its 15th oak reading desks and the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to house the book collection of Dean Honywood and built in c1674.

Two large rose windows can be found at either end of the transepts, known as the Bishop’s Eye and the Dean’s Eye.

The Lincoln Imp can be seen high in the Angel Choir and is a symbol of the city with many mythical tales attached, including that this small devil was turned to stone by the angels for causing havoc inside the Cathedral

The armed services chapels are in the north transept. The Soldier’s chapel is dedicated to St George, the Seaman’s chapel to St Andrew and the Airman’s chapel to St Michael.

The Father Willis organ has been restored recently and can often be heard as can the Cathedral Choirs.

Lincoln Cathedral was a beacon of homecoming for many aircrew during the Second World War and was a vital part of navigation. Three memorial books contain the names of 25,611 men who flew from Royal Air Force Stations in or near Lincolnshire, all of whom were members of the many groups of Bomber Command. There are also four memorial windows. The International Bomber Command Centre Memorial can be seen in the distance.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Café in church

  • Café within 500m

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Train station within 250m

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St John the Baptist

Ermine, Lincolnshire

Consecrated in 1963, the parish church is a major contribution to ecclesiastical architecture of the second half of the 20th century, this avant garde building is the central feature of the Ermine Estate in the city of Lincoln.