Car Rental Lincoln

A small city that’s easy to navigate in your rental car, Lincoln lies not far from the North Sea coast of eastern England. Its surrounding county, Lincolnshire, is a rural area with only one motorway - the M180 - which serves the busy fishing port of Grimsby and other industrial towns to the north.

Despite its lack of motorway access, Lincoln boasts an excellent array of smaller highways, mostly A-roads and B-roads, that connect it to the surrounding towns and villages. The main routes in and out of the city are the A46 and the A15. Both run through the heart of Lincoln, with the A15 offering a direct route out of the city to Scunthorpe in the north and Peterborough to the south.

Follow the A46 southwest from Lincoln and you will reach the A1, one of the longest roads in the UK. It runs all the way from London to Scotland. This road, which becomes a motorway just south of Peterborough, provides access to destinations including Grantham, Doncaster and Leeds to the north.

Other important routes in and around Lincoln include the A158, which leads all the way to the seaside town of Skegness on the North Sea coast. Meanwhile, the A57 runs inland to Nottinghamshire and the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

When driving in Lincoln you’ll find parts of the main shopping areas around the city’s High Street and parts of Steep Hill are pedestrianized. But there are plenty of convenient parking lots where you can leave your rental car to explore on foot.

Try Castle Hill or St Paul’s Lane for easy access to the Cathedral Quarter, while Lincoln Central Car Park and Lucy Tower Street both offer paid parking close to the main shopping areas.

The main attractions of Lincoln might revolve around the Cathedral Quarter, but spend time in this city and you’ll find bustling markets, laidback cafés and a vibrant waterfront, all easily accessible in your rental car.

Gothic splendour

At the top of any Lincoln itinerary should be a visit to the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. One of the largest in England, this sacred site is open to visitors all year round, with occasional closures for special events. Guided tours are available, including access to the Central Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Lincolnshire countryside.

Inside the cathedral you’ll discover beautifully detailed carvings and statues, including the famous Lincoln Imp who was, according to local legend, turned into stone by an angel. This much-loved symbol is visible throughout the city, on everything from company logos to the badge of the local soccer team, nicknamed the Imps.

Shopping haven

The cathedral lies at the very top of another of Lincoln’s most famous landmarks - Steep Hill. As the name suggests, this ancient cobbled street lies on a sharp incline, making it a tough climb up from the city centre. Luckily, there are plenty of charming shops and cafés along the way where you can stop for a break and refreshments.

From arts and crafts to vintage clothing and books, Steep Hill is one of the best shopping streets in Lincoln so it’s worth the climb. Don’t miss the fudge shop, which lies almost at the very top and rewards visitors with delicious sweet treats available to purchase in all kinds of flavours. At the bottom end of Steep Hill lies The Strait, another shopping boulevard with an impressive array of boutiques, tea rooms and a traditional sweet shop.

Historic highlight

Lincoln is the proud home of the ancient Lincoln Castle, built on the site of an old Roman fortress. This remarkably well-preserved structure is today one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. It houses one of four copies of the Magna Carta, the document that laid the foundations for political life in England and, later, America.

The grounds of the castle are free to enter, while purchasing an entrance ticket will give you access to the Magna Carta vault, the castle prison and its medieval walls that make for a beautifully scenic walk. Joint tickets for the castle and cathedral can be purchased online via the Lincoln Castle website.

On the waterfront

Lincoln’s Brayford Waterfront is one of the oldest inland harbours in England and is well worth a visit. Situated around the Brayford Pool, it’s home to lively bars, cafés and restaurants along with many of the University of Lincoln’s buildings.

If you’re visiting in the summer months, enjoy outdoor dining on the waterfront or have a trip on the Brayford Belle, which takes passengers on sight-seeing trips up and down the canal. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city’s highlights in your rental car.