The Weekenders - Search for weekend getaways around the UK.

Bailhouse Hotel And Mews - Lincoln, Lincolnshire

4|3|2|1

A 14th-century gem with views of Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln seems to be one of those British cities that everyone knows about but few have ever been – its old town really is a hidden secret. Make the journey, though, and you’re in for a treat – higgledy-piggledy medieval buildings, a castle, lots of Aladdin’s Cave-style antique and book shops, great restaurants and, of course, one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals. Right in the middle of all of this is The Bailhouse Hotel & Mews – a gorgeous 14th century building, with all the luxuries a 21st century Weekender could hope for.

More than a guest house, yet not quite a hotel, The Bailhouse really offers that home-from-home experience, but with so much space that you never feel like you’re treading on anyone’s toes. The bedrooms are big and old, with lots of antique furniture and original features, including fireplaces and beams, that blend in well with shiny, modern bathrooms, flat-screen tellies and wi-fi access. The rooms range from a simple, yet stylish standard double, to a stunning ‘feature double’ in the eaves of the house, complete with beams dating from 1350 (and enormous plasma tv!). All the bedrooms have great views towards the castle, the cathedral or the ancient Bailgate.

The Bailgate also offers lovely self-catering accommodation on a night-by-night basis, for those who really want to hide themselves away. Five small cottages in the grounds of the hotel are stylishly furnished, with airy bedrooms and living rooms that can accommodate four people, but are also perfect for that romantic weekend away.

For summer visitors, a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the old town, while the extensive gardens, with their ancient stone chapel and well, are perfect for year-round pottering.

Where is it?

Lincoln is, unsurprisingly, the county capital of Lincolnshire, and its old town really is a beautiful place to spend a weekend - most of the city’s main attractions are within a couple of minutes’ walk of The Bailhouse. The stunning Lincoln Cathedral dominates proceedings, with its Gothic towers rising Notre-Dame-like above the medieval streets. Built mostly in the 13th century and often proclaimed as one of the greatest medieval buildings in Europe, the cathedral has become doubly famous as Westminter’s Abbey stunt-double in the Da Vinci Code. The cathedral’s website (www.lincolncathedral.com) does a great job at placating those Christians who weren’t too keen on the idea – even the protesting nun can’t help but enjoy the biography of Tom Hanks.

Across the main square, Lincoln Castle (www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 01522 511068) is another big player in what is essentially quite a small old town centre. Built by William the Conqueror, it’s remarkably well preserved, and as well as keeping history buffs happy, is a great venue for open air theatre, concerts and… medieval jousting, obviously. Otherwise, the little shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants along Bailgate and Steep Hill will more than keep you occupied. Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter is especially popular at Christmas, when the city’s famous Christmas Market softens even the most winter-weary heart. Over 300 stalls sell gifts, decorations, seasonal food and mulled wine, while locals in Victorian costume and oompah-bands add to the general Christmassy-ness. Check out Lincoln Council’s website (www.lincoln.gov.uk) for details of this year’s event.

At the bottom of Steep Hill (and it really is steep) is the new part of Lincoln city centre which, as you might expect, as not nearly as picturesque as the Cathedral Quarter. There’s still plenty to do though, with good shopping, buzzy (if slightly boisterous) nightlife and a vibrant arts scene. Lincoln Drill Hall (www.lincolndrillhall.com Tel: 01522 873894) is a fantastic place to catch exhibitions, talks, theatre, comedy and music in stylish surroundings.

If the city isn’t enough for you, drive (or go by train) 15 miles outside of Lincoln and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds – an area of outstanding beauty and the inspiration for much of Tennyson’s work. The rolling hills and woodland make for some brilliant walking and picknicking spots, with the 220 acres of beautiful landscape and picturesque walking trails at Snipe Dales (www.lincstrust.org.uk) a definite highlight. An hour’s drive east from Lincoln is all it takes to get to the Lincolnshire Coast. Choose from the legendary Skegness for classic end-of-the-pier mayhem or the beautiful, tranquil parts of the coastline at Saltfleetby and Crook Bank. Perfect for wind-swept, romantic strolls along the beach.

Where can I eat?

The old part of Lincoln has more than its fair share of delicious eateries, and menus with a great reputation for using as much local and seasonal produce as possible. The award-winning Old Bakery (www.theold-bakery.co.uk Tel: 01522 576057) is a great place to start, with a mouth-watering menu of sophisticated, but hearty dishes with a distinctly local feel. The Old Bakery’s head chef, Ivano de Serio, also presides over some really great weekend cookery courses if you fancy having a go yourself.

Cheese-lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at the highly-acclaimed and Rick Stein favourite, The Cheese Society Café (Tel: 01522 511003) on St Martin’s Lane. Only open for lunches at the moment, this fromage fantasy has a super menu filled with local and seasonal cheese dishes (and some great non-cheesy options for boring people). Another niche favourite is Browns Pie Shop (www.brownspieshop.co.uk Tel: 01522 527330), a friendly Lincoln legend, with a delicious selection of… pies! Visit in the evening and sit in the cosy, candlelit basement for a romantic meal (there are also lots of pie-alternatives to choose from).

Top of page

Lincoln seems to be one of those British cities that everyone knows about but few have ever been – its old town really is a hidden secret. Make the journey, though, and you’re in for a treat. Higgledy-piggledy medieval buildings, a castle, the jaw-dropping cathedral and, right in the middle of it all, the Bailhouse Hotel.