Outdoor Tour

Explore the exterior of Lincoln Cathedral with an experienced guide to learn more about the architecture, the wonderful carvings and the history of the Cathedral close.

Take a journey around the outside of the cathedral and travel through history as you explore the building and learn how it has developed over the centuries. View the remains of Bishop Remigius’ Norman Cathedral, the magnificent Gothic additions started by Bishop Hugh, all the way through to the modern exterior carvings of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Hear the story of the 12th century Romanesque Frieze one of the great treasures of Romanesque sculpture in Britain and have the opportunity to visit the little seen panel of the Frieze on what had previously been the south wall of the Norman Cathedral but is now within the Ringers Chapel.

On your tour you will hear about the Cathedral Close, surrounded by a great wall built in the 14th century to protect the Cathedral and its residents from “robbers and other evil doers” and the people that have lived in the Close throughout its history. Within the Close is Vicars Court, the oldest surviving Vicars’ Choral buildings in England.

There is so much to be learned when viewing our magnificent Cathedral when accompanied by a knowledgeable guide!

When does the tour take place?
Every Monday from April to the end of September at 1.30pm.

How long will the tour last?
Each tour will last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?
Tours cost £7.50 per person.

What else do I need to know?
A general level of fitness is required as the tour consists of walking one third of a mile around the exterior of the Cathedral and participants will be standing throughout.

The tour is not weather dependent but may be cancelled in extreme conditions.

If you are taking part in the tour, please sign in at the Welcome desk and then make your way to the font for the start of the tour.

An adult must accompany children.

Tickets are sold as non-returnable and non-refundable.

Please note, the route of tour may be adjusted depending on Works renovations (scaffolding / hoarding / general accessibility)

Host or Publisher Lincoln Cathedral