As a creative living and working in Lincoln, I’m constantly inspired by this vibrant city and its stunning surroundings. Here are ten things I love about Lincoln and areas of improvement.
1 - Independent shops and cafes
I am a big fan of the independent shops and small businesses in Lincoln, and a few of my favourites truly stand out. Lark Books is a delightful local book and coffee shop that offers a wonderful selection of books, crafts, and gifts. Another gem is The Bailgate Deli, a small café-deli situated near the cathedral, where I enjoy their delicious plant-based breakfast and lunch options—especially the pancakes and loaded fries. Furthermore, I appreciate The Lincoln Eco Pantry, a zero-waste shop situated close to the cathedral that helps me live more sustainably.
2 - Charity Shops
Another thing I love about Lincoln is the variety of charity shops! They’re fantastic for discovering unique clothing, books, and puzzles—all at great prices and with the added bonus of being sustainable. While I enjoy exploring all of them, I have a soft spot for Barnardos and Mind UK, which are my personal favourites!
3 - Public Footpaths
Lincoln is home to a wonderful array of public footpaths that are just perfect for getting out and enjoying nature! I love taking strolls along these paths in my village, soaking in the beauty of the changing seasons and the vibrant crop growth. Living on a lovely hill provides me with a fantastic view of Lincoln, and even after spending most of my life here, I'm always thrilled to discover new woodland areas and charming hidden spots that I never knew existed!
4 - The Cornhill Market and the Lincoln Central Library
In Lincoln, I appreciate the few third spaces available, particularly The Cornhill Market and the Lincoln Central Library. The market has its charms, like the convenience of toilets and a lovely mezzanine where I can work while enjoying a coffee. Plus, Oats & Co offers delicious brownies and flapjacks that are hard to resist. However, it does have its downsides; the prices can be steep for both vendors and customers, and since the space is designed for start-ups and small businesses, it often feels empty as those businesses tend to move on.
On the other hand, the library stands out for its vast collection of books and provides an excellent environment for studying and working. The only drawback is the lack of toilet facilities. Overall, both places offer unique advantages and challenges that make them notable in the community.
5 - Local parks and green spaces
One of the aspects I truly cherish about Lincoln is its wealth of parks and lush green spaces that provide a refreshing escape from urban life. Among these verdant havens are Liquorice Park, with its playful pathways and vibrant flower beds; the Arboretum, teeming with diverse flora and historic trees; and the expansive West and South Commons, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Boutham Park, with its tranquil lake and charming wildlife, and Hartsholme Park, featuring picturesque lakes and scenic trails, enhance the city's natural beauty. However, a notable drawback is the lack of greenery in the bustling city centre, where more pockets of nature could greatly enhance the atmosphere.
6 - Creative Rebel
Creative Rebel CIC is a social enterprise that empowers changemakers through coworking spaces, experiential learning, and community projects. Its main offerings include the CR CoLab, a collaborative workspace for startups and social entrepreneurs, and the Team Academy for Social Change (TASC) to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, Creative Rebel Projects manages impactful community initiatives, supporting individuals and organisations in driving meaningful social change.
Personally, I have found great value in using the co-lab space, which significantly boosts my productivity. Andy and the team at Creative Rebel have provided coaching and business support that have not only helped me grow my confidence but have also been instrumental in my journey toward self-employment. To learn more about their work, visit https://www.creative-rebel.co.uk.
7 - The Network Lincoln -
Network Lincoln offers a valuable, person-centred career support service for individuals aged 16 to 29. The assistance I've received has been instrumental in guiding my career and professional growth. Additionally, I have participated in their social groups, such as NerdHerd, a tabletop role-playing game group aimed at enhancing confidence and communication skills, and Hairy Violets, which focuses on building self-esteem through creative writing. For more information, visit their website: https://www.networklincoln.co.uk.
LocalMotion Lincoln is an initiative that collaborates with local organisations and creatives to engage in city-wide campaigns to foster social action. The project seeks to understand the concept of "flourishing" from the perspective of the Lincoln community, exploring how it relates to their aspirations, hopes, and future needs. Recently, I had the opportunity to join LocalMotion as a Local Member, and I've been gaining valuable insights through my involvement. To learn more about this work, visit https://localmotion.org.uk/lincoln/.
9 - The history
One thing I love is Lincoln’s rich history, woven into the city's fabric, making it a unique and inspiring place to live. At its heart stands the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world, an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture that continues to captivate visitors and creatives alike. Just a stone’s throw away, Lincoln Castle, with its well-preserved medieval walls, offers a glimpse into the city's past, housing one of the original copies of the Magna Carta. Walking through these historic sites, it's easy to see how Lincoln’s heritage fuels tourism and sparks artistic inspiration.
Beyond the medieval marvels, Lincoln’s history stretches even further back to its Roman roots, with remnants of city walls, roads, and even the Newport Arch—the oldest working Roman arch in the UK. The city's old railway lines, once crucial to industry and trade, now serve as reminders of its rich industrial past, while Lincolnshire's deep ties to the military and the RAF highlight its strategic importance, particularly during World War II. This blend of history creates a distinct cultural atmosphere, attracting visitors and creative minds eager to explore and interpret Lincoln’s stories in new and exciting ways.
10 - Arts and Culture Venues
Another aspect I appreciate is that Lincoln's vibrant arts and culture scene is enriched by venues such as Southside, Lincoln Arts Centre, and The Drill, each of which makes unique contributions to the community.
Lincoln Arts Centre serves as a modern theatre and arts hub, offering a diverse array of performances and exhibitions such as live arts performances, conferences, and film screenings. The Centre showcases professional touring theatre, music, and dance, fostering a dynamic environment for both artists and audiences.
The Drill, formerly known as Lincoln Drill Hall, is a historic venue that has evolved into a multi-purpose arts and entertainment centre. It has hosted a wide range of events, including theatre performances, comedy shows, live music, and community projects.
Southside is a vibrant cultural hub offering diverse events, including live music, community activities, and themed life-drawing sessions with a bar. Events like "607 @ SOUTHSIDE," a one-night arts festival with music, art, and local vendors, and "BIG UP Lincoln," a project for a creative future, highlight its commitment. By providing quality cultural experiences and supporting emerging talent, Southside fosters creativity and community engagement in Lincoln.
Collectively, these venues provide platforms for artists, musicians, and performers, enriching Lincoln's cultural landscape and fostering a thriving community engaged in the arts.
Quote break
Here’s a quote I cherish that highlights the significance of culture:
“The power of culture may be hard to detect at times, but it is a fundamental force since it transforms the human heart. Political and economic development may be flashier and appear on the news more often, but culture and education are forces that actually shape the age. We must not make the mistake of looking only at shallow waters that bubble noisily over the rocks; the deep currents are even more important to know the true nature of the river.” - Daisaku Ikeda
The Cons
While I appreciate many aspects of Lincoln, I recognise there are several areas needing improvement, as highlighted in the Raising Young Voices Report 2024:
Lack of Third Spaces
Young people view Lincoln City Centre negatively due to a scarcity of social and cultural spaces, with McDonald's identified as the only affordable option. Accessibility issues for neurodiverse individuals and the costs associated with new developments contribute to displacement. Safety concerns arise from visible drug abuse and anti-social behaviour, along with limited job opportunities and poor public transport. Young people emphasise the need for inclusive spaces to enhance safety and vibrancy in the city.
Suggestions Include:
Hosting creative street events
Collaborating with the university to showcase talent
Creating pop-up spaces for events and enterprises
Improving accessibility
Forming a diverse youth representative group
Lack of Entry-Level Jobs
Although Lincoln's youthful population offers growth potential, there is a disconnect between education and job opportunities. Young people seek better skills training, more diversity in the job market, and increased investment in creative industries. They also call for more entry-level positions that pay fairly.
Desired Changes:
More publicly accessible creative spaces
Fairly paid career openings for those without extensive qualifications
Housing Issues (Homes, not Houses)
Affordability and access to housing are significant concerns. Despite lower costs than other cities, young people face challenges with housing quality, high costs, and insufficient support. Many feel at risk of homelessness, as assistance mainly targets the most vulnerable.
Hopes for Housing Include:
Improved access to housing services
Educational programs on housing options
Expanded support for those not at crisis point
More affordable housing and revitalisation of existing social housing stock.
Let's continue to uplift and improve Lincoln!
As a creative practitioner living and working in Lincoln, I’m passionate about using design and marketing to uplift local businesses, community projects, and social enterprises. Whether you own an independent shop, run a cultural venue, or lead an organisation dedicated to making a difference, great design and storytelling can elevate your impact. If you’re looking for a creative who appreciates Lincoln’s unique character and creative potential, I would love to collaborate with you and bring your ideas to life!
Get in touch by filling out a contact form or emailing me at
Explore my work www.lou-gebbie.com
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