The perfect autumn city break with one of the UK’s most important artefacts

The crisp Autumn season is the perfect time to embark on a weekend staycation as the UK experiences mild temperatures and pretty seasonal colours.

One fantastic city break option is the historical East Midlands city of Lincoln. This vibrant destination is home to an 11th-century cathedral, a famous high street and Britain’s celebrated Magna Carta, and they’re all within minutes walking distance of each other.

Lincoln Cathedral was built way back in 1072 and is said to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. This monumental structure was listed as the tallest building in the world between 1311 and 1548 and has survived both a fire and an earthquake.

The cathedral, also known as Lincoln Minster and Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln, was once described by the celebrated writer John Ruskin as “out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have”.

And it’s not hard to see why. Lincoln Cathedral can be seen throughout the city as it towers over the skyline, and there are plenty of tours you can take around it to discover more about the building’s architecture and history.

Many great films have been shot on the cathedral grounds, including The Da Vinci Code, Young Victoria, and Napoleon.

After that, you can take a walk over to Lincoln Castle. This incredible monument was built by none other than William the Conqueror in 1068. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in medieval history, and while you need a ticket to go inside, the castle grounds are free to roam without charge.

Inside you’ll be able to take a walk around the castle’s famous great stone curtain wall, and you can see one of only four copies of Britain’s precious Magna Carta.

The ancient document was drawn up by English Barons in 1215 and protected the principle that the king and the government had to act within the rule of law. This iconic piece of history was the first document to put this in writing.

Next, visitors might like to take a walk down Lincoln’s charming Steep Hill and Bailgate, part of the picturesque high street that runs through the city. This cobbled street is lined with plenty of independent shops and cafes, and there are many traditional pubs nearby.

The crooked house on Michaelgate is one of Lincoln’s most photographed spots, and earlier this year Lincoln Live reported that the Grade II Listed building was granted funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund. The house is receiving a cash injection of £350,000 to restore it back to its original glory.

So, if you’re after a break packed with historical insight and mesmerising medieval architecture, look no further than Lincoln. The city is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and is famous for its quality farmland, all of which is just a few miles from the city centre.