Lincoln Cathedral - Trying an Explorer Backpack

Last Updated on April 18, 2019 by Suzy McCullough

If you are visiting Lincoln then I can highly recommend you include a visit to Lincoln Cathedral. It is located high up on the hill of Lincoln and opposite Lincoln Castle. It is a beautiful building and we loaned their relatively new Explorer backpack during our last visit there. It’s a really lovely idea for kids and well worth taking one around so you can enjoy ample time in the Cathedral.

Lincoln Cathedral - Trying Explorer Backpack - Review — The beautiful Lincoln Cathedral

Table of Contents

The Cathedral Explorer Packs

The Cathedral Explorer pack is essentially a self-guided tour around the Cathedral. The trail takes around 60-90 minutes to complete and is suitable for children from 6-11 years old. They also have a backpack for 3-6 year olds which is what we were given. The backpacks are included in a visit to the Cathedral. Please ask for one when you arrive. They are limited but there should hopefully be a pack available.

In the young explorer backpack, there was a swan soft toy, an explorer’s hat, binoculars, a magnifying glass and a series of coloured panels. Plus booklets with a series of tasks and challenges. The activities are engaging for kids and encourage them to learn and discover more about Lincoln Cathedral.

Another task was to find some of the Lincoln imps and other animal characters on the stonework. This was quite a challenge and we really had to look hard at times.

Taking a closer look at the stonework figures

The swan in the back park has significance with the Cathedral because of the story of Saint Hugh, “The Saint and the Swan”. We were encouraged to find a few swans as we went around the Cathedral.

A look at Lincoln Cathedral

The interior and exterior of Lincoln Cathedral are worth taking some time to admire. The stained glass windows are fabulous and I love the different colours that are reflected on the floor on a sunny day.

There are plenty of decorative tombs and gravestones in the Cathedral. Some of them even have fossils. Look in the huge slabs of limestone and you may find a fossil or two. If you are struggling you can ask a guide for help. Children will love helping to find the fossils.

Why not go fossil hunting during your visit

If you head down the cloisters you will come to the Cathedral’s cafe. Here you can buy hot and cold snacks and drinks. There’s also a nice lawned area where kids can have a run about while you sit and relax.

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Important Information

As mentioned above the backpacks are included in your visit. If they aren’t mentioned to you when you arrive then make sure you ask for one. You will, of course, need to hand it back over when you are finished.

You can purchase a cathedral-only ticket or a combined cathedral and castle ticket. To find out more about visiting Lincoln Castle please read our post full of information.