Lincoln Cathedral

I cannot recommend Lincoln cathedral more highly for toddlers.

I have a two year old and a 9 month old and we visit most days.

It is a massive building, so great if it rains, with so many interesting non-breakable things to look at, climb on, touch. Plenty of space to run around as well.

No-one has ever told us to be quiet, or not to touch things, or that something might break.

So many different areas and sections.

We like (in no particular order):

Sitting on the benches along the walls.

Climbing into the little nooks and crannies.

Looking at and touching the shields and carvings on the tombs and walls.

Walking up and down the ramps.

Walking in and out of all the little chapels.

Running a buggy or car up and down the ramp.

Talking to the cleaner, who has been there for 25 years. (My son is very taken with her industrial hoover and was quite disappointed that she was only polishing the chairs last week as the cathedral was being used for the graduation).

Playing with the echo in the chapter house.

Playing on the grass outside the cathedral (fairly safe from traffic, but there is a road at the end of the grass on 3 sides).

Looking up at the outside of the cathedral and going "Wow".

Having a cup of tea in the cafe (I have to say that the cafe food is a bit expensive, OK for a coffee and tea cake - 3GBP for a coffee, tea cake and cup of milk - but can get quite pricey if you order a main meal).

Playing in the sunlight that shines through the stained glass window.

Sitting in the cloisters having a cup of tea and watching the rain the courtyard as we run around in the dry.

Lighting a candle at the far end of the cathedral and putting it in the big sand tray and then looking at it (easy to stay well away from this as it is at the far end if you are worried about candles).

Sometimes the bells ring or the organ is being played.

There are all sorts of interesting tours and history things too, but we just go to play really.

Cost 6GBP entry, but if you gift aid this you then get an annual pass.

Alternatively go on a Sunday or at about 4.30pm and then entry is by donation only so you don't need to pay.

Kind of a nice place for me to walk around too. I am sure that my son would be just as happy in a park but I find the cathedral more interesting.

Oh, and have an icecream at the shop just outside the main door!

Baby changing is excellent and clean and the loos have a stained glass window.