Lincoln and surrounding area - suggestions please

[OMGitsnotgood]

We need to go to Lincoln for reasons I won’t bore you with.
It looks like a pretty place so we are considering making it into a mini break as we are keen to explore more of the UK.
How long would we need to ‘do’ Lincoln? And where else is worth visiting nearby - say max 45 minute drive? Or en route back to the North West? Obviously am doing my own research but there are often hidden gems that locals/regular visitors know.
Adults only, no children with us.
Thanks

International Bomber Command exhibition just on the outskirts of Lincoln is very interesting - great indoor exhibits and you can do an outdoor tour with a guide (we had an ex Vulcan flight engineer who was really interesting). It has a lovely cafe, gardens (lots of bulbs in spring) and great view of Lincoln Cathedral. Its £3 to park, but you only have to pay an entrance fee if you want to do the indoor exhibition (which is very worthwhile)

In the city itself there is the cathedral and and the castle

The castle is also worth a tour too and is right opposite the cathedral. It has the Magna Carta and the tour includes the old prison which is very interesting too. Lovely coffee shop and Lucy dragon breathing smoke in the Keep for added extras.

Thank you. We’d enjoy the Bomber Command Centre

Any other suggestions for places round and about ?

The cathedral is absolutely beautiful. I'd definitely second visiting the Bomber Command centre.

I third a visit to the Bomber command centre. Also Castle, Cathedral and if it's open Medieval Bishops Palace at the side of the cathedral. There is also the museum of Lincolnshire life through the Westgate of the Castle and up the road (can fill a couple of hours). The bailgate area is nice to walk round and there are some lovely shops. Have a walk up or down steep hill and down the high street.

If you have a car and want to travel out of lincoln, Gainsborough Old Hall (English heritage) is interesting.

There is enough to do in Lincoln itself without travelling if you don't want to.

If you like antiques and second-hand bookshops, Horncastle is a lovely little market town half hour east of Lincoln.

Woodhall Spa is about 45 minutes away and a very nice place for a stroll, mooch in little shops and tea shops. Also has a very cute, tiny cinema (Kinema) in the woods. Also close by to Tattishall castle

The whole uphill area of Lincoln is lovely to potter around - lovely shops, cafes & restaurants. Cathedral, Castle and Bishop's Palace are spectacular. Usher Gallery & Museum of Lincolnshire Life are great. All close together although if anyone has walking issues be aware Steep Hill is aptly named!
If weather is friendly Hartsholme Park is wonderful
Woodhall Spa is a beautiful village and - if wartime history is of interest - was the base of the Dam Busters

The Petwood hotel in Woodhall Spa was the Dambusters base. The hotel is worth visiting regardless of whether you’re interested in the Dambusters or not (there’s some memorabilia in one of the bars). The grounds are lovely for tea or brunch on the terrace or inside if it’s not warm enough.

Thank you everyone, plenty to do and see, and it sounds right up our street

I’m from Lincoln and love to go back for a weekend visit. So much less busy than York, but had a similar feel. Lots of little antique shops, and the charity shops are good! The castle, cathedral, Usher Gallery, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, the shops and cafes up the steep hill, a cat cafe (if that’s your thing!). Just lovely for a wander.
If you are interested, just outside of the city towards Sleaford there is a viewing area at RAF Waddington and you can watch the planes. If you are lucky you might see the Red Arrows!

all the above but make sure to walk up steep hill! Also stick to the top part of Lincoln . Top is like York , bottom is full of crackheads .

Rutland is nice if you want something less urban (although Lincoln is small). Oakham and Hambleton nice to visit

Doddington Hall and gardens

On a wet day if you fancy some indoor retail, Downtown, about 30 miles away.
Similar distance on a dry day is Clumber Park, NT site