Lincoln in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Lincoln

18°C (64°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Spring blooms transform the city - cherry blossoms at Lincoln Castle peak in early April, and the cathedral gardens are spectacular without summer crowds
Perfect weather for walking the Roman walls and this destination - 18°C (64°F) afternoons are ideal for climbing the historic limestone ridge without overheating
Easter events bring the cathedral to life - special services, guided tours of normally restricted areas, and medieval reenactments happen throughout April
Local farmers markets restart outdoor seasons - Castle Square Saturday market expands with fresh spring produce and local crafts from surrounding Lincolnshire villages

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers require flexible planning - 8 rainy days means indoor backup plans essential for outdoor activities
Cooler evenings (6°C/43°F) limit outdoor dining and evening castle walks - many outdoor attractions close by 5pm
University Easter break means some student-focused venues and events are closed or reduced hours

Best Activities in April

Lincoln Cathedral and Castle Complex Exploration

April's mild temperatures make climbing the cathedral's 200 steps comfortable, while spring light streaming through medieval windows creates perfect photography conditions. Easter events include special access to the roof tours and medieval vault spaces normally closed to public. Morning visits (9-11am) avoid afternoon tour groups.

Booking Tip: Book cathedral roof tours 2-3 weeks ahead as April Easter events fill quickly. Combined cathedral-castle tickets save £3-5 per person. Tours typically cost £15-25 for adults, £8-12 for students. See current tour options in booking section below.

Lincolnshire Countryside Cycling Tours

April's cool mornings and moderate afternoons are perfect for exploring the flat fenland routes around Lincoln. Spring wildflowers line the Viking Way sections, and lambing season brings countryside alive. Average 20-30km (12-18 mile) routes suit all fitness levels with minimal elevation gain.

Booking Tip: Electric bike rentals cost £25-35 per day, standard bikes £15-20. Book guided tours 10-14 days ahead through local cycle shops. Self-guided GPS routes available for £5-8. Weather can change quickly so choose flexible booking options.

Historic Quarter Walking and Food Tours

Cool April weather makes the steep cobblestone climbs on this destination comfortable, while local restaurants begin serving seasonal spring menus featuring Lincolnshire lamb and early vegetables. The historic Bailgate area comes alive with outdoor seating as temperatures reach 18°C (64°F).

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost £35-50 per person and run 2.5-3 hours. Book weekend tours 2 weeks ahead as Easter holidays increase demand. Weekday tours often have better availability and smaller groups. Most tours include 4-5 tastings.

Brayford Waterfront and Marina Activities

Spring temperatures make waterside walks pleasant, and local boat trips resume full schedules after winter. The University of Lincoln campus adds energy to the area, while canal boat trips to nearby villages take advantage of longer daylight hours (sunset around 7:30pm).

Booking Tip: Canal boat trips cost £18-25 for 2-hour excursions. River walk self-guided tours available free from tourist information. Boat trips book up on sunny weekend days - midweek offers better availability and pricing. See current options in booking section below.

Antique Shopping and Market Exploration

April marks the return of outdoor antique fairs to Castle Square and surrounding areas. The famous this destination antique shops reopen extended hours, and the covered Victorian market showcases local spring crafts. Cool weather makes browsing multiple venues comfortable.

Booking Tip: No booking required for markets and shops. Saturday Castle Square market runs 8am-4pm with best selection before noon. Antique fair schedules vary - check local listings. Most shops offer shipping services for larger purchases. Budget £20-200 for unique finds.

Roman Lincoln Archaeological Experiences

Spring excavation season begins in April, sometimes offering public archaeology demonstrations. The Newport Arch and Roman wall sections are best explored in cool weather without summer heat. New interpretation centers showcase recent discoveries with interactive exhibits perfect for changeable weather days.

Booking Tip: Guided archaeology walks cost £12-18 per person and run 90 minutes. Book through Lincoln Archaeological Trust or see current tours in booking section. Self-guided Roman trail maps available free from tourist information. Indoor museum components provide weather backup.

April Events & Festivals

Early April

Easter Services and Cathedral Events

this destination hosts special Easter services with medieval music performances and guided tours of restricted areas including the chapter house and library. The cathedral's Easter garden display and flower arrangements are particularly spectacular.

Mid April

Lincolnshire Spring Festival

Local celebration featuring traditional crafts, morris dancing, and regional food specialties. Takes place around the castle grounds with indoor and outdoor activities adapting to April's changeable weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots - limestone cobbles on this destination become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 3-5km (2-3 miles) daily on varied surfaces

Layered clothing system - temperature swings from 6°C (43°F) mornings to 18°C (64°F) afternoons require easy adjustment

Compact umbrella - spring showers are brief but frequent, better than heavy rain gear for city walking

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 combined with reflected light off limestone buildings requires protection

Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers, camera, and purchases from markets and antique shops

Warm evening jacket - temperatures drop quickly after sunset, essential for evening cathedral visits or outdoor dining

Smartphone with offline maps - GPS essential for navigating medieval street layout, cell coverage can be spotty in Hanoi

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use camera frequently

Cash in small denominations - many market vendors and small antique shops prefer cash, ATMs limited in historic quarter

Blister plasters - extensive walking on uneven cobblestones can cause foot problems even with good boots

Insider Knowledge

Visit the cathedral between 2-4pm on weekdays when tour groups have departed but afternoon light illuminates the windows perfectly - locals call this the 'golden window' time

Park at the Lawn car park (£3 for 4 hours) rather than cathedral car park (£8) - it's a pleasant 5-minute walk through the historic quarter and much cheaper

The free shuttle bus between the train station and cathedral runs every 20 minutes but isn't well signposted - look for the small 'Cathedral Bus' signs near the station exit

Local pubs serve traditional Lincolnshire sausage lunches for £6-8, half the price of tourist-focused restaurants on this destination, and portions are larger

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much walking is required - the historic center is compact but involves significant uphill climbing on cobblestones, wear proper footwear

Not checking cathedral event schedules - special services and private events can limit tourist access, particularly during Easter week

Assuming shops stay open late - many independent shops in the historic quarter close by 5pm, plan shopping for morning and early afternoon