Lincoln's major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral, a fine example of English Gothic architecture, with some Norman architecture and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle. It was the cathedral that we came to visit.
It is highly regarded by architectural scholars with the eminent Victorian writer John Ruskin declaring: "I have always held... that the cathedral of Lincoln is out and out the most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles and roughly speaking worth any two other cathedrals we have." I won't argue with Ruskin - partly because it really is such a beautiful building, partly because I am not an eminent writer (Victorian or otherwise), and partly as I have not seen every other cathedral in the British Isles.
This was a great way to get to know the building, with the tour guides sharing wonderful stories and titbits; we also saw details in the building (it doesn't quite match up in quite a few places - a result of various partial rebuilding projects) that we otherwise would have missed.
Between the tours, we had time for a refreshment from the café, with tables set in the cloister, which was a lovely spot - if a little cool.
The well-known (at least to Australians) botanist Joseph Banks was a relative local and spent much time here - he was an avid painter, and many of his paintings were done at a spot now called Banks's Walk, high up in the western end of the nave with wonderful views - we visited this spot on the roof tower.
With its prime position on top of the hill, the views from the roof are panoramic, as you would expect.
It has been really good to meet and get to know my English cousins, and I have had a wonderful time here. Time to move on tomorrow - less than a week now and I will be home!