Well the first weekday in 6 weeks where we haven't had to make the trip to the hospital, so our first opportunity to get out somewhere without having to fit around the daily visit. Having ventured to Lincoln a few months ago by train we decided to head back over again and maybe this time visit the magnificent Cathedral.
It had been a glorious few days, lots of warm sunshine so great to catch up with that gardening that we've all been waiting to get completed, however today it was overcast and the forecast was for it to be so all day. I would have much preferred it to have been sunny as it helps bring out the colours in the photos more than a grey drab day does, however it carried the advantage of being cooler so no worrying about having to search out shade for a respite from the heat.
We toyed with getting the train over again, but decided that the extra flexibility of taking the car was the winner on the day; Plus I don't have to worry about squeezing my 6'3" frame into the seat. Ok it cost us £8 to park, but then again it's probably to be expected in somewhere that attracts so many visitors. I think I surprised Donna by not doing the typical 'drive round' that many men undertake looking for the cheapest parking: And to think that I'm from Yorkshire.
After parking up at around 10:30am we headed off up into the city, wandering through the rows of shops, some your typical high-street stores interlaced with lovely little deli's, craft shops and antique shops. Different from most high-street's but with the usual facilities that you'd expect for locals just looking to get their shopping done. It's also a great mix of cobbled streets, tree lined walkways and narrow alleyways; I always love frequenting 'The Glory Hole' when I'm in the area ;-)
About 15 or so minutes later we decided to stop for a mid-morning coffee at Patisserie Valerie and of course you just can't go there and not have one of their delightful cakes, it would be rude not to. It was a very relaxing 30 minutes or so just sat there near the window in comfortable chairs watching the world pass by - we could have sat there for ages. However, after re-charging our batteries (and of course our calorie intake) we left and exited the mixed shopping area of the centre and headed up The Strait and then Steep Hill (and yes it is) - heading towards the cathedral. We had a look round a lovely small antiques shop on the way up, and were so close to buying a really old camera to put out as an ornament at home, but after considering where we'd actually put it we resisted the impulse purchase.
When we arrived at the cathedral I had a little look around the frontage taking a few photos, they were still working on parts of the façade but not as much was being done as the last time we were there. This time though we decided to pay to go around the cathedral, and at £6 each I think it's very well worth the money, especially when we were also given a pass that would get us in free for the rest of 2013; Now that's more akin to a Yorkshireman's liking.
The cathedral was very busy, with some services taking place and lots of parties of school children being taken around before congregating on the main area (?- no idea what you would call it) for a talk by the.....I'll say the religious bloke. Can you tell that I'm not religious at all?
We were in the cathedral for over 2hrs, even for people who aren't religious there is so much to see, so much to be inspired by, and so much to be in awe of. I know it's not the most original thing to say, but when you look at these structures and the detail of the work in them, builders these days are just playing at building. The skill levels of the people that did much of this work is just astounding.
It was now mid-afternoon so time to think about getting some dinner, so we headed out of the cathedral and back through the city in the direction of Brayford Pool which is a lovely marina surrounded by modern buildings, many of them are university buildings and many bars and restaurants. I can only imagine how busy this area must get of an evening with students whiling away their rest hours, and of course in studying in the comforting surroundings: Ok maybe not the latter.
The last time we were there we dined in The Handmade Burger Company so we decided to go there again as their burgers are lovely. I was surprised that we were the only customers in there, but I suppose we were between meal-times so maybe to be expected. The meal was again very nice with my Wensleydale Stuffed burger gorgeous, and Donna's 'Jimmy's Farm' burger divine, but although it went against my nature I didn't leave a tip this time. After all, you do go yourself to the counter and place your order and pay, so apart from bringing you the menu and then your meal the staff don't do anything else.
We were both stuffed now so didn't really fancy any more walking, so after a short diversion to M&S to pick up a few bits it was back to the car-park to head back home before we entered the 'rush hour' and got stuck driving the 35 miles back home. A really enjoyable day.
It had been a glorious few days, lots of warm sunshine so great to catch up with that gardening that we've all been waiting to get completed, however today it was overcast and the forecast was for it to be so all day. I would have much preferred it to have been sunny as it helps bring out the colours in the photos more than a grey drab day does, however it carried the advantage of being cooler so no worrying about having to search out shade for a respite from the heat.
After parking up at around 10:30am we headed off up into the city, wandering through the rows of shops, some your typical high-street stores interlaced with lovely little deli's, craft shops and antique shops. Different from most high-street's but with the usual facilities that you'd expect for locals just looking to get their shopping done. It's also a great mix of cobbled streets, tree lined walkways and narrow alleyways; I always love frequenting 'The Glory Hole' when I'm in the area ;-)
When we arrived at the cathedral I had a little look around the frontage taking a few photos, they were still working on parts of the façade but not as much was being done as the last time we were there. This time though we decided to pay to go around the cathedral, and at £6 each I think it's very well worth the money, especially when we were also given a pass that would get us in free for the rest of 2013; Now that's more akin to a Yorkshireman's liking.
The cathedral was very busy, with some services taking place and lots of parties of school children being taken around before congregating on the main area (?- no idea what you would call it) for a talk by the.....I'll say the religious bloke. Can you tell that I'm not religious at all?
We were in the cathedral for over 2hrs, even for people who aren't religious there is so much to see, so much to be inspired by, and so much to be in awe of. I know it's not the most original thing to say, but when you look at these structures and the detail of the work in them, builders these days are just playing at building. The skill levels of the people that did much of this work is just astounding.
It was now mid-afternoon so time to think about getting some dinner, so we headed out of the cathedral and back through the city in the direction of Brayford Pool which is a lovely marina surrounded by modern buildings, many of them are university buildings and many bars and restaurants. I can only imagine how busy this area must get of an evening with students whiling away their rest hours, and of course in studying in the comforting surroundings: Ok maybe not the latter.
We were both stuffed now so didn't really fancy any more walking, so after a short diversion to M&S to pick up a few bits it was back to the car-park to head back home before we entered the 'rush hour' and got stuck driving the 35 miles back home. A really enjoyable day.
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