We’ll be traveliling from Aberdeen south ending up in Canterbury… We only have three days. I would like to go to one of these minster towns. Any suggestions?
Bump
Don’t know Lincoln but can’t go wrong with Durham. Might prefer York / Harrogate / Scarborough.
I’m biased (and in the opposite camp from up_the_junction !) – I spent my childhood in Lincolnshire, which I consider to be a part of England lovely in its understated way, and visited and admired less than it deserves. So if I understand rightly and you feel you have to choose one or the other: I’d recommend Lincoln. The cathedral is a magnificent building, situated on top of a hill in the town – prominently visible from long distances away in the surrounding basically flattish landscape. The city centre is delightful too.
(I understand that Durham Cathedral is very impressive also; but I have virtually no first-hand acquaintance with Durham.)
Lincoln Cathedral is very fine, but I would give Lincoln itself a miss.
Nor really that nice a town, and once there you have nowhere else to go.
Go for Durham, the Cathedral is integral to the town, you also have the castle, and the two lovely rivers. Although it is hilly, the place is small enough to get around easily.
You are also on the main train line to York, or you could go up to Newcastle.
Lincoln is just a place to go through unless you are a history buff that has already been to Durham, York Chester etc
My sister lived near Lincoln for a few years. After several visits I’ve concluded (sadly - sorry Sangahyando) that it’s a pretty unimpressive place with one very fine street and a good cathedral. I think Durham would be more interesting.
As I say, I’m biased. Lincoln and Lincolnshire may be a bit of a shithole – but, hey, they’re my shithole !
I’ve been to Lincoln a few times, as I have some family living near Louth waves at Sangahyando
Lincoln Castle recently finished as runner-up in a contest to find the most popular UK venue funded by the National Lottery, Lincoln’s Christmas Market (3rd to 6th December) is usually excellent. Durham (I haven’t been) has the Lumiere light festival (12-15 November), is near the coast and has a very nice website. I’ve been to York and Peterborough and the visits were delightful.
Sadly, I’ve never been to Durham, but I did find Lincoln worth visiting, both for the cathedral and the castle – which are next door to each other, so they are easy to visit in one trip.
Don’t know if you are arriving by train, but if so Durham is a great choice. It is a nice-sized, easily walkable city with a good student vibe and all that brings.
The train line comes in high above the river Wear with great views of the castle and cathedral.
If I had to suggest stops on the way from Aberdeen to Canterbury then Edinburgh, Durham, York and London would work particularly well if you are going by train.
Three days is a squeeze though.
The last time I drove down south in the car from Aberdeen, we (my mother and I) stopped at York for two nights and she had a wonderful time. (My anterior uveitis flared up so I spent the day at York hospital).
Thanks ! – re your being another, ready to give some points to poor despised Lincolnshire.
Not wishing (people in glass houses and all that), to overly “diss” any place in native land – but, for people with very little time to spare: IMO Peterborough, which I know well, has a splendid cathedral; but is in other respects, an extremely forgettable city. (Has quite a fine tourist steam railway, should one be into such things.)
Thanks everyone, suggestions taken.