2 Photo Spots at the Lincoln Cathedral

About the location

The interior is a treasure trove for architectural photography, featuring the famous 'Crazy Vaults' of St. Hugh’s Choir and the intricate carvings of the Angel Choir. The scale of the nave and the play of light through the Great West Window offer endless opportunities for wide-angle shots and long exposures. Outside, the cathedral's facade is adorned with medieval sculptures, including the legendary Lincoln Imp, which requires a keen eye and a telephoto lens to capture.

The surrounding Cathedral Close, with its historic cobblestone streets and medieval buildings like the Exchequergate, provides a perfect contextual frame for the massive structure. Whether capturing the golden hour glow on the honey-colored limestone or the moody atmosphere of a misty morning, the cathedral serves as a versatile subject for both landscape and architectural enthusiasts.

Best timing

Early morning is ideal for capturing the exterior without the crowds, especially during the golden hour when the limestone glows warmly. The interior is best visited on a bright but slightly overcast day, which provides soft, even light through the stained glass windows without harsh shadows.

Evening photography from the West Common or South Common offers a stunning silhouette of the cathedral against the sunset. During the winter months, the cathedral is often illuminated at night, providing a dramatic subject for long-exposure night photography.

Traveling

Lincoln is well-connected by rail from London, Sheffield, and Nottingham. From the train station, it is a steep walk up 'Steep Hill' to reach the cathedral, which might be challenging with heavy camera gear; a local bus or taxi is a good alternative. For those driving, there are several car parks in the 'Uphill' area, such as Westgate or Castle Hill, though they can fill up quickly on weekends. Once at the top, the area is very walkable, allowing easy access to the cathedral, the castle, and the historic Bailgate.

Photography tips for Lincoln Cathedral

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale of the Nave and the Chapter House. A tripod is essential for interior shots, but you should check for current permit requirements or fees before setting up. Don't forget a telephoto lens for the high-up details like the Lincoln Imp and the intricate stone carvings on the facade. For a classic view of the cathedral towering over the city, head to the Brayford Pool or the nearby Commons for a long-range perspective. Pay attention to the floor reflections in the Nave, especially after cleaning or during specific lighting conditions.

Other languages

Here is how Lincoln Cathedral is called in other languages:
CS Lincolnská katedrála DE Kathedrale von Lincoln EL Καθεδρικός Ναός του Λίνκολν ES Catedral de Lincoln FI Lincolnin katedraali FR Cathédrale de Lincoln HI लिंकन कैथेड्रल HR Katedrala u Lincolnu IS Dómkirkjan í Lincoln IT Cattedrale di Lincoln JA リンカーン大聖堂 NL Kathedraal van Lincoln NO Lincoln katedral PL Katedra w Lincoln PT Catedral de Lincoln RU Линкольнский собор SV Katedralen i Lincoln TR Lincoln Katedrali ZH 林肯大教堂