Here be Dragons

Back in August we stopped by Doddington Hall on our way to Lincoln with Ian, our Ex-Pat friend from Spain. There's a decent coffee shop and farm shop that sells good local produce.  There is also an incredible cycle shop (the biggest in Lincolnshire) which has its own coffee shop as well.   During the summer it also staged a sculpture exhibition.  The dragon stands outside the hall, and visitors are invited to hang strips of brightly coloured cloth on the sculpture.

Ian and the Dragon

Behind the hall is a small lake complete with arched bridge.

There was also a very elegant sculpture on the water.

Of course, if you have a decent sized body of water, then you'll also have ducks and the Doddington ducklings seemed to have learnt very quickly that humans can be a great source of food.

There are also several walks around the local area that you can follow. There are worse ways to spend a couple of hours.

Architecture and Morality

 For years we have been coming to Lincoln, mostly to go to the cinema and in recent months with the new house we have spent more time shopping for furniture and the likes.  What we have never really done is the "tourist" thing and visit the cathedral that sits above the city.

On a beautiful October Sunday, we decided to remedy that.  The first thing you should be aware of is that if you don't like steep climbs or you aren't good on your feet I suggest you make use of the car park near the castle.

The Jews House

The Bomber Command memorial in the distance

At the stop of the steep climb, if you turn left you see the walls of Lincoln Castle.

Turn right and the Cathedral awaits.

Inside, is equally impressive with the incredible stone work, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.

I would love to be able to tell you what the various parts, windows and tombs are but I would be lying.  If you visit the Cathedral on a Sunday entry if free and there is a gift shop that will no doubt provide a lot more information about this impressive structure and it's ancient history. Even if you aren't remotely interested in religion (like myself) the scale of the place and the craftmanship are well worth seeing.