Christmas shopping in Lincoln

Christmas shopping in Lincoln this year? The city has a fantastic history, architecture and a broad array of shops, making it the perfect place to find gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for bespoke gifts, vintage fashion, artisan confectionery or specialist homeware and crafts, between the shopping outlets and independent shops in Lincoln you’ll be spoilt for choice.

We’ve explored three of Lincoln’s main shopping hubs – Bailgate, Steep Hill and The Strait and Lincoln High Street – and taken tips from locals in the know to pick out a list of hidden gems and the best Christmas shops in Lincoln. Book in advance with Northern this festive season to save up to 65%!

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Shops in Bailgate

Bailgate is one of the most historic parts of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter where a host of independent boutiques and shops line the cobbled streets, catering for both children and grandparents alike.

Dotted among the Roman ruins, the Bo Peep Boutique offers a unique stock of clothing, wooden toys and gifts for little ones that you wouldn’t find on the high street. For kids of all ages further down the Bail, Happy Soles sells beautiful shoes expertly fitted from baby steps to teenage kicks.

Jewellery shops in Lincoln

Bespoke jewellery for both him and her can be found at Colonia of Bailgate, with more than 25 years’ experience in picking and preening the best pieces to match your personality. For more local and traditional influences, independent retailer Follie, has a fantastic selection of quirky gifts, cards and jewellery – also stocking a selection of homemade items and vintage finds from around the world.

Lincoln’s bookshops & pubs

Take a look in the shop window and explore Lindum Books to satisfy your literary needs, spread across two extensive floors of fact and fiction.

Bailgate is also home to some of Lincoln’s most popular pubs, some dating back to the 15th century and boasting views of Lincoln Cathedral. We can recommend popping in for a pint mid-shop at the Lion & Snake, Prince of Wales and the Duke William Hotel.

Clothes & food shops on Steep Hill

Steep Hill is certainly worth the climb for shopping with its specialty, vintage and retro stores full of fabulous food and fashion delights. Winding its way down to The Strait, this quaint part of town houses most of its retail establishments in some of Lincolnshire’s oldest buildings, making it a destination definitely worth visiting.

Famous for its independent foodies, let Steep Hill take you on a culinary journey, starting with The Old Mouse House Cheese Company at the top of the hill, a family-run business famous for their Skegness blue and charcoal cheese. You can also pick up a coffee and slice of cheesecake in the shop café whilst you’re there to help prep you for your shopping adventure.

Further downhill you come to Carousel Chocolates – if the beautifully rustic shop front doesn’t entice you in, the confectionery certainly will. Fudge, toffees and caramel galore, this chocolatier offers the perfect Christmas treats and gifts. For family and friends with an even sweeter tooth, Goodies Sweets brings you to the bottom of Steep Hill and is on hand to supply you with retro favourites such as bon bons, chocolate limes and sherbet fountains.

For the fashion lovers in your life, you mustn’t miss a chance to check out the vintage clothing store Yak – where you can pick up some unique finds and also get your hands on some vintage threads from classic brands, including 1970’s Levi Jeans and Doc Martins. For more decade-dwelling garms and gadgets, head further down The Strait to Ego Clothing for upcycled retro fashion at retro prices.

Lincoln High Street

Home is where the high street is and the main street in Lincoln doesn’t disappoint when it comes to independents, who stand up tall to their commercial counterparts. The cool and kooky are not far from reach. Perfect for finding a unique Christmas present while shopping in Lincoln.

For music lovers, veer towards Guildhall Street to access Lincoln’s only independent record shop, Back to Mono. Explore the archives of new and collectable records, as well as t-shirts, posters, books and badges. The store also doubles up as a night club on a Saturday, for those wanting to let off steam after the big Christmas shop.

Clothing shops on this high street range from the quirky to the quaint, for every type of ensemble. Catering for alternative tastes? For throwback fashion, you are just a stones’ throw from Rock Retro, where you can pick up vintage sports gear and accessories, or Jailhouse Frock, which specialises in glamourous vintage reproduction clothing in 1940s and 50s style. 

If you’re keeping it contemporary, make a pit stop at independent boutique Agatha. Voted by British Vogue as one of the Best Boutiques in Britain, Agatha’s stock an impressive range of premium fashion brands from Max Mara to Vivienne Westwood, with expert staff on hand to give you styling tips and inspiration for that perfect present.

Planning a Christmas shopping day out in Lincoln? Remember that you can get up to 65% on Northern trains to Lincoln when you book your tickets in advance.