An international-travelling couple who take their social media followers to “the coolest spots” in the world have shared a guide to what they describe as a hidden gem right here in the UK. 

Sara and Ryan – known as Across Every Border – offer tourism recommendations as they travel across the globe and recently identified a destination on their doorstep. “This is one of the most historic cities in the UK, and no… it’s not Oxford,” Ryan began in an Instagram video as the pair navigated the location’s infamous Steep Hill.

He continued: “It’s in the Midlands with a cathedral that was once the tallest building in the world for over 200 years.” Heading through what is known as the Glory Hole, Ryan also noted the city’s “crooked buildings” and medieval bridges that are now home to shops.

Ryan also pointed out: “There’s an old town which looks like it’s come out of a Harry Potter movie.” This area is, which is atop the location’s hill is known as Bailgate, and features the aforementioned cathedral as well as a castle dating back to the tenth century.

He added: “It’s two to three hours north of London and it’s not really advertised.” The city in question? Lincoln. “Did we convince you to visit?” he asked.

Ryan and Sara added in a caption: “If you love London but want a properly British-looking town with medieval streets, huge history & barely any crowds… you need to visit!”

The pair also provided a comprehensive list of things to do in the city. These are:

“Once the tallest building in the world for over 200 years, they reiterated. “It’s absolutely massive, dramatic and every time we visit, it blows us away!”

“One of the steepest streets in England, lined with tiny independent shops and old houses and totally worth the climb,” they praised.

Ryan and Sara continued, advising the castle boasts medieval walls, a Victorian prison and views over the city rooftops. “We haven’t been inside (yet) but looking forward to doing the tour this summer!” they said.

“This is a leaning Tudor house right on Steep Hill that looks like it’s about to fall over,” Ryan and Sara said. “It’s very easy to miss it but, once you see it, you can’t unseen it!”

Cathedral Quarter wandering

Of the cathedral quarter, they highlighted “Cobblestones, cosy cafés, antique shops, and very strong Harry Potter vibes (as a non-Brit, everything British feels HP to me – Sara).”

Ryan and Sara also recommended checking out one of the oldest bridges in England still lined with shops. “It feels straight out of a history book and is such a hidden detail most people miss!” they commented.

The duo closed their post: “Lincoln is one of those places people tend to overlook, and I get it, it’s not exactly on the usual UK travel route. But if you’re keen to explore beyond London or you’re road-tripping through the Midlands, you have to add Lincoln to your list. The only regret you’ll have is not visiting earlier.”