May - what takes our fancy this month

So what’s going on in and around Lincoln during the month of May? Well quite a lot actually, but especially if you love history (i wanted to be an archeologist when I was growing up) or cycling (who doesn’t like a little Lycra ride out) then this is the month for you. So here's a little bit of what we fancy...

4th - 6th May

Over the early May bank holiday weekend the inaugural Lincoln Festival of History is takeing place, covering pivotal eras of history throughout the city. Immersive events, live theatre and hands on activities will be located mainly in the Cornhill, City Square and Castle Square as well as other events at Lincoln Castle, Bishops Palace & the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. You can try your hand at making a Viking shield, axe throwing (oddly addictive), minting your own Roman coin, or cheer on your favourite Gladiator competing against each other in St Paul in The Bail (very conveniently located over the road from Follie). There’s a map to show all the locations of events, and more information about each zone can be found on the Visit Lincoln website.

11th - 12th May

Sees the return of the Lincoln Grand Prix Weekend - a cycling extravaganza of a weekend. The Rapha Lincoln GP is the oldest annual bike race in the uk & one of the most prestigious on the domestic calendar, it’s a great spectacle, especially the final ascent up the infamous cobbled Michaelgate, and 2024 will be its 68th year! On the Saturday, The Lincoln GP Sportive takes place, anyone can enter this, there are three distances to choose from, all ending with the infamous cobbled, Michaelgate climb, which is hard enough just to walk up, never mind after cycling 100 miles. The main Rapha GP cycle event takes place on Sunday, with the women racing in the morning (8 laps) and the men in the afternoon (13 laps), with the chequered flag finish in Castle Square.

12th May

If you're looking for something with a little less Lycra & a bit more creative, then The Craft & Flea is on at The Engine Shed, down by the Brayford. It’s a spin on a makers market, bringing together talented, independent makers, designers, producers and collectors, each handpicked for their quality, on-trend products. Neither a craft market or a flea market but a great mixture of local talent and finds. And I imagine there'll be a bit of cake too.

11th - 27th May

The Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival, designed to encourage people to get out and explore this wonderful area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a two week festival with over 100 events and activities taking place across a multitude of locations, with many of the activities free of charge or at a reduced cost. If you like walking in particular, this is a fantastic opportunity to discover what’s right on our doorstep. There are numerous well-being walks taking in the stunning scenery & market towns, the ones which caught my eye in particular are Walking In The Steps of Tennyson, the Dawn Chorus Walk, and the South Ormsby Park & Gardens Walk.

*As a little footnote to the Wolds Outdoor Festival, there’s a really useful section on the Visit Lincolnshire website with loads of amazing Wolds Walks for you to enjoy all year around - https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/walking/

Discovering Lincoln's Charm: A Journey Through Bailgate

Nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire's historic Bailgate area, Follie isn’t just an Independent Gift Shop, it’s a little treasure trove for those seeking unique finds, beautiful gifts and special home accessories. But just outside the pretty doors of our pink and proud shop lies an amazing area waiting to be explored. Come with me on a little stroll through the charming streets of Lincoln’s Bailgate and I’ll show you the treasures that await!

Bailgate is renowned for its picturesque setting, situated in the Cathedral Quarter, just a stone’s throw away from Lincoln's iconic landmarks. As you wander through its quirky streets, you'll find an array of specialist shops, from boutique stores to crafts and gift shops, independent restaurants and cafes, perfect for a mooch and a browse through Lincoln's rich history and culture.

But why is it called Bailgate? Well, the origins date way back to the castle's boundaries, where the area surrounding it was known as the outer bail. Over time, this evolved into the name 'Bailgate,' encapsulating Lincoln's historic past.

Each year Lincoln’s impressive attractions draw in visitors from near and far, all year round, including our majestic 11th century Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle, which can both be found right around the corner from Follie. One of the most significant relics housed within Lincoln Castle is the Magna Carta, a symbol of freedom and justice. Since its arrival in 1215, the Magna Carta has remained in Lincoln, preserved for generations to come. It stands as a reminder of Lincoln's pivotal role in shaping the course of history.

These incredible landmarks stand as testaments to the city's cultural heritage, but let's not forget the city's vibrant atmosphere, fuelled by its two universities, energetic creativity and the renowned Lincoln City FC.

You are so very welcome by all to come and explore Lincoln's Bailgate area, whether you're seeking the perfect gift or simply looking to soak in the city's ambiance, our Cathedral Quarter offers a unique and memorable experience. So we’ll see you soon? Come and uncover the magic of Lincolnshire's hidden gem.