☀️ How to Keep Cool in Lincoln This Summer (Student Edition)

The ultimate guide for University of Lincoln students sweating through a heatwave.

When Lincoln turns into a sun trap and your student house starts feeling like a toaster, you need a game plan. Whether you’re sticking around for work, summer modules, or just can’t bear to leave, here’s how to beat the heat and have a great time doing it.

🧊 1. Cool Down Your Room (No Arctic AC Needed)

Close your curtains or blinds during the day – especially if your room faces the sun.
Create a cross breeze in the evening: open windows on both sides of the house when the air cools.
Sleep with a chilled hot water bottle – freeze it during the day and it becomes your midnight saviour.
Use a fan + frozen water bottle combo for DIY air con (cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective).

🔌 Bonus: If you’re with Student Housing, your utilities are included and from 100% renewable energy sources – so run that fan guilt-free, all summer long.

🍦 2. Ice Cream Crawl: Best Spots in Lincoln to Cool Off

🍨 Dennetts Ice Cream – The Strait

An iconic Lincoln favourite. Handmade local ice cream in traditional and unique flavours.

Must-try flavour: Honeycomb Crunch – sweet, crunchy, and insanely moreish.
Top tip: Pair it with a Raspberry Ripple scoop if you’re feeling fancy.
Grab a cone and sit on the wall near the cathedral – scenic and delicious.

🍧 The Ice Cream Parlour – Steep Hill

Small but mighty, with retro vibes and mega milkshakes. A perfect pitstop halfway up.

Best for: Mint Choc Chip Sundaes and epic Whippy cones.
Hack: Add a Flake and sherbet dust for the full nostalgic throwback.

🍦 Mooch – Brayford Waterfront

Gelato galore and air-con heaven. Right on the water – ideal for chilling out post-lecture.

Top picks: Pistachio, Biscoff Swirl, and Salted Caramel.
Cool down further with a Strawberry Mojito Mocktail or an iced oat latte.

🌳 3. Best Green Spaces to Escape the Heat

🌿 The Arboretum

Loads of shade, fountains, and chilled park vibes. Bring a blanket and some snacks.

Bonus: Great for lazy afternoons with a book or catching up on Love Island on your phone.

🌄 Lincoln Castle Walls Walk

Not technically shady, but if you go in the morning, it’s cooler and way less busy.

The breeze up there? Chef’s kiss.

🐴 West Common

Wide open space, great for group picnics, games, and sunset beers. Pro tip: Bring a football and a portable speaker.

🧋 4. Best Cold Drinks to Grab Around Lincoln

🌊 Brayford Waterfront is your go-to:

Caffe Nero – Order an Iced Caramel Latte or a Frostino-style frappe with oat milk.
Bar Unico – Authentic Italian vibes. Go for an Iced Espresso Shakerato or their Lemon Granita if you’re melting.

🚤 Brayford Belle Boat Bar

Yep, a bar on a boat. Try a Pimm’s, a frozen daiquiri, or just a good old cider over ice. Student-friendly prices, too.

🎥 5. Cool Down Indoors: Odeon Lincoln

Lincoln’s cinema has glorious air-con, big seats, and chilled drinks.

Go for the super-sized Tango Ice Blast and sit back in cool, cinematic bliss.
Use your student discount – and yes, it works on snacks too. Result.

🍹 6. Best Pubs & Beer Gardens for a Sunny Afternoon

🌼 The Swan (on campus)

Student classic with a fab beer garden.
Order: Pint of Madri, Fruit Kopparberg, or their Frozen Slush Cocktails when available.

🚢 The Barge (Brayford)

Floating pub = constant breeze.
Great for cheap pints, fish and chips, and unbeatable sunset views.

🍷 Cardinal’s Hat (Bailgate)

Quirky and classy. If you’re melting and want shade + sophistication.
Cool off with a G&T with cucumber, or a chilled rosé in the courtyard.

🏖️ 7. Other Cool (Literally) Things to Do

Garden BBQs at home – just check with your landlord first (Student Housing properties may have shared outdoor spaces).
Sunset walks up Steep Hill – no tourists, lovely breeze, and the best Instagram backdrop.
Hit up Lincoln’s charity shops – air con + treasure hunting = ideal hot day activity. Faves include St. Barnabas, British Heart Foundation, and Age UK Vintage.

🎓 Final Word

Lincoln summers are surprisingly lush – especially when you know where to cool off. So grab your fan, your mates, and a double scoop of Biscoff gelato and make the most of it.

And don’t forget – with Student Housing, your rent includes utilities, so there’s no stress about staying cool indoors.