The Vanishing Witch by Karen Maitland
Lincoln, February 2026

Sunday 8th February - Tuesday 10th February 2026

Step into medieval Lincoln — a city of merchants, superstition, and rebellion — on a weekend inspired by The Vanishing Witch by Karen Maitland. Set in 14th-century Lincoln, the novel follows the lives of wealthy cloth merchant Robert of Bassingham and the mysterious widow Catlin, against the backdrop of the Peasants’ Revolt and a city alive with fear, rumour, and unrest.

We’ll stay together in the heart of Lincoln, where cobbled streets wind up to the majestic cathedral and castle. It’s the perfect setting to bring Maitland’s dark and atmospheric story to life.

What to expect:

Two nights in a central Lincoln hotel, full of history and character
A guided walk around the city’s key historic sites, including the cathedral and castle
Book club dinner on Saturday evening, where we’ll dive into The Vanishing Witch together
Free time to explore Lincoln
Breakfast each morning and dinner on Saturday are included
A relaxed, socialable weekend

This immersive weekend offers the perfect balance of bookish conversation, historical exploration, and relaxed social time with fellow readers — all set in a city steeped in history.

We are staying at The Tower Hotel in the picturesque Bailgate area — a boutique 3-star hotel, just minutes from Lincoln Cathedral, the Castle, and the atmospheric streets that feel almost as though they’ve stepped out of the pages.

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ITINERARY

Sunday 8th February 2026

After arriving in Lincoln and having time to check in, we will all meet up in the evening over something to eat.

Monday 9th February 2026

We will explore Lincoln, the cathedral and in particular, the castle, where most of the book focuses. We all visit the castle (entry not included, but approx £16 for full access, including Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison and Magna Carta).

Lincoln Cathedral, begun in 1072, is nearly a thousand years old and was once the tallest building in the world, its breathtaking Gothic towers still dominating the city skyline today. Just across the square stands Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1068, making it almost 1,000 years old too. Within its walls lies one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, a cornerstone of English history. Walking between the castle and cathedral feels like stepping back in time, with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views connecting you directly to centuries of heritage.

After exploring the city and cathedral for the day, we will head back to our accommodation for a chance to refresh, before meeting up again for our evening meal and book club meeting event in a local restaurant. This meal is included in the price.