Great British Heritage
Lincoln Tour: A Medieval Gem
This tour explores one of England’s most under-rated medieval gems, Lincoln, in depth, looking at its Castle and Cathedral that offer a fascinating insight into medieval history, including the 800-year old Magna Carta.
We will also visit Doddington Hall, an Elizabethan manor house and Gainsborough Old Hall, one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, all in the company of entertaining and inspiring historian, Julian Humphrys.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrive Independently At The White Hart Hotel, Lincoln
Arrive from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Julian Humphrys, ‘Magna Carta and the battle of Lincoln’.
Day 2: Lincoln
A full day exploring Lincoln on foot from our hotel in the very centre of the city. Our first visit is to the city’s magnificent Cathedral, which dates back to 1072 and was the tallest building in the world from 1311 until 1548.
Next, onto the Collection Museum, an award-winning archaeology museum in the city centre showcasing the history of the city. After free time for lunch (not included) we continue with a visit to Lincoln Castle, which underwent a £22m restoration project in 2010, just under a thousand years after it was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Sights here include the medieval wall walk that offers lovely views of the city, its Victorian Prison and the 1215 Magna Carta. Magna Carta enshrined the principle that the king had to act within the rule of law and became one of the most celebrated documents in history with enduring worldwide influence. Julian will explain more.
We finish the day with a short walking tour with Julian and an external view of the Medieval Bishops Palace. This evening we have a second talk from Julian, ‘The English Civil War’ and dinner at the hotel.
Please note: Day 2 is all undertaken on foot and includes a very steep walk to the museum
Day 3: Doddington Hall & Gainsborough Old Hall
We head out of Lincoln today, first to the Elizabethan house and gardens, Doddington Hall, designed by leading Elizabethan architect, Robert Smythson, dating back to 1595 and still a much-loved, lived-in family home with stunning interiors and glorious gardens.
Free time for lunch (not included) before we continue to Gainsborough Old Hall,. The hall was built by Sir Thomas Burgh in 1460 and is over 500 years old – one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. Discover the history of an English market town throughout the hall’s developments and experience its rich and varied past including the Great Hall, winding corridors and the medieval kitchen. Don’t miss the climb to the top of the tower for a great view across Lincolnshire (59 steps to the top). Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Seeing a copy of the Magna Carta was unforgettable, and Julian Humphreys once again exceeded expectations. His lecture on the Civil War was truly masterly.”
Dinah Tuck, June 2025
“Evensong in the cathedral was a magical highlight. Julian was both erudite and entertaining, and a short reading list might make future tours even better.”
Ms S, June 2025
“Julian’s lectures were brilliant and entertaining, making the history of Lincoln come alive. While the hotel could improve storage and AV facilities, the overall experience was excellent.”
Ms F, June 2025
“The cathedral visit was awe-inspiring and perfectly guided. It was a richly rewarding trip in a beautiful historic setting.”
Ms MC, June 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
White Hart Hotel, Lincoln
Located within the heart of Lincoln’s historic quarter with lovely views of the Cathedral, this traditional three-star hotel has undergone a renovation in 2023. The hotel offers a bar, “Grille” restaurant, bar and stylish, comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, telephone, wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Room upgrades to a deluxe twin or a superior king are available at a supplement.
The nearest carpark to the hotel is: Westgate 1 Car Park, Lincoln, LN1 3BG, which is a 3 minute walk to the hotel. This is a council run pay and display carpark, and costs £9.80 per 24 hours. Payment is via the carpark machine, or Pay by Phone App.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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