The city of Lincoln is a two-hour train ride from London by taking the train from Kings Cross Station to Peterborough and then the train to Lincoln. The main tourist attractions are located in the old quarter or a short distance away within walking distance of each other. The traveller can take a taxi to the many over-night accommodations near the main attractions and then not get in a car again until ready to leave Lincoln.

The history of Lincoln, the capital city of Lincolnshire, goes back almost 2,000 years. The Romans established a stronghold in AD48 by building a fortress high on a hill overlooking Brayford Pool. Many Roman ruins are visible in and near the old quarter.

In 1068 William the Conqueror ordered a castle to be built on the same hill as the Roman fortress and then in 1072 he ordered the building of the cathedral next to it. These two structures remain today. Lincoln Cathedral was used in the filming of The Da Vinci Code. One of the four remaining signed copies of the Magna Carta is housed in Lincoln Castle. Tours are available for both the castle and the cathedral.

On the south side of Lincoln Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace built in the 12th century. Even though the palace is in ruins, the grandeur of the past can still be seen.

The streets of Steep Hill and Bailgate offer specialist shops and many medieval buildings. The Jew's House and Jew's Court are believed to have been built in the late twelfth century. The Jew's House is currently part of a restaurant.

Located on the same hill are The Collections and Usher Gallery where the tourist can see art collections, artefacts from Anglo-Saxon, Roman, Viking, and medieval times. A five-minute walk from the cathedral is The Museum of Lincolnshire Life. The museum houses social history collections which includes a working Victorian kitchen, agricultural machinery, and behind the museum Ellis Mill. The windmill was built in 1798 and still grinds flour.

Some of the hotels in the old quarter are interesting historically as well. The Duke William Hotel dates from the 1680's. Richard II stayed in The White Hart Hotel in 1387. The White Hart is rumoured to be haunted. Both of these hotels have been modernized.

At the bottom of Steep Hill is the Brayford Pool waterfront. The Brayford Poole is formed by a widening of the River Witham. The Romans used it for a port when they transported goods down the River Witham and River Trent. It is lined with pubs, shops, and restaurants. The Poole is populated with swans and ducks and is used as a marina for pleasure craft.

Lincoln is well known for its Christmas Market. With 300 stalls, vendors dressed in period costume, and Christmas music provided by both carollers and bands, it gives a Charles Dickins feel to the festivities. After dark the cathedral and castle are lit up with floodlights and the cathedral has a huge Christmas tree in front of it.

The historic market towns of Boston, Spalding, Stamford, and Louth are a short drive from Lincoln. The Lincolnshire coast with its miles of sandy beaches is an easy day trip from Lincoln. Also nearby, the Lincolnshire Wolds is a great place for hiking and cycling.

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