Stay in the heart of lovely Lincoln
Lincoln Castle, Cathedral and Bishops’ Palace
Doddington Hall & Gardens
Newark Castle and National Civil War Centre
Two talks from entertaining historian, Julian Humphrys
This tour explores one of England’s most under-rated medieval gems, Lincoln, in depth, looking at its Castle, Cathedral and Palace that offer a fascinating insight into medieval history, including the 800-year old Magna Carta. We will also visit Newark, a key site in the Civil War, all in the company of entertaining and inspiring historian, Julian Humphrys.
Available Departures |
From |
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13 - July - 2022 | Limited Availability | Travel Info Please Call |
Provisional Timings |
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17 - August - 2022 | Limited Availability | Travel Info On Request |
Provisional Timings |
Day 1: Arrive independently at the White Hart Hotel, Lincoln from 15.00
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Julian, ‘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. We visit 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 then enjoy a visit to the city’s magnificent Cathedral, which dates back to 1072 and was the tallest building in the world from 1311 until 1548. Time for lunch (not included) before we visit the 12th century Bishops Palace and the Collection Museum. Second talk from Julian, ‘The English Civil War’ and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Doddington Hall and Newark
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. We continue to Newark, a key site in the Civil War to view its Castle, overlooking the River Trent and dating back to the 12th century. It is here that King John died on 18 October 1216. Then to the National Civil War Centre to learn more about this pivotal period in English history. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.00.
Please note that day 2 in Lincoln is all undertaken on foot and is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
White Hart Hotel, Lincoln
Located within the heart of Lincoln’s historic quarter with lovely views of the Cathedral, this traditional three-star hotel offers a bar, “Grille” restaurant and stylish, comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
Parking: complimentary
Your Guide
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is now a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles. He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Our lecturer/guide, Julian Humphrys, was excellent and achieved the perfect balance of providing detailed historical facts with humour. We had issues at our hotel - the toilet broke and was unusable; the bedside lamp broke and was unusable; our car was in the hotel carpark and the roof and windscreen were completely covered by pigeon poo and the hotel would not provide water or cloths to help remove it even though we couldn't see to drive - the car had to be jet washed to remove the mess.
Review by Soane who travelled 18-August-2021
There were problems with the food namely the menu we had been sent suggested a chocolate mousse. However it was white chocolate, something about which we should have been informed as my friend believed it was normal dark chocolate and she does not eat white chocolate. Also I was given a 'vegetarian' jelly. Jelly is not vegetarian. It is made from animal gelatine usually unless otherwise stated. Finally we arrived back late on Friday evening. In the morning I had wondered whether to order a taxi but since I did not know the time we would return I thought better of it when I spoke to the adviser at the desk. When we returned I was told that it is impossible to get a taxi at that time in Lincoln because it was Friday night. I believe both the company and the hotel advisor had a duty to inform me of this problem. Without the assistance of our guide we would have been stranded at the hotel. I hope you will take this on board for other clients.
Review by Neslen who travelled 18-August-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-August-2021
Lovely hotel and location and Staff were lovely, despite some minor issues:- First day breakfast was very slow due to staff shortage, but they did try hard and other 2 days were fine; Rooms at front were very noisy from the street (esp from guests at other events there standing outside hotel front at all hours chatting loudly); Car park was useful, but very run down and some cars had a big problem with pigeon mess! Julian very good and entertaining and enjoyed the site visits.
Review by Thrussell who travelled 18-August-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-August-2021
Such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide ! Marvellous.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-August-2021
I was enchanted by Lincoln - a superb destination and a must for history nuts. Julian Humphrys' talks were, as always, excellent, and delivered with his customary humour. The hotel dealt well with the inevitable staff shortages and the food was delicious.
Review by Hulbert who travelled 18-August-2021
Very good tour, good central hotel although the hotel could do with some minor attention to it, but the location more than compensates for it.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 18-August-2021
First time travelling with travel editions and I was more than satisfied with the tour . A very interesting itinerary well planned and with lots of free time in the schedule to do your own thing . Juilian and Mick where professional ,efficient but warm and friendly at the same time . The hotel was in an excellent position with parking such a bonus . Modern clean and well managed all be it the dinners took almost 3 hours from receiving the starters to dessert . This was the hotels problem not traveleditions. Not sure why this was as we had all 36 pre ordered our meals . Maybe something to do with COVID . I would be interested to know the reason . But it did nt deter from an interesting and well planned tour . Julians talks were given with enthusiasm and humour making the places we saw come to life . Thank you all for arranging the trip . Am busy planning my next break with you .
Review by Humphreys who travelled 14-July-2021
Very well run tour with an excellent tour manager and guide. Julian Humphrys was a very knowledgeable guide with a terrific sense of humour and despite Covid restrictions the tour was very well managed. We both had a very enjoyable time in both Lincoln and Newark.
Review by Johnson who travelled 14-July-2021
Always a pleasure to be with Julian, his enthusiasm is infectious and the Tour Manager, Michael, handled without a hitch, all the dividing into groups, to comply with social distancing, making sure everyone knew where they were going and what time to be back. - Excellent work, Michael.
Review by Wallburton who travelled 14-July-2021
An excellent opportunity to discover a cathedral city unknown to me before the visit. I was appreciative of the choice of a hotel close to the cathedral and the castle. It was a pity that service in the restaurant for dinner was so slow, particularly as all food choices from the menu had been made well beforehand.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 14-July-2021
Review by Morfey who travelled 14-July-2021
Julian is great
Review by Gibbons who travelled 14-July-2021