Marvel at the stunning Lincoln Cathedral

15th century Gainsborough Old Hall can be reached by the Roman Line, East Midlands Trains.

East Midlands Train passes though Beckingham bound for Lincoln along the Roman Line.

Take a journey through history as you travel along the Roman Line.

Opened in 1867 the line between Lincoln and Doncaster formed part of the Great Northern and Great Eastern Joint Railway built primarily as a freight route between Cambridge and Doncaster, approximately 123 miles.

Today you can explore further than just the railway. Discover the historic city of Lincoln with its impressive Cathedral, take a walk along England’s oldest man-made waterway in Saxilby, discover the magnificent medieval manor house in Gainsborough and have a day out at the races in Doncaster.

Gainsborough has connections with the Mayflower voyage that celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2020. Discover more about the Mayflower story here.

Highlights

Visit the Norman Lincoln Cathedral

See a copy of the ancient Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle

Discover the striking Doncaster Minster originally opened in 1858

Find out more

Local line website

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Passengers are advised to use the City’s park and ride bus. Click here for information.

Parking is available at Doncaster station.

Lincoln and Doncaster bus stations adjoin both railway stations.

Regular trains connect Lincoln with Newark, Nottingham, Peterborough and Sheffield. Irregular services operate to Grimsby and London (in the morning and evening peaks only).

Doncaster is a principal rail hub with frequent trains connecting with London (90mins), Leeds (30 mins) and York (30 mins).

Nearest airport: Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Route

Doncaster - Lincoln

Cost

£18.60 Day Return

Opening times

Monday - Saturday

Journey time

55 minutes

Distance

37 miles

Time from London

1:30 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

DONCASTER

An historic market town, at the southern edge of Yorkshire, Doncaster is renowned for its horse racing, rich railway heritage and its wealth of Georgian and Regency architecture. Doncaster Minster was built to the designs of George Gilbert Scott between 1854-1858, after the medieval church was destroyed by fire in 1853. The Treaty of Durham of 1136 placed Doncaster under the control of King David of Scotland. Historians claim the treaty is still valid.

GAINSBOROUGH

Once a busy inland port on the River Trent, the Riverside Walk connects the 1791 bridge with a town centre that abounds with history. The Old Hall, a 15th century manor house associated with the Pilgrim Fathers, the Heritage Centre in the old post office, and the ghostly presence to be found in the Old Nick, are just some of the town’s attractions. They are all a short 20 minute walk from Gainsborough Lea Road Railway Station.

SAXILBY

Get your walking shoes on and explore Saxilby with many walking routes easily accessible from the station. Make sure you explore the Fossdyke Navigation – it’s claim to fame is that it is England’s oldest man-made waterway.

LINCOLN

Lincoln, home to one of the original copies of the Magna Carta, is a city steeped in history. The Gothic cathedral was built with money loaned by a Jewish merchant. The city retains a Jewish quarter complete with synagogue. A Victorian Arboretum, restored in 2003, offers a restful spot from the city centre bustle.

SHOPPING

Doncaster, Gainsborough and Lincoln all offer great shopping experiences. Gainsborough’s Marshall’s Yard is a shopping experience with a difference being set in the former works of Marshall, Sons & Co, manufacturers of renowned agricultural machinery exported across the world.