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
Getting there
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
Cost
Opening times

Plan your trip
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.
More lines to explore nearby
Poacher Line
Barton Line
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
Submitted by alicem on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 10:26