Known for its majestic cathedral, the East English city of Lincoln has joined Britain’s Heritage Cities, a marketing coalition that includes Bath, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York. Lincoln's history stretches back over 2,000 years. Lincoln Castle, used for 900 years as a court, prison and place of execution, is a home to one of the four original surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta. The Magna Carta, which established the pre-eminence of law, even over kings, will celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2015.

Also in the Cathedral Quarter is the Medieval Bishop's Palace. As the head of the largest diocese in England, the Norman bishops of Lincoln were among the most prominent and wealthy members of society, and the palace is widely recognized as one of the most impressive bishop's houses in England. Owned and operated by English Heritage, it has a modern visitor center and contemporary heritage garden. Lincoln’s Brayford Waterfront in the city center is surrounded by restaurants and bars where visitors are able to dine or drink al fresco with the sun setting over the marina. The Engine Shed and Lincoln Performing Arts Centre on the University of Lincoln campus are the newest additions to this quarter.