March 27, 2015 3.03 pm This story is over 108 months old

Enhanced Lincoln sightseeing bus service in time for tourism boost

Tour Lincoln: People wishing to experience Lincoln can now hop aboard the Tour Lincoln bus seven days a week, with a new bus added to the fleet.

A new Tour Lincoln bus is set to showcase an exciting year of historic city events when it hits the road this weekend.

The bus sports a sparkling livery which advertises the Lincoln celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, and is now available seven days a week.

It was launched on Friday, March 28 after operator Stagecoach invested in the new vehicle and worked closely with Lincoln BIG and the Visit Lincoln Partnership on its livery design.

Its forerunner has been popular with visitors and locals, and the all-new Tour Lincoln experience is poised to welcome hundreds more passengers this year.

In preparation of a surge of visitors, the service will switch to a seven-days-a-week operation, during the four-month period – June to September. (It operates at weekends and on public holidays in April, May and October).

The enhanced service aims to encourage more long-term tourists, day visitors (and locals) to discover Lincoln’s story by hopping on Tour Lincoln, where they will be treated to an informative, and fun commentary.

This year, with a wealth of activities and attractions planned in the run-up to the Lincoln Great Magna Carta Weekend (June 13 and 14), this journey of discovery will be even more memorable.

Tickets to ride the Tour Lincoln service have remained at the same level as 2014 prices.

Adult tickets cost £10 (the first two accompanied children under-16 go free), further child tickets cost £4 and students pay £8.

Individuals and families can get on board outside Lincoln Cathedral, between 10.30am and 3.30pm daily.

Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “Tour Lincoln has proved to be very popular with visitors. Lincoln BIG and Stagecoach are in their fourth year of operating the service and we are pleased to see that it is going from strength-to-strength.

“We are particularly delighted to have been able to increase the Tour Lincoln service, so that more people than ever can enjoy the tour in what is a significant year for the city.”

Visit Lincoln Partnership Manager Emma Tatlow said: “Tour Lincoln is a great experience for visitors. We want to ensure people coming to see Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral also explore the rest of the city.

“The sightseeing bus offers an easy and relaxing way to do that. It gives people an overview of the city, with a live commentary on tour telling the story of Lincoln and its rich history.

“This service is not only attractive to visitors it is part of our overall offer for tourists. The visitor economy is an important player within the local economy and brings all kinds of benefits to businesses. Experiences such as Tour Lincoln really help to grow this vital sector.

Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director Michelle Hargreaves added: “We are delighted to be working with Lincoln BIG to deliver the Tour Lincoln open top summer service once again this year.

“This is an important year for the city, with many exciting events taking place, and the tour bus offers visitors an excellent way of reaching all of Lincoln’s attractions.”

People wishing to buy tickets for Tour Lincoln can do so online or in person at the city’s Visitor Information Centre in Castle Hill.