A mighty cathedral, an ancient castle and a warren of medieval streets make up the hilltop city of Lincoln. Small with a village feel, Lincoln boasts a wealth of historic treasures mingled amid quaint tea rooms, excellent restaurants and independent shops. Avoid the hilly climb up to the Cathedral by taking the Steep Hill Shuttle Bus from the station.

Time to trade the Norman charms of Lincoln for the Viking heritage of York.Trains run from Lincoln to Newark North Gate (30 mins), from where there is a connection to York (45 mins).

A place of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth, York is a must-visit. Seemingly unchanged for centuries, the modestly sized city is packed with attractions: from the narrow cobbles of The Shambles, to the dramatic architecture of York Minster and the rolling countryside that surrounds Castle Howard.

The third destination on the trail is beautiful riverside Durham City, 45 minutes north of York by rail. As the train pulls into town, it is greeted by the hilltop famous landmarks, Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, which together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And while heritage and history are around every corner in Durham, the young university population ensures a sense of youthful vibrancy in the city’s many cafes and pubs.

The Cathedral bus connects the train station and bus station with the Castle and Cathedral Square.

The ancient Scottish capital is a fitting final stop on this history tour. A scenic 2 hour train journey from Durham, Edinburgh’s rich heritage is evident the moment that visitors step off the train. From the many medieval charms of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian facades of Princes Street and the New Town, there’s a wonderful array of history, culture, art and Scottish eccentricities to discover.

For those wishing to spend some time exploring Scotland, an Explorer Pass will give them great-value access to 77 historic sites.