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Lincoln Brayford Belle Boat Trips

Between Easter and October, you can enjoy a boat trip from Lincoln’s Brayford Pool along the Fossdyke Canal in the Brayford Belle. The Fossdyke was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent (and ultimately the North Sea).

Spend a relaxing hour sailing on the Lincoln Brayford Belle, enjoying the lovely scenery and watching the world pass slowly by.

An interesting commentary will keep you informed about places of interest en route.

Light refreshments are available onboard.

For more information about the boat trips, please click here .

Brayford Belle Sailing Times:

Easter – September: Daily

October: Weekends only

Sailing at: 12.15pm, 1.30pm & 2.45pm

Brayford Belle Prices:

Concessions: £6

Children: £4

Family: £20

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Contemporary townhouse in uphill Lincoln with secure, private parking

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Luxury Self Catering on the Lincolnshire Coast

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• The Brayford Belle
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Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Lincoln and the countryside from a different perspective aboard a 50 minute guided canal trip with a very entertaining commentary about Lincoln's past and present. Enjoy a cruise whatever the weather with inside and outside seating, the lower deck is fully heated, or enjoy a great view from the top deck under canopy.

They serve Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino's, and chilled soft drinks.

Daily sailing times: 11:00am - 12:15pm - 1:30pm - 2:45pm - 3:45pm

The tour starts from the Brayford Pool, directly in front of The Odeon cinema and beside Wagamama's floating restaurant.

Private parties or tours are available with advance booking. See their website for details.

Experience Lincoln with a difference. All aboard!

Suitability

• Suitable for Families
• Great for Kids
• Guide Dogs Allowed
• Parking Close By
• Private Tours Available

Fancy a Nibble Close By

It's always good to know you're not staying far from tasty food and refreshing drinks! Here are a few suggestion based on the proximity.

Royal William IV

Situated in central Lincoln, in the riverside north east corner of Brayford Pool is The Royal William IV, dating back over 170 years in an area with a history going back considerably longer. Traces of late Iron Age occupation dating from the 1st century BC were noted during excavations in 1972.

Today the Royal William IV is a traditional Lincolnshire pub with a great selection of beers & wines, serving classic pub food in a friendly atmosphere.

There is a large sitting area outside in the warmer months, right alongside the Brayford Pool.

Everyone is welcome.

Rising Cafe - From the Rubble

The Rising cafe is unique in the fact that it is run solely by an incredible team whose lives were once ruined by homelessness, prostitution, drug and alcohol addiction. 100% of all proceeds go towards the charitable work of Betel UK whose mission is to help those struggling with life-controlling issue find true freedom.

They pride themselves on serving good quality, homemade food, using as much locally sourced Lincolnshire products as possible. They serve classic British Afternoon Tea as well as alternative ones; including an American Tea with mini hot dogs and a Mexican Tea with quesadillas. They also serve a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Everything is homemade including their cakes, and their scones are freshly baked daily.

An authentic, family-run coffee bar bringing Italian coffee culture to Lincoln. Serving freshly made biscotti, pastries, gelato, pizza & different lunch specials each day. They are open late for private parties and functions for up to 30 people.

Visiting Bar Unico, you'll feel like you're on holiday. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to help. The food is noticably homemade with the fresh taste and attention to detail. You won't be disappointed.

Places To Stay Nearby

Why not make it more than a day in Lincoln and find a cosy place to stay? Here are a few possibilities close by.

The Old Palace Lodge

The Old Palace Lodge sits in the shadows of Lincoln Cathedral and is unique Church, converted into sixteen comfortable classic rooms, master rooms and a grand suite.

It is the perfect location to visit the ancient city of Lincoln where guests can visit the Castle, many independent shops, bars and restaurants. The Church is hidden just off our Steep Hill, amongst the cobbled streets.

The lodge blends traditional features, such as the beautiful stained-glass windows, with modern facilities in each room. It shows every bit of luxury with the added wow factor to the rooms.

The design of the rooms is cosy, yet spacious at the same time, giving you the perfect balance. Each room has a different theme, with a rich atmosphere in the air. The rooms offer great value for money, with breakfast and parking all included in the rates. The lodge is every bit of luxury any guest could wish for whilst visiting the historical City of Lincoln. 

Breakfast provides a continental style buffet and a locally sourced hot breakfast menu. The breakfast room is sited in the main chapel and has the most amazing stained-glass windows in Lincoln.

There is a comfortable lounge for guests to relax after a busy day exploring Lincoln and a 24-hour reception to assist guests.

If you want something a bit different, The Old Palace Lodge is exactly the place for you. 

Creston Villa

A warm welcome awaits you at Creston Villa, where Iain and Anna will endeavour to make your stay in Lincoln as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Creston Villa offers the highest level of bed and breakfast accommodation with spacious rooms, decorated to the most taseful of standards. Everything is provided from hairdryers to toiletries and filtered water for your tea and coffee. Should you have a particular need we will do our best to help.

Car parking is provided for all our guests and if travelling by bus or train we are delighted to offer a pick up and drop off service at your Lincoln arrival point (subject to availability).

Self Catering

Ashlin farm barns.

Ashlin Farm Barns offers 5 luxury holiday cottages, each with their own private hot tub for 10 people, only 5 miles from Lincoln, secluded in beautiful countryside.

Each of the 5 luxurious and spacious holiday cottages, comfortably accommodates 10 people in 5 en-suite bedrooms. Situated just 5 miles from the bustling Cathedral city of Lincoln, the barns are a perfect base for exploring Lincolnshire, the Wolds and the nearby coast. Stroll down our peaceful country lane to the wild flower meadow, woodland and nature reserve. At the end of the day, curl up in front of the log burner or relax in your very own hot tub.

Whether you are looking for group holidays, family holidays or girly weekend getaways, Ashlin Farm Barns is the perfect place for you to celebrate your special occasions with family and friends.

New  to 2024 boating season is a new self drive hire boat called Olivia . Come and captain your own ship... Seating for four people. Full instructions given.£20 for 20 mins for four.  terms and conditions apply., I am Captain Chrissy and I own the Oliver Boat Trips company.We have been running for 12 years in the heart of Lincoln  I am based outside the  Waterside shopping centre and i am opposite wilkos . Ln25dq. My  Tel Number is  07551876758 or  text Captain Chrissy for any information.  We are a small  boat company and we enjoy every trip we do  If you have a voucher please telephone to book . or text.We also run the famous Moonraker floating tearooms  which is the same address. A great place to have a cup of tea and a slice of cake and then plan your boat trip.

🌈Our pick up  location is on the Waterside north. Ln25dq  opposite  wilkos and out side the Waterside  shopping center,  and I'm opposite the city Square.  The nearest car park is the central carpark which is next to the bus station. We are Running weather depending  from  11am to 4pm  excluding  Thursday from Feb until/dec please telephone to check the running times  and check us out on 07551876758🌈

Opposite the waterside shopping centre tel or text 0 7 5 5 1 8 7 6 7 5 8 . check out our 🎅 santa grotto from  november to december, free great presents for everyone every big kid gets to chat to santa claus. ho ho ho.,  half hour boat £6 .50 adults and £5 50 oap children  includes cakes and drink...., upgrade to a cream tea on a half hour boat  tour for £8.00pp, our promise, our promise is to ensure you have the best boat trip cruise you will remember. please let captain chrissy know if it is your birthday, we provide  cakes and decorate the boat with  birthday banners.   starting at 12pm until 6pm. .  booking only on board. tel 07551876758 .

Our half hour town trip

One hour cream tea tour.

Have a look at a few of our pictures,.

37 Redbourne Road, Brigg, DN20 9NU, UNITED KINGDOM     07551876758   or Waterside shopping centre ln25dq 

THE 5 BEST Lincoln Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in lincoln.

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1. Activities Away

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3. Brayford Belle

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6. Duncan Wheeler

What travellers are saying.

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Sailing Times

We set sail 3 times aday.

No more than 60 people per trip.

Tuesday to Sunday: 12:15pm,1:30pm and 2:45pm. Monday sailings: No Boat Trips apart from bank holiday weekends.

School holidays, we will sail 7 days aweek.

Seats are available in the open air on the bow and stern of the vessel and also seats in the open air on the upper deck with fantastic views.

Or choose one of the many seats in the heated saloon area with large picture windows.

despite restrictions are lifted, we will limit number of people on each trip. no more than 60 per trip.

Please note, all trips are subject to weather conditions and block bookings.

we will not sail on extreme windy and torrential rainy days for safety reasons.

Adults £9.00 Senior Citizens £8.00 Children £4.00 (under 3yrs are free) Family Ticket £23.00

The family ticket includes 2 adults and 2 children under 15 years. Please note we are only able to accept cash payments. Dogs more than welcome if on lead, free of charge (it's the humans we don't like :) .

Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Lincoln and the countryside from a different perspective aboard a 50 - 60 minute guided canal trip with a very entertaining commentary about Lincoln's past and present.

Enjoy a cruise whatever the weather with inside and outside seating, the lower deck is fully heated, or enjoy a great view from the top deck under canopy.

We serve soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks. toilet facilities available.

unfortunately, no wheelchair access for chairbound individuals.

Group Booking

Group bookings of 20 or more for the Public Day Cruises will be offered at a discounted rate, if pre-booked, or please ask on the day if seats are available for your group. No need to pre-book for small group less than 12 people.

Brayford Wharf, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 1YX

Our departure mooring is located at the bottom of Lucy Tower Street on the Brayford Pool just behind the new Wagamamas which used to be the Harbormaster office.

If you would like to see pictures of our service on this page, please feel free to go over to the gallery page .

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Lincoln, a Flatboat, New Orleans, and Discovering America

Frustrated by the delay but eager to continue, Lincoln, Hanks, and Johnston were joined by a local carpenter, Charles Cabanis, and John Roll. While they largely followed the standard design, there were some differences. Because this trip was to include livestock—live hogs in addition to wet and dry goods—the men constructed small corrals and troughs in the boat. They also added a wooden mast and sail to help them maneuver when the wind was gentle enough to push the boat, but not wreck it. After about six weeks of construction, they shoved the 18 feet wide by 80 feet long boat into the Sangamon River just below Sangamotown. They floated the Sangamon River as it wound northwest until meeting the Illinois River near Beardstown, which then turned south until its confluence with the mighty Mississippi River north of Alton for their final thousand miles on the waters to New Orleans. Along the way they would pass St. Louis (where John Hanks turned back because his wife was due to give birth), Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge, giving Lincoln a glimpse at cities that would become important strategic points in the later Civil War.

As he moved down the river, Lincoln discovered how the Mississippi had become the central artery of commerce in the Midwest, allowing farmers from western New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to move their produce to New Orleans. It was here Lincoln discovered the existence of a cosmopolitan, multiethnic, society doing trade with the Caribbean and South America, as well as across the central American isthmus and up to west coast, plus Europe and Africa. Lincoln’s world enlarged immeasurably. No longer subsistence farming and small towns as far as you could walk or ride on horseback, life on the river showed Lincoln a glimpse of upper society. There were wealthy sugar plantation owners who purchased or traded for pork and potatoes. There were poverty-stricken families, both black and white, desperate to barter whatever little they had for whatever little they could get. The river was an economic engine as well as transportation, but he recognized the benefits were unequal in distribution. It made Lincoln think about his own situation, his limited formal schooling and opportunities, and how he might better his condition.

Upon arrival in the Crescent City, he and his companions had to compete for space at the piers with hundreds of other flatboats, two to three deep along the docks for over a mile at the landing site above the city. After crawling over other boats, the men bartered and sold whatever remained of their wares, plus anything acquired along the way. Eventually they would sell the boat itself, sometimes whole to a wealthy buyer, but often piecemeal, taking it apart board by board to sell as lumber or fuel. Overall, they could net a return of about a quarter of the construction cost. On each occasion the crews lingered in New Orleans for as long as they could afford before setting out for home.

[Adapted from my forthcoming book ]

David J. Kent  is the author of  Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America . His newest Lincoln book is scheduled for release in February 2022. His previous books include  Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity  and   Edison: The Inventor of the Modern World  and two specialty e-books:  Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time  and  Abraham Lincoln and Nikola Tesla: Connected by Fate .

Follow me for updates on my  Facebook author page  and  Goodreads .

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The Heart of Louisiana

Lincoln in New Orleans

New Orleans was a long ride by flatboat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for a young Abraham Lincoln.  It’s a journey Lincoln made twice to sell goods from the family farm in Indiana. 

retracing the steps of lincoln in new orleans

Kevin Wood was making his annual visit to New Orleans when I met him near the Mississippi River on a foggy late January morning. Wood looks like Abraham Lincoln. And he dresses like Lincoln in a black suit, white shirt, bowtie and top hat. People driving by honk their horns, while those he passes on the sidewalk wave and ask for pictures. Wood is in character, doing his best to look and act Presidential. He smiles as he tells me, “I looked in the mirror one day and said, you look a bit like Abe.” Wood, who’s from Michigan, has worked full time as “Abraham Lincoln” for the past 8 years, doing history presentations for schools, churches and civil groups.

from midwestern farm to slave auctions

“Lincoln” walks to the corner of Chartres and St. Louis Streets, which was once the site of the St. Louis Hotel and Hewlett’s Exchange, one of the most active slave auctions in the city. He points to a historical marker on the side of the building and says, “I saw some of those enslaved people sold, men and women and children, too.” In 1828 and 1831, long before the real Abraham Lincoln was President, a young Abe made two trips by flatboat from his family farm in Rockport, Indiana, to New Orleans.

reconstructing history

Tulane University geographer and author Richard Campanella spent several years researching and tracing Lincoln’s New Orleans trips. Campanella explains that the young Lincoln did not keep a journal or diary of his two boat trips. But once Campanella figured out the timeline, he was able to find records of other things that Lincoln would have been exposed to on his river journeys. He created a detailed narrative of Lincoln’s likely experiences in his book, Lincoln in New Orleans: The 1828-1831 Flatboat Voyages and Their Place in History .

lincoln’s flatboat trips to new orleans

We stand along South Peters Street a few blocks upriver from the Mississippi River Bridges in New Orleans. This is where Campanella says the flatboats would have docked. The river steamboats and sailing ships would have been further downstream closer to the French Quarter. “There’s all sorts of activity here,” Campanella explains. This is where the flatboat crews were, “making deals with local merchants and wholesalers,” selling corn, wheat and smoke pork, typical items carried downriver from Midwestern farms.

Documenting slave auctions for lincoln’s visit

In his book, Campanella writes in great detail about the people who likely stood on the auction block and were sold to the highest bidder at Hewlett’s Exchange in New Orleans during the days that Lincoln was in New Orleans. “Probably the most significant aspect of Lincoln’s two trips to New Orleans would have been his first-person witness to large scale Southern plantation slavery, and large-scale slave auctions, the buying and selling of human beings,” Campanella explains.

lincoln in new orleans on tv

attacked by bandits

On his first flatboat trip to New Orleans in 1828, a 19-year-old Abe Lincoln and his partner Alan Gentry were victims of a night attack by bandits. “A club was landed on Lincoln’s right temple,” Campanella says. That beating left a scar on Lincoln’s head that could be seen for the rest of his life. Campanella believes the attack took place near the present-day town of Convent. After narrowly escaping the murder attempt, Lincoln and Gentry arrived in New Orleans the next day.

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Reader interactions.

Cheryl Lacey Sumwalt

February 2, 2024 at 10:29 am

Incredible synopsis of the “issue of the time” that includes fascinating photos! Enjoyed seeing on Fox8 New Orleans and then online!

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Getting here

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Address: Lucy Tower Street, Lincoln, LN1 1XW View on Google map

Opening Times: The towpaths are always

Price: Once you're parked up, it won't cost you a thing

Toilets: For customers of the local pub/café

In Lincoln, the River Witham joins the Fossdyke Navigation at Brayford Pool in the centre where you can take your little ones (and older ones!) on a boat trip. This large expanse of water was a natural lake and was first excavated by the Romans to improve it for boats.

Today, you can see a host of narrowboats and river craft at the boatyard, marina and boat club. Just east of Brayford Pool, the River Witham navigation passes through the heart of Victorian Lincoln and through the Glory Hole - where an ancient half-building stands right over the canal.

Things to do and see

• Considerate cycling
• Fishing - while fishing in Brayford Pool may be tricky, there are stretches along both the River Witham and Fossdyke Navigation

Places to eat:

• Royal Willian IV
• Stokes High Bridge Cafe
• The Barge On The Brayford
• Harvester Salad & Grill
• The Square Sail
• The Witch & Wardrobe
• The Green Dragon

Boat trips:

• Brayford Belle

Wildlife spotting:

You are guaranteed to see some elegant swans glide past as well as the resident ducks - just make sure you feed them all something healthy

By car - there's a pay & display car park on Lucy Tower Street, best for Brayford Pool

By train - Lincoln Station is just a five minute walk to the towpath in Brayford Pool

By boat - there are a number of our marina moorings near Brayford Pool

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Saturday, July 19th the 60 minutes Statue of Liberty Tours will operate on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of July and August.

Rock Kandy Rock of Ages cruise has been rescheduled to September 5th! Please check the website for further details

Breathtaking Views of New York City

The Majestic Princess is a perfect setting for the most breathtaking views of New York City on a three-hour brunch or dinner cruise. The sightseeing cruise departs Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, New Jersey taking in the sights of New York Harbor, The Freedom Tower, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue Of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Enjoy spectacular views of the New York City skyline complemented by our in-house DJ, freshly prepared buffet style dinner or brunch, and a specialty cocktail from our on-board bar. Don’t miss out on Majestic Harbor’s New York Harbor cruises. Be advised that we do not offer free parking on none of our events.

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Statue of Liberty Dinner Cruise

During your cruise, experience all the unique sights of New York while enjoying a wonderful dinner buffet.

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Statue of Liberty Brunch Cruise

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Valentine’s Day Statue of Liberty Dinner Cruise

Come and join us on board the Majestic Princess for a romantic 3.5-hour cruise.

Depart From Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, New Jersey

Our NYC sightseeing cruise departs Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, New Jersey where you enjoy spectacular views of the major icons, like: New York Harbor, The Freedom Tower, The Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue Of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Every cruise has our house DJ onboard playing contemporary music. There is a cash-only bar on board serving your favorite cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and juices.

Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise

The three hour cruise will make its way up the Hudson River to take in the beautiful fall foliage.