Things to do

North Kesteven is characterised by endless countryside, interspersed with bustling and charming towns and villages and a rich tapestry of both attractions and distractions – public art, heritage, leisure, culture and shopping – meaning there’s plenty to do, whatever the weather.

Wherever you are in the district you’re at the heart of it all; only an hour’s drive or less from coast, castles, stately homes, sensational scenery, towns, cities and country walks.

Visitor Venues

Mrs Smith's Cottage sign

Mrs Smith’s Cottage

A rare time capsule into a bygone era and the life of the eponymous Mrs Hilda Smith of Navenby. Recently restored thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding.

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Navigation House - outside

Navigation House

A unique, Grade II listed canal company office with interactive exhibits detailing the history of travel and trade by canal.

See more details about Navigation House

Trails in North Kesteven

Lady reading "Discover More"

Cranwell Aviation History Museum: Discover More…

Please click the buttons below to see some of our exhibitions, past and present. Airships over Lincolnshire Our ‘Lighter Than Air’ exhibition has been revamped for 2021! Click the button […]

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Cyclists take a break in Wellingore

Cycling in the Heart of Lincs

Take in the sights and delights of North Kesteven as you leisurely explore on two wheels.

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Boeing 707 E-3D AEW 1 Sentry (ZH107) at RAF Waddington

North Kesteven Airfield Trail

Explore the Heart of Lincolnshire's aviation heritage with a trail of active RAF stations and former airfield sites.

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Ridges and Furrows summer landscape

Ridges & Furrows Arts & Heritage Trail

Ridges & Furrows is an arts & heritage trail accompanied by cultural events and arts experiences celebrating the communities, heritage and landscape of the Lincoln Edge in North Kesteven.

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A bronze way marker

Sleaford Arts & Heritage Trail

A 3 mile trail is inspired by the rich heritage of the market town of Sleaford.

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Sleaford Heritage Trail

You can join in the trail at any of the locations mentioned below, but the recommended starting point is in Navigation Yard where you will also find Navigation House; this […]

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Spires and Steeples - Arts and Heritage Trail

Spires and Steeples

The Spires and Steeples trail, from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys' Church, Sleaford, brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies.

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More Ideas...

Carre Gallery

Carre Gallery hosts exhibitions by skilled artist and photographers with a Lincolnshire connection and entirely reliant on the generosity of exhibitors, friends and sponsors for finance.

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Heckington Windmill

Heckington Windmill

Standing out against Lincolnshire’s big skies, this unique eight-sailed windmill forms the centrepiece of a complex set of historic buildings where visitors can experience how food is produced using natural power.

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Soap Vessels by Meekyoung Shin

Hub – A National Centre for Craft and Design

The home of British craft and design: exhibitions and shopping set in Sleaford's Navigation Wharf.

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International Bomber Command Centre

International Bomber Command Centre

A memorial spire, walls, peace gardens, and visitor centre that mark the service and sacrifice of World War II aircrew, ground crew and support staff that lost their lives whilst serving with Bomber Command.

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A vintage Leyland bus at Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum

Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum

A stunning collection of more than 60 road transport vehicles spanning over the last 85 years.

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Inside the Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Museum

The UK’s largest volunteer managed aviation museum with 80 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation.

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One NK

One NK

Well equipped gym, classes, and a 25m swimming pool - including a digital, interactive flume - situated in the heart of North Kesteven, south of Lincoln.

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Sleaford Leisure Centre swimming pool

Sleaford Leisure Centre

More than 30 group exercise classes every week from yoga to spinning, a state of the art gym, and fantastic 25m swimming pool on the waterfront in Sleaford.

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Sleaford Museum

Sleaford Museum

Award-winning Sleaford Museum explores the history of Sleaford’s past, its people and the local area through informative, well-researched exhibitions.

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Sleaford Playhouse Theatre

As one of only two Georgian theatres with a small, rectangular auditorium in Britain, you're invited to explore its history and see the events on offer.

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Terry O'Toole Theatre

Terry O’Toole Theatre

An intimate, 200 seat arts theatre in the Lincoln suburb of North Hykeham with a vibrant year-long programme of performing arts.

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Natural World Centre

The Natural World Centre

Discover the world of wildlife in Whisby Nature Park and enjoy children’s adventure play and a delicious cafe at the Natural World Centre.

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Welbourn Forge

Welbourn Forge

Traditional ironworking in a Victorian forge located in the heart of the village of Welbourn, dating back to 1864.

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A group of walkers in some woods at Witham Valley Country Park

Witham Valley Country Park

A connection of green parks and open spaces rich in wildlife and history, perfect for walking or cycling between.

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Other venues

Bike Hire at Giant

Hire a bike and head out from Doddington Hall for a picturesque ride through the country or a trip to historic Lincoln.

See more details about Bike Hire at Giant on the Visit Lincoln website

Daisy Made Farm

Real dairy ice cream made fresh on the farm! Call in and see for yourself, just how good proper ice cream can be.​

See more details about Daisy Made Farm on the Daisy Made Farm website

Doddington Hall & Gardens

A privately owned, fine late Elizabethan Mansion with stunning gardens, located just outside Lincoln.

See more details about Doddington Hall & Gardens on the Doddington Hall website

Georgie Twigg Track

Off-road cycle route between Lincoln and Doddington Hall named after Lincoln-born, Olympic gold medalist Georgie Twigg MBE.

See more details about Georgie Twigg Track on the Visit Lincoln website

Leadenham Polo Club

One of the finest polo fields in the country offering lessons and competitions in polo.

See more details about Leadenham Polo Club on the Visit Lincoln website

Lincoln Aviation Trail

Lincoln has a rich aviation heritage stretching from the UK's early aviation history through to the present day. Explore this hidden side of Lincoln with the Aviation Trail.

See more details about Lincoln Aviation Trail on the Visit Lincoln website

RAF Digby Lima Sector Operations Room

Learn about RAF Digby’s role in during WWII in the faithfully restored Ops Room is as it was in October 1939 prior to the Battle of Britain.

See more details about RAF Digby Lima Sector Operations Room on the Visit Lincolnshire website

RAF Waddington

Located four miles south of Lincoln, RAF Waddington is a busy operational airfield and home to a fascinating Heritage Centre.

See more details about RAF Waddington on the Visit Lincoln website

Water Rail Way Cycle Route

Take a walk or cycle ride along the Water Rail Way: a purpose built trail linking Lincoln to Boston with a range of artwork along the route.

See more details about Water Rail Way Cycle Route on the Visit Lincoln website
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