Heart of Lincs Newsletter - January 2025

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Happy New Year from the Tourism Team!

As we welcome 2025, we want to thank you for exploring, supporting, and celebrating all the wonderful things our District has to offer. Here’s to another year of adventures, discoveries, and cherished memories in the Heart of Lincs.


Embrace Winter in North Kesteven

Winter in North Kesteven is a magical time to connect with nature and marvel at the beauty of the season. Whether you’re seeking serene walks or captivating night skies, this is the perfect opportunity to explore and unwind.

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A frosty Lincolnshire Field

Winter Walks: North Kesteven offers picturesque walking routes that truly come alive in the colder months. Whisby Nature Park is a haven for winter wanderers, with its frost-tipped reeds, tranquil lakes, and an array of birds that thrive in this season.

For those who prefer a mix of nature and heritage, the Sleaford Riverside Heritage Trail provides a peaceful route along the River Slea. The trail is just a mile long, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Begin at Navigation House and follow the southern waypoints, or start at Cogglesford Watermill and head north. Whichever direction you choose, take time to explore both sites when open.


New Year, New Adventures

Embrace the new year with a fresh commitment to your well-being and an active lifestyle with energetic and exciting activities in North Kesteven.

For those focusing on fitness, the District offers a wealth of opportunities to stay active. Explore scenic cycling routes that weave through picturesque landscapes or visit one of the leisure centres in the area which provide a variety of activities such as aqua fit and spinning:


Cosy Escapes

Embrace the charm of winter with a cosy escape in the Heart of Lincs. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of warm and inviting places to stay. Choose from charming countryside B&Bs, quaint cottages, or unique accommodations like converted barns. Dibley Cabin and Mayfield Vineyard are standout options, offering a mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. 

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Watergate Yard, Sleaford

For something truly special, consider Watergate Yard in Sleaford, recent winners of the TV programme Four in a Bed, where exceptional hospitality meets stylish and comfortable surroundings.

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The Garden Tea Room, North Hykeham

After a day of exploring, unwind at one of the area’s welcoming pubs or cafés; sip a hot drink by a roaring fireplace or enjoying a hearty meal crafted from seasonal ingredients. Visit Market Square Cafe in Sleaford for their indulgent hot chocolates or head to The Horseshoes in Silk Willoughby, where you can relax by a crackling fire with a classic pub meal. For coffee and cake, try The Garden Tea Room in North Hykeham, known for its cosy atmosphere and homemade treats. These cosy havens are perfect for warming up after outdoor adventures, adding a touch of comfort to your winter escape.


Community Focus

Why not start the new year by giving back and connecting with your local community? There are many opportunities to make a difference while meeting like-minded people. Why not volunteer your time at one of the area’s cherished venues, such as Sleaford Museum, where you can help preserve and share local history, or other venues in North Kesteven which rely on community support to thrive? For a list of opportunities from North Kesteven District Council, visit Volunteering Opportunities at NKDC.

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Volunteers at Cogglesford Watermill, Sleaford


Feature in our newsletter header

Have you taken a beautiful photo of the district that you'd like to share?

Wintry Millennium Green - Gina Johnson Hirt

Email heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk with your favourite photo and you could feature in our next newsletter.

This month's photo was sent to us by Gina JH - a wintery Millennium Green,



Events & Activities in January

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Weekly & ongoing throughout January

Exhibitions, Workshops, Clubs and Dance Programme: Hub-Sleaford

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

High Flying Women Exhibition: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Fri-Mon, 10am-2:30pm

Uncovering Sleaford Castle Exhibition: Navigation House, Fri-Mon, 10am-2pm


Wednesday 1 January

Ruskington Wellbeing Walk: Church Bridge, 1:30pm-3pm


Thursday 2 January

Wellbeing Walks: Branston, Waddington, Skellingthorpe & Sleaford


Friday 3 January

Wellbeing Walks: Metheringham, Navenby & Whisby


Saturday 4 January

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Eastgate Car Park, 9am-2pm

Junior Wardens Club: Whisby Nature Park, 10am

Coffee Morning for Good Causes: Ruskington Methodist Church, 10am-12pm


Sunday 5 January

Riverside Guardians: Navigation House, 10am


Monday 6 January

North Hykeham Wellbeing Walk: One NK, 10am-11:30am


Tuesday 7 January

Wellbeing Walks: Sleaford, Walcott, Martin, Heckington & Leasingham


Wednesday 8 January

Open Pottery Hub Induction: Hub, Sleaford, 1pm-3pm


Thursday 9 January

Wellbeing Walks: Waddington, Skellingthorpe & Sleaford


Friday 10 January

The Singing Windmill Steampunk Society: Heckington Windmill, 6pm


Saturday 11 January

Wildlife Watch: Whisby Nature Park, 10am-11:30am


Sunday 12 January

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm


Monday 13 January

North Hykeham Wellbeing Walk: One NK, 10am-11:30am

Visually Impaired Wellbeing Walk: Whisby Nature Park, 10:30am-11:30am


Tuesday 14 January

Wellbeing Walks: Sleaford, Walcott, Martin, Heckington & Leasingham


Wednesday 15 January

Ruskington Wellbeing Walk: Church Bridge, 1:30pm-3pm


Thursday 16 January

Talk: Highlands and Islands of Scotland: Whisby Nature Park, 7.30-9.30pm


Sunday 19 January

Ride Beyond - Giant Store Lincoln: Doddington Hall, 10am-4pm


Friday 24 January

Big Garden Birdwatch: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm


Saturday 25 January

Big Garden Birdwatch: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm

Big Garden Birdwatch: Mrs Smith's Cottage, 12pm-3pm


Sunday 26 January

Wedding Open Day: Doddington Hall, 12-3pm

Big Garden Birdwatch: Cogglesford Watermill, 12pm-4pm


Monday 27 January

North Hykeham Wellbeing Walk: One NK, 10am-11:30am


Thursday 30 January

Lecture & Supper Series – My Father’s Story: IBCC, 6.30-9.30pm


Save the Date in February

Spring Bulb Pageant: Doddington Hall, Wed 5 Jan, 10am

Exploring Lincolnshire’s ‘Gilbert Country’: Hub, Sleaford. Sat 8 Feb, 2pm


Have an event for our 'What's On' calendar?

Send us an email: heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk