Heart of Lincs Newsletter - January 2026

Heart of Lincs Newsletter Header January 2026220511-JA1 Granicus Tourism Header 2
2026 Happy New Year from Heart of Lincs

New Year adventures in North Kesteven

Kick off 2026 with fresh experiences, winter walks, and exciting events across the district.


Winter walks and wellness

With 94% of North Kesteven classified as green space, the district is a sanctuary for nature lovers and outdoor explorers alike. See some ideas below for a fresh winter walk, select the walks for detailed maps and guides.

  • Whisby Nature Park: Family-friendly trails around lakes and wildlife hides. Try the 3.2-mile Thorpe & Willow Lake trail or the Grebe Lake loop
  • The Viking Way: Fancy a longer challenge? Embark on this historic long-distance path, with sections crossing North Kesteven
  • Hill Holt Wood: A community-managed woodland with nature trails, wildlife habitats, and outdoor learning. As part of the Countryside NK partnership, it’s a great place to connect with nature.

After your walk, reward yourself with a hot drink or delicious bite in one of the District's cafés for the perfect winter pick-me-up. Find some food and drink spots on our website

Waddington Viking Way

Viking Way at Waddington

Stay warm and active this January. Local leisure centres are open with pools, gyms, and great fitness classes waiting for you. Why not visit One NK in North Hykeham or Sleaford Leisure centre in Sleaford.

For more health and wellbeing activity, come along to our healthy heart event on Saturday 21 February at Sleaford Market Place, for free diabetes and cholesterol tests, health and wellbeing focused stalls and some free entertainment.

One NK Swimming Pool

One NK swimming pool


Milling, Heritage & History

See Cogglesford Watermill in full working order at their monthly milling day on Sunday 11 January, 12pm–3:30pm, as staff and volunteers grind fresh stoneground flour. Enjoy tours, catch up in the gift shop, and follow-up with a riverside stroll. Donations welcome.

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum remains closed through January while it receives a refreshed exhibition, café, and retail space, reopening in early March. However, private or school bookings are still available, they're also actively recruiting volunteers to join their team. Email the team to enquire

Milling at Cogglesford Watermill

Milling at Cogglesford Watermill


Family events and experiences

Looking for ways to brighten up January? We’ve got you covered. NavenBEEs Toddler Group at Mrs Smith’s Cottage returns on 9 and 23 January, 11am-12 pm. Nature-themed fun for ages 2–5 with rhymes, crafts, and gardening. £2 per child, parents free. 

Mrs Smith’s Cottage is also open Friday to Monday, 12-4 pm, proudly holding Visit England’s Hidden Gem accolade and the Sandford Award for Education.

On 24 January, explore the cosmos at Wonders of Our Universe - The Next Chapter at Terry O’Toole Theatre, 7:30 pm. Tickets £19–£21.

Mrs Smiths Cottage

Mrs Smith's Cottage


Events & activities in January


Weekly & ongoing throughout the month

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

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

TE Lawrence Exhibition: Navigation House, Friday to Monday


Wednesday 7 January

Wicked: For Good: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre

Open Pottery Hub: Hub


Thursday 8 January

IBCC Lecture & Supper Series - Relative Events - The Air War

Wicked: For Good: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Friday 9 January

The Singing Windmill Steampunk Society: Heckington Windmill


Sunday 11 January

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill


Wednesday 14 January

NT Live: Mrs. Warren's Profession: Sleaford Playhouse


Thursday 15 January

Intro to Padel: Doddington Hall

NT Live: Mrs. Warren's Profession: Sleaford Playhouse


Wednesday 21 January

The Choral: Sleaford Playhouse

Open Pottery Hub: Hub


Thursday 22 January

The Choral: Sleaford Playhouse


Friday 23 January

NavenBEEs Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Saturday 24 January

Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter: Terry O’Toole Theatre

Intro to Padel: Doddington Hall


Monday 26 January

Winter Talks - Rails to the Sea: Heckington Windmill


Sunday 1 February

Hedgelaying Day: Millennium Green


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

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


Get involved in Heritage

North Kesteven is calling for heritage volunteers to support local museums and events.

Whether you enjoy guiding visitors, conservation work, or administrative tasks, opportunities await across the District. Explore volunteer opportunities with NKDC.


Feature in our newsletter header

Capture the beauty of January in North Kesteven - frosty mornings, wildlife, or heritage sites in winter light.

Send us your photos for a chance to feature as next month’s highlight!

View from Cogglesford Watermill

View from Cogglesford Watermill