Heart of Lincs Newsletter - April 2026

April HoL newsletter header220511-JA1 Granicus Tourism Header 2

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum – Spring Refresh Round‑Up

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is spending the week unveiling a series of exciting improvements ahead of its reopening on Friday 3 April. The café has been completely refreshed, now offering a brighter, more welcoming space and a delicious new selection of locally sourced drinks, cakes and light bites. The courtyard and café are now dog‑friendly, giving visitors the chance to relax with their four‑legged companions.

CAHM exterior

Their Gallantry in the Air is on display, sharing powerful stories of courage and heroism in aviation history. The museum’s retail area has also been updated with aviation‑inspired gifts and local products, while refurbished visitor toilets further enhance the experience. New team members have joined the crew, ready to welcome visitors back.

The team look forward to inviting everyone to explore its refreshed spaces and new displays.


Easter Family Fun Across North Kesteven

North Kesteven is bursting with family activities this Easter! Festivities begin on Friday 3 April, with Easter crafts at Navigation House running from 3–6 April, alongside the inspiring Women in Power: Great English Queens and Rulers trail, which continues until 20 April. Also on the 3rd, The Venue in Navenby hosts its annual Easter fete and egg hunt—booking is essential for this popular event. Over at Whisby Nature Park, families can enjoy the Easter Eggstravaganza, and the International Bomber Command Centre launches its Animals of War Spring Trail, available throughout the holiday period until 19 April.

Easter Event

The excitement continues on Saturday 4 April, when Sleaford’s Easter Garden brings seasonal crafts, a fun-filled Easter trail with chocolate prizes, and picture-perfect photo opportunities. From the same date, both Cogglesford Watermill and Mrs Smith’s Cottage invite families to explore their Easter trails and enjoy seasonal crafts, running right through to 19 April.

Throughout the school holidays, there’s plenty happening across the district. The Hub in Sleaford offers a fantastic programme of workshops, art activities, and dance sessions—well worth checking their website for the latest details. Back at Whisby Nature Park, families can also join a special spring activity session on 8 April in the Education Centre. Rounding off the season, Heckington Windmill opens for Easter with a free trail through its grounds, making for a perfect spring day out.


The Viking Way Turns 50! Share Your Stories

The much‑loved Viking Way celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, and Lincolnshire County Council is marking the occasion by gathering memories from the people who know it best. Whether you've completed the full 149‑mile route or simply enjoyed a peaceful wander along one of its many stretches, they’d love to hear what made your walk special.

Perhaps it was a favourite viewpoint, spotting wildlife along the path, or a memorable day out with friends and family. These shared stories and photographs will help bring the Viking Way to life for new walkers and inspire others to explore this iconic trail.

To submit your memories, visit www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/vikingway50  For maps, directions and shorter walks, head to Viking Way - Visit Lincolnshire


Explore more in North Kesteven with the new Visitor Guide and updated Airfield Trail

Visitor Guide

Discover more of North Kesteven with two freshly updated resources now available to help you plan your next adventure.

The newly updated North Kesteven Airfield Trail invites you to explore the district’s remarkable aviation heritage, with key sites highlighted across the area for you to visit and enjoy.

Alongside this, the Heart of Lincs Visitor Guide is now available—packed with inspiration, venue information, and ideas for days out across our beautiful district.

You can pick up both publications from your local tourism venues or request copies to be posted to you by emailing heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk.

 

 

Events & activities in April


Weekly & ongoing throughout the month

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

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

Spring Bulb Pageant: Doddington Hall, until 26 April

Gallantry in the Air Exhibition: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum


Wednesday 01 April

Wuthering Heights: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Thursday 02 April

Lecture & Supper Series - RAF Bomber Command in 1945: IBCC


Friday 03 April

Eggstravaganza Family Activity Session: Whisby Nature Park

Easter Fete with Egg Hunt: The Venue, Navenby


Saturday 04 April

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Eastgate Car Park

Sleaford's Easter Garden: Market Place

Milling and Steaming: Heckington Windmill


Sunday 5 April

Riverside Guardians: Navigation House

Rauceby Easter Egg Hunt: Rauceby Hall Pleasure Gardens


Tuesday 07 April

Drop-In Making Activities: Hub, Sleaford


Wednesday 08 April

Spring Family Activity Session: Whisby Nature Park


Thursday 09 April

A Peek in the Pond: Doddington Hall


Friday 10 April

NavenBees Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage

The Singing Windmill Steampunk Society: Heckington Windmill


Sunday 12 April

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill


Friday 24 April

NavenBees Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage


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

As April brings longer days and lighter skies, enjoy this glimpse of washday life at Mrs Smith’s Cottage, where everyday tasks from the past come vividly to life.

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

MSC Washday

Spring Washday at Mrs Smith's Cottage