Heart of Lincs Newsletter - August 2026

August header220511-JA1 Granicus Tourism Header 2

Summer Holiday Activities Across the Heart of Lincs

Looking for ways to keep the family entertained this summer? There are plenty of activities taking place across the Heart of Lincs throughout the school holidays.  

MSC Kids Crafts

Summer Crafts at Mrs Smith's Cottage

Until 31 August, visitors to Mrs Smith’s Cottage can enjoy summer holiday crafts in the learning centre, with colouring, cut-and-stick activities and creative projects included with admission. Don't miss their special Washday Weekend from 14-17 August, where you can have a go at doing laundry the old-fashioned way!

From 1 August, Heckington Windmill begins its extended summer opening, with a special milling and steaming day taking place on Saturday 1 August, offering visitors the chance to see traditional milling in action. 

Head to Navigation House, Sleaford, for a free children's trail exploring the fascinating question: King John – Was He the Worst English King? Young visitors can discover the highs and lows of King John's reign and cast their vote at the end of the trail, until 10 August. From 14-31 August, create your own prints inspired by the incredible life of local man Herbert Ingram, the father of pictorial journalism.

Sleaford on Sea beach

Sleaford On Sea

Sleaford-on-Sea is back in Sleaford Market Place until 23 August. Enjoy free family fun in the sand with buckets, spades and deckchairs provided. Plus, join the family fun day on Saturday 8 August for free seaside entertainment, including a Helter Skelter, bubbles, balloons and stalls. 

Throughout the holidays, The Hub, Sleaford, will also be hosting a range of drop-in creative workshops, including Seed Packet Designer, Textile Landscape, Treasure Map Adventure and Paper Windmill Sails. 

Meanwhile, at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), visitors can take part in a free summer trail celebrating 90 years of Bomber Command until 6 September, discovering hidden wartime personnel around the site and learning about the many roles that supported each operation. 

For those looking for some outdoor adventures, check the events calendar for Doddington Hall, which includes Critter Quests, Little Explorer sessions, Shakespeare on the Lawn, and much more!

Discover why we're WOW about Whisby, with activities, crafts, guided walks and exhibitions organised by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Natural World Centre, at the Wonders of Whisby Weekend on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.


Salute to the 1940s at the IBCC

Step back in time at the IBCC's free Salute to the 1940s Weekend on 8–9 August. This ever-popular event features live 1940s entertainment, re-enactors, vintage vehicles, trade stands, children's activities and themed talks throughout the weekend. 

IBCC

Salute to the 1940s, IBCC

Highlights include a free 1940s celebration concert with Johnny Victory on Saturday afternoon, making it a fantastic family day out for history enthusiasts and vintage lovers alike. Entry is free, with parking charges applying. 


Dog Friendly Heart of Lincs Campaign Continues This Summer

Our Dog Friendly Heart of Lincs campaign got off to a great start at Heckington Show, and we're keeping it going throughout the summer! 

Dog friendly

You might spot the Heart of Lincs team popping up at dog-friendly venues and attractions across the district. If you see us, come and say hello and tell us about your favourite dog walks, places to visit, cafes, pubs and days out with your four-legged friends. 

Can't catch us in person? We'd still love to hear from you. Send your recommendations to heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk and help us create our new Dog Friendly page on the Heart of Lincs website, showcasing some of the top doggy days out in the district!      


Tour of Britain comes to Lincolnshire

Save the date for 2-3 September 2026 as the Lloyds Tour of Britain comes to Lincolnshire. This prestigious national cycling event will bring world-class riders, exciting race-day atmosphere and thousands of spectators to the county, creating a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything Lincolnshire has to offer. 

Bicycle

Whether you're planning to cheer on the riders or explore the area during the event, make sure you're prepared for temporary road closures and increased visitor numbers along the route. Find out more about the event, route information and visitor guidance at Visit Lincolnshire's Tour of Britain page. 

If you're a tourism business, now is the perfect time to start planning how you can make the most of the additional visitors the event will attract. Download the Tour of Britain Lincolnshire Business Toolkit for ideas, resources and promotional materials to help you get involved. 

MSC Bike

Electric Bike at Mrs Smith's Cottage

Feeling inspired to cycle? Mrs Smith's Cottage in Navenby offers electric bike hire, giving you a great way to explore the local countryside.   


Events & activities in August


Weekly & ongoing throughout the month

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

Weekly Wellbeing Walks: Across North Kesteven

Gallantry in the Air Exhibition: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum

Sculpture at Doddington and Young Sculptor Exhibition: Doddington Hall, until 06 September

90 Years of Bomber Command Summer Trail: IBCC, starts 11 July


Saturday 01 August

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Eastgate Car Park

Milling and Steaming: Heckington Windmill


Sunday 02 August

Sleaford Charity & Community Car Boot Sale: Eastgate Car Park

Riverside Guardians: Navigation House

Museum Open Day: North Ings Farm Museum & Railway


Wednesday 05 August

Critter Quest: Mini-Beast Safari: Doddington Hall

Shakespeare on the Lawn: Othello: Doddington Hall


Thursday 06 August

Family Pottery Throwing Taster: Hub, Sleaford

Shakespeare on the Lawn: Othello: Doddington Hall


Friday 07 August

Wild Summer Whisby: Wildflowers: Whisby Nature Park


Saturday 08 August

Salute to the 40s Weekend: IBCC

Sleaford-on-Sea Family Fun Day: Market Place


Sunday 09 August

Salute to the 40s Weekend: IBCC

The Venue Summer Social: Navenby

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill


Tuesday 11 August

Drop-in Making Activities: Treasure Map Adventure: Hub, Sleaford


Wednesday 12 August

Little Explorers: Tiny Trackers & Rewilding Play: Doddington Hall

Wilder Safari: Doddington Hall


Friday 14 August

Pond Dipping Adventure: Doddington Hall

'Printing & Politics' - the Life of Herbert Ingram & Activities: Navigation House

NavenBees Toddler Group - Wash Day: Mrs Smith's Cottage

Wash Day Weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage

The Singing Windmill Steampunk Society: Heckington Windmill


Saturday 15 August

Wash Day Weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage

Ruskington Youth Day: Parkfield Playing Field


Sunday 16 August

Wash Day Weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Monday 17 August

Wash Day Weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Tuesday 18 August

Drop-In Making Activities: Seed Packet Designer: Hub, Sleaford


Thursday 20 August

Creative Creatures: Wild Art Masterclass: Doddington Hall

Make, Create, Discover!: Hub, Sleaford


Saturday 22 August

Wonders of Whisby Weekend: Whisby Nature Park

Free Guided History Tours: Cogglesford Watermill


Sunday 23 August

Make a Willow Basket: Hub, Sleaford

Wonders of Whisby Weekend: Whisby Nature Park


Monday 24 August

Wilder Wanders: Butterfly Explorers: Doddington Hall


Tuesday 25 August

Drop-In Making Activities: Textile Landscape: Hub, Sleaford

Twilight Wedding Open Evening: Doddington Hall


Thursday 27 August

Wild Summer Whisby: Family Pond Dipping: Whisby Nature Park


Friday 28 August

NavenBees Toddler Group: Garden Games: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Saturday 29 August

Summer Taste-Off: Cogglesford Watermill

Garden Games Weekend: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Sunday 30 August

1940s Day: Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre


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

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


Get involved in Heritage

NKDC 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

Part of the beautiful display in the NKDC marquee at Heckington Show.

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

heckington