Heart of Lincs Newsletter - October 2026

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Celebrating Lincolnshire Day – 1st October

On 1 October, we celebrate Lincolnshire Day, an opportunity to recognise the rich history, heritage and traditions that make our county so special. For North Kesteven, it’s a chance to champion everything that makes the Heart of Lincs unique, from our historic attractions and picturesque villages to our award-winning local produce and beautiful countryside.

IBCC2025

IBCC, 2025

The day marks the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Uprising of 1536, while also providing an opportunity to celebrate the county we know and love today. Across North Kesteven, residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to show their county pride, fly the iconic Lincolnshire flag, support local businesses and explore the heritage and landscapes on their doorstep.

Whether it's enjoying a traditional Lincolnshire sausage, visiting a local attraction or simply taking in the stunning scenery, Lincolnshire Day is the perfect reminder of what makes our corner of the county such a fantastic place to live, work and visit.


Spooky Season Arrives Across the Heart of Lincs

Autumn is here, and with it comes a packed programme of pumpkin picking, family trails, creative crafts and Halloween fun. Whether you're searching for the perfect pumpkin, solving a spooky mystery or enjoying some half-term activities, there is something for all ages to enjoy this October. 

🎃 Throughout October: Pick Your Own Pumpkins at Doddington Hall & Gardens

Discover Doddington's Pumpkin Patch, featuring around 30 varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds. Follow the spooky route through the Kitchen Garden, hunt for hidden golden-bottomed pumpkins and be in with a chance of winning festive prizes.

doddington

 Entry is free, with pumpkins available to purchase from £4. Wellies are strongly recommended, and Halloween fancy dress is warmly encouraged. 

🧹 Throughout October: Widdershins Witch Hunt at Cogglesford Watermill

Join the Widdershins Witch Hunt every Friday to Monday throughout October, from 12pm to 4pm.

Search the historic watermill for hidden witches, collect clues and crack the secret code in this free family-friendly Halloween trail. 

It's a fantastic way to explore one of Lincolnshire's most fascinating historic buildings while enjoying some seasonal spooky fun. 

🎃 Weekends from 3 October and Daily During Half-Term: Coleby PYO Pumpkins 

Tackle the five-acre maize maze, hunt for clues, and enjoy the spooky woodland walk leading to the pumpkin patch at Coleby PYO Pumpkins.  

Open on selected weekends throughout October and daily during half-term, it's the perfect place to pick your pumpkin and enjoy seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and homemade cakes. 

🎃 Saturday 24 October: Sleaford Pumpkin Fest 

On Saturday 24 October, Sleaford Pumpkin Fest brings Halloween fun into the town centre with a pop-up pumpkin patch and a host of free family activities from 11am to 3pm. 

Visitors can enjoy a pumpkin giveaway, follow a themed trail and take part in a range of activities designed to get everyone into the Halloween spirit. It's a great opportunity to enjoy some festive fun while supporting the town centre. 

🕸️ Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November: October Half-Term Crafts at Mrs Smith's Cottage 

Looking for something creative during half-term? Mrs Smith's Cottage is hosting a programme of family-friendly craft activities from 24 October to 1 November. 

Taking place in the learning centre and open Fridays to Mondays from 12pm to 3pm, visitors can enjoy colouring, cut-and-stick activities and seasonal creations suitable for younger children. Activities are included with admission, although advance booking is recommended. 

🦇 Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November: Halloween Weekend at Heckington Windmill 

Round off the Halloween season with a visit to Heckington Windmill's Halloween Weekend, running from Friday 30 October through to Sunday 1 November. 

Expect pumpkins, spiders, competitions and a special children's hunt around the grounds. The historic windmill provides a unique backdrop for some family-friendly spooky fun and is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween weekend. 


Dog-Friendly Days Out in the Heart of Lincs

We're making it even easier for visitors with four-legged companions to discover the best dog-friendly experiences across the Heart of Lincs.

VW Wellingore

Viking Way, Wellingore

Businesses that welcome dogs can now display our Dog Friendly Heart of Lincs window sticker, helping visitors quickly spot places where their canine companions are welcome. Visitors can also look out for the dog-friendly badge on our website, which highlights dog-friendly attractions, accommodation, cafés, pubs, walks and trails.

With more people choosing to travel with their dogs than ever before, this initiative helps showcase the fantastic welcome available across North Kesteven. Encourage your visitors to keep an eye out for the sticker and badge when planning their next adventure, and help them discover everything the Heart of Lincs has to offer, paws and all!

Find out more here, and look out for the Dog Friendly Heart of Lincs badge and window sticker.


Events & activities in October


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

Coleby PYO Pumpkins & Maize Maze

Pick Your Own Pumpkins: Doddington Hall

Widdershins Witch Hunt: Family Halloween Trail: Cogglesford Watermill


Saturday 03 October

Sleaford Farmer's Market: Eastgate Car Park

Milling & Baking: Heckington Windmill

Youngwilders Project Launch: Doddington Hall


Sunday 04 October

Sleaford Charity & Community Car Boot Sale: Eastgate Car Park

Riverside Guardians: Navigation House

Open Day: North Ings Farm Museum & Railway


Monday 05 October

Craft Club: Hub, Sleaford


Tuesday 06 October

A Love Letter to Trees: Doddington Hall


Wednesday 07 October

Tai Chi on Eastgate Green: Hub, Sleaford

Cogglesford Watermill: Dusky Wildlife and Ghostly Tales Walk: Meet at Eastgate Car Park


Thursday 08 October

The Life and Work of John Betjeman and his Links with Lincolnshire: Lincoln Central Library


Friday 09 October

The Singing Windmill Steampunk Society: Heckington Windmill

Queen: One Vision: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Sunday 11 October

Traditional Milling Day: Cogglesford Watermill

Lincolnshire Film Archive - Preserving Local History on Film: Museum of Lincolnshire Life


Friday 16 October

Old Herbaceous: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Saturday 17 October

Oktoberfest: The Venue, Navenby


Friday 23 October

‘Winnie-the-Pooh’: 100 Years of Childhood Memories – Children’s Trail and Activities: Navigation House

NavenBees Toddler Group: Mrs Smith's Cottage


Saturday 24 October

Sleaford Pumpkin Fest: Market Place

Free Guided History Tours: Cogglesford Watermill

The Three Musketeers: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Tuesday 27 October

NextGen Rewilders: Outdoor Adventure: Doddington Hall


Wednesday 28 October

Autumn Explorers: Doddington Hall


Friday 30 October

Halloween Weekend: Heckington Windmill

Autumn Art & Mindful Monsters: Doddington Hall

Sinful Scoundrels: Sleaford Playhouse Theatre


Saturday 31 October

Brick Lincs 2026: Lincoln Christ Hospital School


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

This month - a fantastic spooky display at the Coleby PYO Pumpkins & Maize Maze.

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

Coleby PYO Pumpkins