The 7 Best Free Things to do in Sleaford, England

Cogglesford Watermill, dating back to Saxon times, is thought to be the only Sherriff's watermill still in operation in England. The Mill lies in a picturesque setting on the River Slea in the historic market town of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, close to the town centre and all its amenities. Although the present Mill was mainly built in the early 18th Century, millers have produced flour on this site for over 1,000 years. This award winning, three storey building has a low breast shot water wheel and two sets of millstones. You can watch the Mill in operation on special event days, producing stone ground flour as it would have been 200 years ago. Video footage of the milling process can be seen when the Mill is not in operation. Discover the fascinating characters and events that shaped its history from its Anglo Saxon origins to the present day. Please note this is not the TripAdvisor Page for the restaurant which is located next to the mill.

Royal Air Force College Cranwell (the first Military Air Academy in the world) is probably the most famous landmark in Royal Air Force (RAF) history. The Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre portrays the fascinating story of this historic establishment from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the current day. Discover the history of the RAF Cranwell/RAF College Cranwell through artefacts, story boards, displays and exhibits. Try your hand on our interactive exhibits including a flight simulator where you can attempt to land a Jet Provost on the runway at RAF Cranwell before your fuel runs out!

This impressive, refurbished original canal company office, built in 1838, is a Grade-II listed building standing in the old public wharf area, now known as Navigation Yard, off Carre Street. The building, thought to be the only one of its kind still in existence, has a heritage theme covering the early development of the new River Slea and portrays the story of the Navigation in Sleaford.

From small seeds has grown a superb national centre. In the beautiful setting of Navigation Wharf in Sleaford sits an old seed warehouse. But it’s not what you’d expect, for this converted warehouse is home to British craft and design. We are the largest venue in England entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration, support and promotion of national and international contemporary craft and design. Under one roof, our five gallery spaces showcase up to 20 world-class exhibitions every year from the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists to new and emerging talent. Our stimulating learning programme inspires people of all ages, skills and interest levels and our shop is a cultural haven for the latest contemporary handmade products. We are also home to Design Factory, the UK’s leading professional development organisation for British designer-makers and artsNK, the country’s largest rural arts development agency that specialises in visual and performing arts projects.