Things to do in Lincoln, England: The Best Museums

The award winning IBCC opened to the public for the first time on the 30th January 2018. The site includes the one of the UK's tallest War Memorials, The Spire, which stands out on Lincoln's skyline at 31.09m tall, the same height as the wingspan of a Lancaster Bomber. The Spire is surrounded by curved walls which carry the names of 57,871 men and women who gave their lives whilst in the service of Bomber Command during WW2. The Spire is set in 10 acres of landscaped peace gardens, one which represents Lincolnshire's contribution to the war and one that recognizes the involvement of 62 nations in Bomber Command. The Chadwick Centre provides all our visitor facilities and hosts three exhibition galleries covering our core themes of Recognition, Remembrance and Reconciliation. There is also an education suite and facilities for corporate hospitality. Children's trails and craft sessions available. The site is free to visit but tickets are needed to gain access to the Exhibition.

Situated in the heart of historic Lincoln, The Collection brings together Lincoln's archaeology museum and the Usher Gallery in one fantastic visitor centre. The Collection includes a wealth of artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Saxon, Viking and Medieval eras as well as fine, decorative and contemporary visual arts. Now Open.....Play at The Collection is a free activity centre, bright and engaging; there's lots for younger children to do and a safe play space for babies. There is also plenty for older children to do in the museum including interactives, mosaic making and trails to follow. Enjoy our newly refurbished cafe run by Lincoln's premier tea and coffee specialists, Stokes of Lincoln.

MUSEUM CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Following Government advice re the Coronavirus (Covid-19) we regret that we have decided to close the museum to the public until further notice. As soon as a decision is made to re-open we will let you know. PLEASE ALSO NOTE The Easter Transport Festival (12 April) based at our museum is cancelled. We will not be taking part in the Discover Lincoln weekend event (28 / 29 March) - please check with other venues for their situation. The classic car rally at Lincoln Castle (31 May) is cancelled. Our Annual General Meeting in May is postponed and a new date will be announced later in the year.

Housed in a timbered 16th Century building within the Cathedral Quarter, Harding House Gallery provides a unique and exciting place for artists to exhibit their work. The Co-operative was set up in 1994 by a group of local artists who decided to establish a much needed outlet for the contemporary visual arts in Lincoln, and HHG is now one of the most successful artist’s co-operatives in the country. We are a diverse group of artists or makers of contemporary craft, and between us we are entirely responsible for the staffing and daily functioning of the Gallery. Our members are also active in other areas such as teaching, running workshops, arts consultancy, exhibiting in and supplying galleries and stores around the country, and generally promoting the arts throughout the region. We are open every day from 10am - 5pm, and 11am - 4pm on Sundays (Except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

The RAF Scampton Heritage Centre is housed inside the Annexe offices of the former 617 Sqn Hangar which is an English Heritage Grade II listed building. After a period of extensive renovation work carried out by volunteers, the Heritage Centre re-opened in June 2012. There is now the opportunity to see Wg Cdr Guy Gibsons office as it would have looked like in 1943. The Heritage Centre is open to the public by appointment only. To arrange a visit, please send an email, or use the contact us page on our website. We require a minimum of 14 days notice to complete security screening. We can accommodate groups large or small, including school trips.

Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby is a rare time capsule into a bygone era. Thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund we have restored the cottage to bring it back into use. Keep checking our twitter and Instagram to find out about upcoming events! Reopening on the 21st May 2021. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 12pm to 4pm, please book on the website.

The Wickenby Museum is housed in the first floor of the original Watch Office and is dedicated to the commemoration of the Bomber Boys who flew from RAF Wickenby during WW2. The museum tells the story of RAF Wickenby from opening in 1942 to closing in 1956. Many artefacts form this era form our displays along with an archive of documents and photographs. Research can be undertaken using our archive but prior arrangement is necessary. Downstairs we have a cafe where our menu includes freshly prepared breakfasts, hot favourties like ham, egg & chips, burgers etc, we also have a selection of snacks, hot and cold drinks and freshly baked cakes.