What to do and see in Lincolnshire, England: The Best History Museums

Open Sundays 1-5pm Easter to October. Bank Holidays 1-5pm. Wednesdays July & August 1-5pm. The centre was formerly part of No.1 Communal Site, RAF Woodhall Spa, and was Built in 1940 with a planned life span of only 10 years!. The site included the Officers and Sergeants Messes, Airmen's Dining Halls and the NAAFI building, together with Ration Store, Latrines and Ablution Block. Only the Airmen's Dining Halls, the NAAFI, Ablution Block and Ration Store are within the Centre's boundary The Thorpe Camp Preservation Group established the Visitor Centre in 1988 to commemorate those Airmen who flew from the airfield in World War II. 97, 619, 617 (Dambusters) and 627 Squadrons were based at RAF Woodhall Spa.

Our role is to make Gainsborough's history and heritage accessible to all. Our archives include information on companies including Marshalls and Rose Brothers, schools, buildings, local newspapers, burials and cemeteries. We have a wide variety of displays and changing exhibitions, well established research room and a small tea room with full facilities. We welcome all visitors and have a lift to provide disabled access to all floors.

The Museum spans that very small period in history from 1830 - 1980 in which the technological revolution took place. The collection traces the progress of electronic and engineered artefacts including telegraphy, telephony, audio, military and civil communications, warfare, photography, scientific and electrical domestic equipment. Many items can be demonstrated including an A & B Telephone and a new exhibit to demonstrate a Military Pedal/Hand Generator. It was used for charging batteries. It has been wired up to a light bulb which can be switched on and off to show how much energy is needed to light the bulb. Kids love to “have a go” so we think this new exhibit will bring a lot of pleasure to both young and old.

Dogdyke steam pumping station was built in 1856 to replace an existing wind-driven pump draining the large area of farmland between the rivers Bain and Witham. The engine, which runs in steam on all the Open Days, is the original external condensing beam-engine built by Bradley & Craven of Wakefield. It is possibly the oldest steam-driven scoop wheel pumping set in the country still in steam.

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.

Built in the 1390's this building is a testament to the wealth and influence of the Guild of St Mary at a time when Boston's power as a centre of trade was second only to London. This wonderfully preserved building, with a wealth of original features, has survived the centuries and is to be enjoyed as one of Boston's finest visitor attractions. A wealth of stories, secrets and experiences are told and shared throughout the building including the history of the Guild of St Mary, international trade with the Hanseatic League, Henry VIII dissolve of the Guild, the foundation of the Corporation of Boston and the very famous trial and imprisonment of the Pilgrim Fathers. The Guildhall is also home to the towns museum collection where displays and exhibitions bring life to the stories told, and a stunning venue for civil ceremonies and private functions.