Families in Lincoln are in for a treat this February half-term as the city's heritage sites come alive with immersive historical adventures and creative activities. From stepping into the shoes of a Victorian journalist to crafting prehistoric creatures, there's something to captivate visitors of all ages.
Become a Victorian Reporter at Lincoln Castle
From Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22, Lincoln Castle transforms into a hub of journalistic discovery. The Victorian Prison within the castle grounds becomes the setting for a unique family-friendly experience where participants help a Victorian reporter capture dramatic prisoner tales for their next big scoop.
Young visitors can pick up a specially designed Lincoln Castle Gazette, complete with clipboards and pencils, to sketch, write, and record their findings. As they follow the stories unfolding around them, children take on the roles of reporter, editor, and illustrator, ultimately creating their own newspaper front page.
Explore Centuries of History
Beyond the prison walls, the adventure continues across the expansive castle grounds. Families can uncover Lincolnshire's rich past through fascinating archaeology displays and discover a thousand years of history right where it happened. All these activities are included with a standard castle day ticket or annual pass, making it an excellent value day out.
Dinosaur Roar at Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Just a short walk from the castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life offers its own exciting half-term programming. On Tuesday, February 17, the museum hosts a special Dinosaur Roar event where children can create their own terrifying T-Rex and vicious Velociraptor using craft supplies.
See History in Action
During this event, visitors can witness an authentic Victorian printing press from 1857 in operation. This remarkable machine was used by Mr. Doncaster, a Lincoln printer on Silver Street, until 1969, offering a tangible connection to the city's industrial heritage.
Entry to the Dinosaur Roar Day is completely free for adults and costs just £4 per child. On non-event days, museum admission remains free. The museum operates from Fridays to Tuesdays, opening its doors from 10am to 4pm.
Artistic Adventures at Usher Gallery
The cultural journey continues at Lincoln's free public art gallery, where families can participate in the Kids in Museums Art School Trail. Visitors collect a trail sheet and embark on a creative journey around the Usher Gallery, with each stop presenting a new artistic challenge inspired by the gallery's amazing artworks.
Those who complete all the challenges receive a free sticker as a souvenir. The Usher Gallery is the only venue across the region offering this special activity, making it a unique opportunity for local families. The gallery welcomes visitors from 10am to 4pm, Thursday through Monday, with free admission for all.
Celebrating Lincolnshire's Heritage
Will Mason, head of culture at Lincolnshire County Council, emphasised the importance of these family-focused initiatives: "School holidays represent crucial moments for connecting with families. By filling our cultural spaces with live storytelling and creative activities, we're not merely opening doors - we're providing memorable experiences that visitors can take home with them."
"These family fun days truly bring Lincolnshire's incredible heritage to life while ensuring it remains exciting for new generations. I hope everyone enjoys their days out this half-term, packed with history, creativity, and adventure for the whole family," Mason added.
Additional Cultural Attractions
While exploring the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, visitors shouldn't miss the Beneath Big Skies art exhibition featuring stunning oil paintings by local artist Robin Wheeldon. This exhibition celebrates the county's proud rural and industrial heritage through beautiful artistic interpretations.
With multiple venues offering complementary experiences, families can easily plan a full day of educational entertainment that combines historical discovery with creative expression, all within walking distance of each other in Lincoln's cultural quarter.
