From monsters, monks and manuscripts to Lego dot painting, there are egg-citing activities galore at Lincoln’s heritage sites this month.
Step inside Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison and meet Brother Absalom, the monument’s resident medieval monk.
You’ll uncover the secrets of the scriptorium – where manuscripts were carefully written and illustrated long before the printing press.
Hear gripping tales of strange creatures, daring knights and treacherous princes, and let your imagination run wild as you pick up a pencil and design your very own medieval monster.
Whilst exploring the prison you can also enjoy the largest exhibition of award-winning local photographer Andrew Scott’s work.
‘A Modern Chronicle’ opens on Friday 3 April and collects more than 50 of Andrew’s favourite images - celebrating Lincoln’s architectural beauty, the glow of the city from golden hour to nightfall, and the magic of the changing seasons.
The Monsters, Monks and Manuscripts experience and Modern Chronicle photography exhibition have both been inspired by the Chronica Majora, a beautifully illustrated 13th century manuscript which is currently on display at the castle alongside Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest.
This precious document contains a famous depiction of the 1217 Battle of Lincoln. Don’t miss your chance to see it up close, just a few metres from scene of the battle!
The Monsters, Monks and Manuscripts activity is open daily from Friday 3 to Sunday 19 April. All the activities are included with your castle day ticket or annual pass.
For more hands-on craft activities inspired by our incredible exhibitions, take the short walk down the cobbles of Steep Hill to The Usher, Lincoln’s free public art gallery.
There, you’ll enter a world of General Dynamic F.U.N and discover a celebrated collection of screen-prints by pop-art pioneer, Eduardo Paolozzi.
Don’t miss your chance to take home one of your own works of art by joining a series of Paolozzi-inspired gel plate, lino and Lego dot printing workshops throughout April.
The sessions are suitable for all experience levels, so come along, get creative and try something new! Book your place on the Usher Gallery website. A small charge applies for the gel plate and lino printing sessions.
The Usher Gallery is open Thursday to Monday, and Eduardo Paolozzi: General Dynamic F.U.N is on display until Sunday 7 June.
The printing themed activities roll on at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, where generations of history comes alive through more than 250,000 amazing objects.
Journey back in time at the museum’s Spring into History event on Tuesday 14 April and discover how people once welcomed the new season. Meet Mr Black in his printing workshop, where he will be demonstrating how cards were produced on the 1857 Colombian printing press.
Meet the cook in the Victorian Kitchen as she shares traditional Easter recipes and springtime chores, showing how households prepared for the brighter months ahead.
There will also be hands-on craft activities to enjoy, plus a fun trail around the museum to help young visitors explore and discover more along the way.
Entry to the Spring into History Day is free for adults and just £4 per child. On non-event days entry is free. The museum is open Fridays to Tuesdays, from 10am to 4pm.
Plan your visit
To find out more about the attractions and to plan your visit, head to:
- Lincoln Castle: https://www.lincolncastle.com/
- Museum of Lincolnshire Life: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/history-heritage/museum-lincolnshire-life
- The Usher Gallery: https://www.lincolnmuseum.com/