Lincolnshire’s cultural attractions generate £15m for the economy in one year
Sites like Lincoln Castle and local libraries bring educational, economic, and social value
Lincolnshire’s cultural venues contributed £15m to the local economy last year, with 1.5 million visits recorded across award-winning attractions.
A new report has highlighted the economic and cultural impact of sites including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Museum, The Usher Gallery, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, and The Museum of Lincolnshire Life.
Lincoln Castle alone generated £11m, with sell-out events like Live at Lincoln Castle concerts and the Illuminated light spectacle drawing visitors from across the globe. It also features historic displays, including the internationally significant Magna Carta.
Education and community impact
The council’s cultural attractions also play a key role in education, with more than 20,000 schoolchildren annually participating in its award-winning learning programme. Workshops aim to inspire young minds with hands-on experiences tied to the region’s heritage.
Libraries across Lincolnshire contribute socially, generating more than £25m in social value between April 2024 and March 2025. They improve quality of life, boost educational achievement, and even relieve pressure on medical services.
Family-friendly library events like Costume Creator workshops have become popular, allowing children to dive into their favourite stories like The Hungry Caterpillar and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while crafting costumes of beloved characters.
Future developments
The economic impact of regional attractions is set to rise with the £1.7m redevelopment of Lincoln Museum, scheduled to reopen next year. The venue, featured on VisitEngland’s 2026 hotlist, will include a new archaeology gallery with interactive displays and hands-on experiences, showcasing the region’s history in engaging ways.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“From exploring 1,000 years of history at our stunning castle, to honouring the brave heroes who defended our country from Lincolnshire’s airfields at The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, our cultural attractions do an incredible job of celebrating Lincolnshire’s proud heritage.
“While we know how loved the sites are by schoolchildren, other local residents and tourists alike, this report goes further, underlining the vital economic and cultural benefits they bring to our great county.
“Generating £15m to Lincolnshire’s economy is a great achievement, but there is even more to come. I know lots of people are as excited as I am to see Lincoln Museum re-open next year, with a brand-new gallery inviting visitors to explore our incredible heritage like never before.”
The report will be discussed by councillors at the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting on 5th December 2025.