Lincoln V Brentford

[Aussie Bee]

Things to do in Lincoln after the Bees game 19th April 2008 :)

http://www.lincoln-live.co.uk/

The Cathedral

The 900 year old Cathedral is a must for every visitor to Lincoln. The architecture is stunning inside and out. It is very pleasant to walk around the outside at well as the inside. Voluntary donations are requested by the guides at the entrance. The Choir, the Cloisters and the Chapter House are areas not to miss. There is a well-stocked shop with lots of Lincoln souvenirs, a tea-room and toilets. Guided tours and free information leaflets available. The Cathedral Library holds regular exhibitions throughout the year. Services are held every day, which visitors may attend. Concerts of orchestral, choral or organ music take place most weekends. Open 7.15am - 6.00pm during the Winter. Phone 01522 544544 for further information. or look at our events program for the Cathedral




The Castle

A complete Norman Castle with spectacular views from the top of the walls and the Observatory Tower. Inside the walls is a large grassed area and several buildings which house the County Court and the old Victorian prison. The prison can be viewed and contains waxworks showing the conditions in which prisoners were kept, and it's unique chapel. Also on show is Lincoln's Magna Carta dating from 1215, together with interpretive displays. Gift shop and toilets.

Range of special events throughout the year including medieval battle re-enactments, fireworks displays, Christmas Market etc. Open 9.30am - 4.00pm (Sundays 11.00am-5.30pm). Telephone 01522 511068 for further information or look at our Castle events program

Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Burton Road, Lincoln

The largest Social History Museum in the County It occupies a listed barracks built in 1857 for the Royal North Lincoln Militia. The Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Galleries have been refurbished at a cost of £225,000 and were opened by the Duke of York, HRH Prince Andrew on the 7th April. The new galleries tell the story of the Regiment through interactive displays, computers, videos and An audio tour. The museum also has a wide variety of displays including the interiors of Victorian shops and workshops, chemists, co-operative store, wheelwright etc. The museum contains one of the best agricultural collections in the country. Also and the earliest surviving tank built in Lincoln by William Foster and Co. Ltd. in 1917 is displayed. There are steam engines with occasional steam days. A great place for a rainy afternoon, suitable for all ages. Gift shop, tea room, toilets. Opening times, May to October 10.00am-5.30pm, November to April Monday to Saturday 10.00am-5.30pm, Sundays 2pm-5.30pm. Although not open Sundays in the winter . Temporary exhibitions throughout the year and special events. See monthly listings or telephone the museum for further information
.
Ellis Mill, off Burton Road.

A Glorious 18th century windmill is next door to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life on the top of Lincoln Edge. Ellis windmill is the sole survivor of nine mills in uphill Lincoln and it produces flour every weekend (wind willing). Private parties welcome.
May to September Saturday & Sundays: 2pm to 6pm. October to April Sundays 2pm to Dusk. . For further details telephone 01522 523870.

The Adam and Eve

The Adam and Eve, probably the oldest tavern in Lincoln is a city landmark in the shadow of the Cathedral. It has stood on Lindum Hill opposite the medieval Pottergate Arch for centuries and has been thriving social venue and community centre for at least the last 300 years. Unfortunately it has been under threat of closure but we hope no longer

[Aussie Bee]

The Dambusters

617 Squadron, more popularly known as 'The Dambusters’

Nineteen Lancasters departed from RAF Scampton near Lincoln on the night of 16th May 1943. Their destination was the Ruhr Valley where their mission was to destroy three dams - the Eder, the Mohne, and the Sorpe.

Of the 19 aircraft that left the base eight failed to return, but despite these losses the mission was considered a success with two of the dams breached and the third damaged.

The innovative 'bouncing' bomb spun as it was dropped from the plane. This allowed it to skim across the surface of the water and then cling to the face of the dam and roll down it's wall to the base where it would cause maximum damage.

617 Squadron were one of the squadrons based at the Petwood Hotel. The Squadron Bar features much memorabilia and on Station Road, Woodhall Spa, the memorial in the shape of a dam can be found. Based at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby is Just Jane – an original Lancaster bomber. Visitors to the centre can see the Lancaster in all it's glory and may be lucky enough to see it taxi down the runway. The designer of the Lancaster was Roy Chadwick.

FACT:
The Derwent and Howden Dams built between 1901-1916, were used as training grounds for the attack on the Great Dams of Western Germany in World War II.

[Aussie Bee]

Magna Carta

"No freeman shall be taken, nor imprisoned, nor disseized, nor outlawed, nor exiled, nor destroyed in any manner; nor will we pass upon him, nor condemn him, but by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. We will sell to none, we will deny nor delay to none right and justice". — Magna Carta 39-40

This 780 year old document, one of only four surviving originals sealed by King John after his meeting with the Barons at Runnymede in 1215, is housed in the Victorian prison building of Lincoln Castle.

The exhibition explains the origin of Magna Carta and the far reaching effects it has had on our lives, culminating in a darkened room where visitors can see the Lincoln Magna Carta.

[Aussie Bee]

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

A visit to the Heritage Centre is a remarkable journey back in time, thanks to the authentic restoration of the original World War II airfield at East Kirkby by the Panton family and their dedicated team of aviation enthusiasts. The result of their hard work is a Centre where you can see, hear and feel an era long gone, with inspiring stories of courage alongside incredible aviation engineering achievements.
You can walk through The Hangar and linger at the many exhibits, not least of which is the awesome Lancaster bomber, 'Just Jane'.
Move onto The Control Tower where you can experience the tension and drama of the heart of an operational airfield.
The Escape Museum is a testimony to the incredible survival stories of the RAF, whilst The Blitz is a vivid reconstruction of a 'Street at War'.
Enjoy all of these plus more, and relax in the Centre's own NAAFI - situated on the exact spot of the World War II original mess hut.


Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Centre

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota. In 1986, under a unique arrangement between Lincolnshire County Council and the Royal Air Force, it became possible to view these historic aircraft at their base at RAF Coningsby.
These aircraft are no museum pieces they are all still flying and can be seen at a variety of air shows in the summer months.
Since 1986, the Visitor Centre has welcomed over 300,000 people, all of whom have received a guided tour.

Many others visit to view the permanent gallery and temporary exhibitions, or to make purchases in our excellent shop.
Visitors, who take a guided tour, have the rare opportunity to visit the flight on its home territory, where you can watch technicians who have learnt skills all but lost, working on these magnificent aircraft.

Visitors to the centre can park in our large car park, which is situated directly across from the Visitor Centre entrance. There are limited spaces available for coaches and disabled parking.

Visitors are able to purchase hot and cold drinks and a small range of snacks from the Visitor Centre. There is also a small picnic area, which is available during normal opening hours.

Toilet facilities, including disabled toilets are available in the Visitor Centre.

On entering the site you will be directed to the new Visitor Centre which was opened in April 1999 by Raymond Baxter of Tomorrows World fame, a former spitfire pilot himself.

You can purchase gifts from the extensive range of giftware available in our shop. This includes framed pictures, prints, books, videos, computer software, porcelain mugs, pewter ware, model aircraft, sweatshirts, and much more.

The Visitor Centre is also home to the BBMF permanent gallery and temporary exhibition area. Entrance to this area is free.

Visitors may purchase tickets for a guided tour of the BBMF hangar from the shop. Entrance to the hangar is by guided tour only.

Visitors wishing to take a tour will be treated to a unique experience. You will be shown around the hangar by knowledgeable volunteer guides, many of whom have first hand experience of the aircraft. They give freely of their time, being keen to ensure that the public appreciate this living tribute to all RAF aircrew and ground crew who gave their lives in the Second World War.

Tours of the hangar last approximately one hour. Manual wheelchair access only, due to Health and Safety Regulations. Electric wheelchairs are prohibited. A wheelchair is also available from the Visitor Centre.

Within the hangar, you will see Lancaster PA474. Out of 7,377 Lancasters built, PA474 is one of only two Lancasters remaining in airworthy condition - the other being in Canada.

At the other end of the hangar, is the Douglas Dakota ZA947. Sandwiched between these two magnificent aircraft are BBMFs five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and two Chipmunks.

P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world. An Mk V, an Mk IX, and two Mk XIX spitfires, all with their own unique histories, join her. The two hurricanes are Mk IIc.

The Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 5.00pm. Guided tours of the hangar take place from 10.30am until 3.30pm (3.00pm November to February). The Visitor Centre is normally closed weekends, all public holidays and two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period. We will open some weekends during August please call 01526 344041 to confirm dates. Opening weekends in 2005 are Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July and Sunday 28 and Bank Holiday Monday 29 August.

Unfortunately, due to RAF commitments, we cannot guarantee the presence of any particular aircraft. Please call 01526 344041 to confirm which aircraft will be available during your visit.

RAF Scampton Historical Museum

RAF Scampton historical museum and guided tours of the base are done throughout the year by appointment only. Tour takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This facility is by kind permission of RAF Scampton and Cranwell authorities

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre

The Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, is probably the most famous landmark in RAF history. The centre portrays the fascinating history of the Royal Air Force College and RAF Cranwell in photographs, exhibits and archive film.
Also available are a computerised flight simulator, Jet Provost, Vampire nose pod, souvenir shop.

Group bookings accepted by prior arrangement. For special events information contact Sleaford Tourist Information Centre on 01529 414294.