Did you know that Sleaford takes its name from its position as a crossing place (or ford) on the River Slea? Or, that its skyline is dominated by the 144ft stone spire of the parish church of St Denys’, one of the tallest in England?
Places to visit in Sleaford
Why not visit the nationally acclaimed National Centre for Craft & Design – a great way to spend a few hours? Or how about visiting an award-winning working watermill, or an 8-sail working windmill?
For aviation buffs, there is the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre and RAF Digby Ops Room, both giving a fascinating insight into the history of British aviation.
St Denys’ Church
One of two of Sleaford’s most famous landmarks found in the town’s Market Square, St Denys’ is the 13th century parish church of Sleaford and has one of the country’s oldest stone spires.
The other landmark is Carre’s Hospital, which is a group of stone almshouses. It was founded by local baronet, Sir Robert Carre, in 1636 for ‘twelve poor men and one servant’.
National Centre for Craft & Design
Otherwise known as The Hub, it is the country’s largest venue ‘entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration and promotion of contemporary and international craft and design’.
With free admission, frequently changing exhibitions, demonstrations and children’s activities, The Hub is an excellent place to spend an afternoon.
Cogglesford Watermill
This award-winning watermill, thought to be the only Sheriff’s watermill still working in England, is situated just over half a mile from Sleaford town centre, in a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Slea.
Open daily and with free admission, the milling takes place on the second Sunday of each month. On all other days, you can watch a video of the milling process. There is an award-winning cafe adjacent to the watermill, selling delicious meals and snacks.
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre
The centre is located just three miles from Sleaford near the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. It is where all RAF pilots and officers are trained, including Prince William!
This small aviation centre tells the story of RAF Cranwell, from its early days as a Royal Navy air service base to the present day.
With free admission, there are some great interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator, navigation, aircraft recognition, supply drop and propeller development.
RAF Digby Ops Room
The Sector Operations Room, located in a WWII bunker, accurately replicates a typical day during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
With a fascinating story to tell and a great attention to detail, this museum is well worth a visit.
There’s free admission and the venue is open Sundays from May to October. There is also a guided tour at 11am. There’s no need to book, just arrive in good time at the Sports Ground Car Park opposite RAF Digby main gate.
Heckington Windmill
With five floors to explore in England’s only surviving 8-sailed windmill and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, the windmill is a must-visit.
The shop on the ground floor sells flour products, cookery books and gifts.
There is a small charge (£2 per adult, £1 per child) to visit the upper floors, where you can see stoneground flour being produced on milling days. It is open daily from 11 til 5, with tea rooms serving food with ‘a Viennese twist’.
