A traditional summer celebration
The charming village of Heckington offers good transport services, shops and an iconic windmill, plus a strong community spirit, making it a magnet for locals and visitors.
As this peaceful rural location springs to life, the countdown to the popular annual Heckington Show has officially begun.
The show dates to 1867 and has been present at its current location ever since not only becoming the nation’s biggest village show, but also the largest volunteer-run country show.
This year’s event, held on 25th and 26th July, will once again be a celebration of village life in Lincolnshire that brings friends, family and the wider community together.
Last year’s show proved to be a spectacular success, with a total attendance of over 22,000. Trade stands were fully booked and most of the food stalls sold out by the end of what was a triumphant weekend.
So, who better to ask than show chairman Charles Pinchbeck for his comments on a typical day at the show – quite a challenge when trying to define the first hour of a ‘typical’ visitor experience, never mind the full two days!
“Saturday kicks off with some 400 runners lining up for the 10-mile road race, parents with children running or cycling in the children’s races, and regulars taking their grandstand seats or finding the best vantage points around the ring,” he explains.
“Stallholders emerge to the brief morning calm to set up their wares, crafts and bargains, food vendors entice with the aromas of fresh coffee or bacon baps and, of course, the show team is on site taking care of enquiries and ensuring everything is safely in place.
“Before you know it, the showground is alive with people: families on the fairground rides or giant slides; gorgeous donkeys and contented dogs being groomed for the judges; buying almost anything (from a new car or hot tub to art and antiques); or eating ice creams and planning where to sit for the show’s headline act – the colourful, all-action Knights of Nottingham. So, already there’s no average visitor.”
Don’t forget to bring a picnic or sample the food from one of the food stalls and enjoy a fantastic family atmosphere with the spectacular Saturday night Grand Firework Concert from 7pm until 10pm.
This year features an Elton John tribute alongside the ever-popular Sleaford Concert Band. “Everyone leaves on a high, but the show team is busy from first light preparing for Show Sunday – still amazing but with a different feel,” says Charles.
“When it comes to equestrian competitions, there’s real class thanks to three major show jumping competitions, which everyone can easily follow due to our experienced commentators.
“These events are punctuated by a return of the popular Kangaroo Kid, defying the laws of physics with his quadbike, and the ring-filling Tractor Drive combining nostalgia for older generations and big machines to thrill the younger visitor.
“Elsewhere, there’s activity aplenty – notably from the 500-plus sheep and cattle arriving early so visitors can see them being washed, polished and judged in around 100 different classes. It’s all so accessible, and a real chance to get close to the action.
“Families and kids of all ages can still enjoy the full mix of activities, from historical re-enactments and miniature train rides to Shire horse displays, a varied concert marquee programme and spectacular floral displays in the horticulture marquee.”
When it’s time for a break, there’s always a huge range of food and drink on offer to tempt visitors, including a village charity tea tent where you can take a moment with a slice of homemade cake and a proper cup of tea.
“So much of the Heckington Show spectacle can be enjoyed without overspending – or even spending at all,” says Charles.
“Try, for example, the growing Activity Zone featuring the likes of ‘minibeasts’, circus skills or children’s crafts in the Methodist Church’s messy tent.
“There are even two picnic areas where you can sit down and enjoy some refreshment brought from home.
“At a time when everything feels like it’s always going up, the Heckington team has kept entry prices unchanged even whilst striving to bring you the best show ever, so our recommendation is to come for both days and enjoy the whole weekend. It’s even better value and you will discover for yourself that there’s no average visitor because this is no average show.”
Gates will be open from 9am and parking is free. Entry prices: adults (18+ years), Weekend £27/One Day £16; children (5-17 years), weekend £8/One Day £6; children (under 5 years) are free. Saturday tickets include the fireworks display. If you are travelling to the show by car, Heckington lies five miles to the east of Sleaford on the A17. The showground is clearly signposted.
Once in the village you will be directed to the nearest available car parking area.
If travelling by train, the station is a five-minute walk from the showground. It is served by East Midlands Trains from Nottingham, Grantham, Lincoln, Sleaford, Boston, Skegness and intermediate stations.
SETTING SAIL
Heckington Windmill is the only eight-sailed tower windmill still standing in the UK with its sails intact. The Grade I listed windmill was built in 1830 by millwright Edward Ingledew of Gainsborough for its first owner Michael Hare as a five-sailed mill.
Following a severe thunderstorm which blew off the cap and sails, it was repaired in 1892. The repairs were carried out using a cap and eight sails from a windmill in Boston. Bricks from the Boston mill were recycled and used to build the mill house that stands at the front of the site. Heckington mill ceased work in 1946 and suffered a period of deterioration before being purchased by Kesteven County Council in 1953 and made safe. Restoration was carried out in 1986 and further major repairs were done in 2004 and today it is in full working order.
You will find a visitor centre and café, plus the opportunity to ascend inside to the very top. Open from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Miller’s House Tea Room serves cakes made on site using the mill’s stone-ground mill flour, savoury lunches, drinks and ice creams. Seating is available in the renovated Miller’s Parlour with Edwardian furniture and décor, the Miller’s Study, a 1930s gem, or the garden room with direct access to the enclosed rear gardens and play equipment.
Plenty of events are planned at the mill for this year, including Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27th June from 12 noon to 5pm, with free entry to all serving and veteran forces members.
A series of Milling and Steaming days are planned, including 1st August, 5th September and 3rd October from 10.30am to 3pm.
Milling will take place on the Hurst Frame, with running steam engine Maud providing a working display of milling on a farm mill. On Sunday 20th September, the mill will host the Lincolnshire Heritage Open Day, and a Harvest Family Fun Day is planned for Sunday 27th September from 11am
TIME FOR A STROLL
A pleasant way to take in what this charming village has to offer is by following the route of the Heckington Village Heritage Trail, a 1.2-mile, easy-paced heritage trail starting at the historic Heckington Railway Station (Poacher Line). The route highlights the windmill, St Andrew’s Church, the Pearoom Craft Centre, and local shops/pubs, offering a short, educational and scenic experience.
The station was opened by the Boston, Sleaford and Midland Counties Railway on 13th April 1859, and is situated close to the windmill. From here, the route takes in the Grade II listed Heckington War Memorial, which lists 31 residents who fought in the World Wars and who lost their lives.
Constructed in 1886, the attractive Henry Godson’s Almshouses feature red brick in Flemish bond, slate roofs with raised stone coped gables and moulded kneelers. Godson bequeathed four Almshouses to the village, and they were used for the sick and poor until 1912. St Andrew’s Church is a rare example of a complete 14th-century decorated church, complete with original stained-glass windows, one of which depicts the construction of the decorated style building itself.
Heckington Manor was originally a 17th-century building which was rebuilt in 1909. In 1578, the Mansion House, also known as Boston Garth, was leased to William Taylor. By 1665, Robert Taylor was living in a large house in Heckington, presumably on this site. In 1769, Richard Godson married Mary Taylor, the heiress of the Taylor estate, and this family lived at Heckington Manor until the 1950s.
Another related option is the Heckington Fen Circular, a 6.2-mile rural walk leading through peaceful farmland and fenland with an abundance of birdlife. The walk is part of the Stepping Out network, published through a collaboration with North Kesteven District Council to inspire more people to enjoy the district’s landscapes, ancient woodland, historic buildings and charming villages.
SE HILL – FIRST CHOICE FOR GROUNDWORKS
If you’Rre looking for a reliable local company which offers professional earthworks and groundworks services, including cost-effective equestrian and agricultural constructions, SE Hill can help.
Established in 1973, SE Hill is a highly regarded family firm with a longstanding reputation for delivering quality workmanship and expertise for a range of residential and commercial projects, including specialist arena builds, driveways, ditching and fencing, as well as forestry and ground clearance projects.
From initial site visit to completion, the friendly expert team aim to deliver a straightforward and stress-free service, going the extra mile to make sure each job is completed above and beyond your expectations.
The dedicated landscaping team, who only use first-rate equipment and quality materials, begin every project with a free consultation on all services, followed up by a quote, while clients can also be reassured that SE Hill are fully licensed, bonded and insured.
“We love to take pride in the work we do and ensure that each project is finished on time and to budget, which brings us many repeat clients,” says managing director Steve Hill.
“We have specialist kit designed to get in where others wouldn’t – if it can be done then we can do it!”
ENJOY SUPER SOUNDS AND VISUALS AT HOME
As a leading audio-visual equipment supplier, Expressive Audio offers bespoke design and installation services, so you can experience the impact of the big screen without leaving your living room. Enjoying your own big screen is one of the most luxurious ways to watch not only movies, but your favourite must-see series and sports too! Increasingly popular, a media wall is a built-in feature wall designed to house a television, conceal wiring and equipment, and often incorporate a fireplace or shelving for a sleek, modern look. If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, why not upgrade your music system with specially designed weather-resistant outdoor speakers that bring high-quality sound to gardens.
The expert team also host regular social events. “Don’t miss our special Bring Your Own Music Night at The Red Lion, Revesby, on Sunday 19th July, from 7pm-9pm where we invite you bring along some of your favourite music in vinyl, CD or digital form to share it with fellow audiophiles on our chosen HiFi system showcasing the Cyrus Audio 80 Series.
“And if you’re planning a day out at the Spilsby Show on Sunday 12th July, make sure you come and visit us at our stand where we’ll have a HiFi system on demo.”
For more information tel 01507 499047 or visit www.expressiveaudio.com
BOXING CLEVER: CPRE LAUNCHES LIFESAVING VILLAGE PHONE BOX COMPETITION
CPRE Rutland and Lincolnshire has launched a special centenary competition to help restore and repurpose heritage telephone boxes across rural communities in Rutland and Lincolnshire.
Supported by a national grant, the initiative marks 100 years of CPRE championing the countryside and rural life by helping communities rescue one of Britain’s most recognisable village features.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Community Heartbeat Trust (CHT), the national lifesaving charity responsible for more than 9,000 defibrillators and emergency phones across the UK, many housed within adopted heritage K6 telephone kiosks. The British Coating Federation is also supporting the scheme through sponsorship of restoration painting and CPR training for local community groups and parish councils.
The competition invites parish councils and local communities to put forward telephone boxes in need of restoration and share innovative ideas for how they could be repurposed for community benefit. CPRE plans to support the restoration of up to five boxes during 2026, with grants of up to £1,000 available for each project.
Dr Sarah Furness, President of CPRE Rutland and Lincolnshire, said: “Heritage telephone boxes are part of the fabric and identity of our villages and market towns. This competition is an opportunity not only to preserve these iconic landmarks, but also to bring communities together and give these much-loved structures a new purpose for future generations.” Communities interested in taking part are encouraged to contact Ron Simpson BEM at chair@cprerutlandandlincs.uk or telephone 07710 328469.
The closing date for entries is 1 August, with restoration work to be completed by 1 November 2026.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
CPRE Rutland and Lincolnshire’s Centenary Telephone Box Competition aims to support the restoration and repurposing of heritage K6 telephone kiosks across Rutland and Lincolnshire. Up to five projects will receive grants of up to £1,000 each.
ABOUT CPRE RUTLAND AND LINCOLNSHIRE
CPRE campaigns to promote, enhance and protect the countryside for the benefit of everyone, supporting thriving rural communities and sustainable landscapes.
Meet CPRE officials at the CPRE Centenary Stand at the 2026 Lincolnshire and Heckington Shows. Younger attendees are invited to design a CPRE campaign T- Shirt with the winner having their design manufactured for them to wear.
STEP BACK IN TIME AT HECKINGTON WINDMILL
Built in 1830, Heckington Windmill is a magnificent eight-sailed structure reaching more than 20 metres high. It offers a glimpse into the history of milling, and an opportunity to explore a unique piece of Lincolnshire heritage, which showcases the story of grain from field to fork.
Recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018, the dedicated team of volunteers at the windmill continue to maintain the history and heritage for all to enjoy. The perfect location for a family day out, there is a visitor centre where children can get hands-on with exhibits, while adults can explore the five floors of the windmill. Enjoy delicious food prepared on site using the stone-ground Heckington Windmill flour in the charming Miller’s House Tea Room with delicious cakes, snacks and lunches, and discover a wide selection of popular beers from the award winning 8 Sail Brewery.
The windmill is open Fri, Sat & Sun all year round plus additional days in the school summer holidays (Thursday to Monday inclusive).
Details and leaflets are available from the windmill. For more information visit www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk
Photographs: Mick Fox
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