Castle and museums generate millions for county economy
New figures reveal the county council’s valuable cultural attractions were visited 1.5 million times and boosted Lincolnshire’s economy by £15m last year.
The council manages a portfolio of venues, including Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Museum, The Usher Gallery, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre at Coningsby and The Museum of Lincolnshire Life, that showcase the region’s rich heritage.
Now the economic and cultural impact of the sites has been revealed in a new report.
Figures show Lincoln’s castle alone generates £11m to the county. Sell-out events like the Live at Lincoln Castle concert series and the Illuminated light spectacle have established the attraction as an outstanding entertainment space.
The events - coupled with leading historic displays of internationally important artefacts like Magna Carta - have inspired people to travel from around the world to discover Lincoln for the first time.
The report also shows how more than 20,000 schoolchildren visit the cultural attractions every year through the council’s award-winning learning programme, with a huge variety of hands-on workshops inspiring the next generation.
Between April 2024 and March 2025 Lincolnshire’s network of 15 core and 34 community hub libraries generated more than £25m in social value – helping to improve quality of life, boosting educational achievement and relieving pressure on medical services.
Family-friendly library events - including Costume Creator sessions - proved especially popular with young readers. Children crafted amazing costumes inspired by The Hungry Caterpillar and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, immersing themselves in the stories and bringing beloved characters to life.
The economic impact of the county’s cultural attractions is set to grow further thanks to the ambitious £1.7m re-development of Lincoln Museum - featured in VisitEngland's 2026 hotlist of amazing things to do in the UK.
When the flagship attraction throws open its doors again next year, visitors will be able to explore a brand-new archaeology gallery, featuring interactive displays and hands-on experiences inviting visitors to explore the region’s past like never before.
Coun Natalie Oliver, executive county councillor for culture, 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 figures form part of a report that will be discussed by councillors at the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on Friday December 5.