Lincolnshire’s cultural venues and library network delivered a combined economic and social uplift worth tens of millions of pounds over the past year, according to new council figures.
The county’s main heritage sites recorded around 1.5 million visits and generated £15 million for the local economy. Lincoln Castle was the largest contributor, adding £11 million through visitor spending and a busy calendar of events that continue to attract national and overseas audiences.
Other venues managed by the council, including Lincoln Museum, the Usher Gallery, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, played a central role in strengthening local engagement and education. More than 20,000 schoolchildren took part in workshops and learning activities across the portfolio.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, our executive 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, local residents and tourists alike, this report goes further, underlining the vital economic and cultural benefits they bring to our great county.
“Generating £15 million 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 county’s libraries also contributed strongly. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the network of 15 core libraries and 34 community hubs generated more than £25 million in social value by supporting wellbeing, learning, and community participation through a wide programme of events and services.
Further growth is expected as the £1.7 million redevelopment of Lincoln Museum progresses. Scheduled to reopen in 2026, the upgraded attraction will feature a new archaeology gallery with interactive displays. The findings will be reviewed by councillors at the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 5 December 2025.
