Museum of Lincolnshire Life

About the museum

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life tells the story of the county's people and work from 1750 to the present day. Its displays cover commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life.

The museum is housed in a Victorian barracks that was built in 1857 for the Royal North Lincoln Militia. The military setting suits the displays, which include interactive galleries on the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and a First World War trench display.

The collection has grown through gifts from the public and now holds nearly 250,000 objects. One of its best-known exhibits is an authentic First World War tank. The museum is run by Lincolnshire County Council and accepts new donations only where they fit its collecting policy.

Families are catered for with a children's museum trail and the Historic Hunters playground. The museum also lends loan boxes to schools and community groups, offers learning sessions on Victorian and early twentieth-century history, and has a room that can be hired for talks and meetings. Special weekends, such as a 1940s event, are held through the year.

Highlights

• Authentic First World War tank
• Interactive galleries on the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and a First World War trench
• Nearly 250,000 objects on Lincolnshire life since 1750
• Victorian barracks of 1857 built for the Royal North Lincoln Militia
• Historic Hunters playground and children's museum trail

Permanent exhibitions

• Lincolnshire life since 1750 – Galleries on commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life in the county.
• Royal Lincolnshire Regiment galleries – Interactive galleries on the regiment, including a First World War trench display and a tank.

Founded

1969

Operated by

Lincolnshire County Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free except on event days, when charges apply; for example the 1940s weekend on 17 and 18 October 2026 costs £3 for adults, £2 for children and £6.50 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum describes itself as fully accessible to wheelchair users, with level access to the information desk, shop, galleries, tea room, toilets and courtyard, and automatic push-button doors. A lift serves all floors. A hearing loop and a low desk section are at reception, and a wheelchair and magnifying glass can be borrowed on request. Two free accessible parking spaces are at the right of the entrance. The First World War trench display has an uneven floor, flashing lights and loud sounds. Assistance dogs are welcome and staff have disability awareness training.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

There is a museum trail for children and the Historic Hunters playground. Interactive galleries cover the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, and family events such as a 1940s weekend with wartime activities and a trail are held during the year.

Getting there & parking

There is a drop-off point at the main entrance with a dropped kerb. Mobility equipment can be hired from Lincoln Shopmobility on 01522 514477.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Gatehouse Tearoom serves refreshments. The gift shop sells gifts, toys, period postcards and heritage books.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

A dedicated room can be hired for visiting groups, talks and meetings.

Plan your visit