Welcome to West Lindsey’s 2025 Churches Festival – a celebration of a rich architecture and heritage, of beautiful tranquillity and spirituality, and a welcoming oasis of peace that all our churches offer.
Paul Howitt-Cowan, one of the organisers of the festival said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to our beautiful county. One hundred churches will be opening their doors to visitors during two weekends in May and we are even including a few neighbouring churches across the border in North Lincolnshire as well!”
During the weekend of 10th and 11th May, churches fling open their doors in the west of the area and what a treat they have in store for you. Tower tours at St Andrew’s, Kirton in Lindsey, a family friendly ‘mouse hunt’ at St Genewys, Scotton, and Viking Graffiti at the cruciform Anglo-Saxon Minster church of St Mary at Stow.
Travel across the Lincolnshire border to Epworth, birthplace of Methodism, and visit the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, built as a lasting memorial to John Wesley, considered the father of Methodism and his brother Charles, composer of over 6,500 hymns.
Highlights during week two in the east of West Lindsey include ‘Value it, Flog it’ at St Edmund’s, Riby, where you can receive expert advice on your treasured items.
West Lindsey churches showcase its communities’ histories through the ages and some churches open for you to take time out from the busy pace of life – many offering refreshments.
Find out more at www.churchesfestival.info.
Here are some of our local churches taking part:
Behind the wall – St Mary’s Church, Knaith
Open 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May
Have you ever wondered what’s behind the wall on the bends at Knaith on the Gainsborough-to-Lincoln road? Now’s your chance to find out!
St Mary’s is located at the bottom of a tree-lined drive where you can park with ease and take a stroll with lovely views of gardens and glimpses of the River Trent. Inside, explore ‘a little gem of a church’, uncovering its curious and intriguing 12th century historyc its unique Gothic font and Jacobean pulpit and its unusual Baldacchino canopy over the altar, Enjoy the simple peace of St Mary’s with a refreshing cuppa and a slice of homemade cake.
St Paul’s Church, Morton
Open 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May
View its collection of 10 windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, who worked on them with William Morris, a William Morris carpet, a font of Frosterley marble, surmounted by a fine carved oak canopy. and the Augustus Gern organ built in 1891.
St Paul’s Church will have Baptisms as its theme and there will be a display of baptism memorabilia such as Christening gowns, Baptism certificates, photographs and Christening cake centrepieces. Have your memories of family baptisms displayed – contact Carol Smith on c.smith210@btinternet.com / 01427 810334 or Alan Welch on ahw316@hotmail.com / 07732 300150. Refreshments will also be available.
St Andrew’s Church, Kirton in Lindsey
Open 10.00am to 4.30pm on Saturday 10th and 12.30pm to 4.00pm on Sunday 11th May
Explore the beautiful Norman / Early English church. There will be an opportunity to climb the tower for stunning views over the town and countryside, search for angels in the churchyard, and browse the archives with an expert on hand to answer any questions. Guests can also enjoy floral displays, bell ringers, organ music, activities for children, and light refreshments.
Gainsborough United Reformed Church, Church Street, Gainsborough
Open 10.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday 10th and 1.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday 11th May
See and maybe, hear, their heritage organ, the history of their over-100 year old building and the permanent exhibition of the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims. There will also be a small gallery of art on show of paintings done by local artists. Refreshments will be available. Children are welcome.
St Peter’s Church, Scotter
Open 10.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 10th and 11.30am to 4.00pm on Sunday 11th May
Enjoy a display of local history, a mini cake stall, and a musical half-hour with Wendy on the organ each day. Light refreshments will be available.