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| Raithby St Peter |
Every church has a story to tell – and over the first two weekends of September there is the opportunity to discover many of them as this year sees more than 75 churches and chapels throw open their doors.
In many of our communities, the church is a focal point, being the only communal building and, more often than not, the oldest. They can be seen as mini museums, holding the stories, treasures and social histories of these communities.
Lift the latch, open the door, and step inside to celebrate the rich architecture and heritage, beautiful tranquility and, most importantly, the vibrant community spirit these churches have shared for generations.
However, if all you want is a bit of time to yourself, relaxing in the calm of a beautiful spiritual building then make sure you choose one of the self-nominated quiet churches.
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Many churches will have light refreshment available to help nourish you as you tour the area, while some will offer a more substantial lunch.
As always, we thank you for supporting our church heritage and hope you enjoy the seventh Lincolnshire Wolds and Coast Festival.
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Week 1
5th & 6th September 2026
Horncastle, Spilsby and Villages
Our churches are treasure troves waiting to be explored. Enter a thousand years of history contained in medieval stained glass, Norman architecture, Victorian monuments and sculptures. Wherever you go, you will find much to enjoy and appreciate.
Lunches available:
Hemingby - Filled rolls, tea, coffee, cake
East Keal - Light ploughman’s lunches, homemade puddings and cakes. Saturday 11.30am – 2.30pm; Sunday 12.30pm – 2.30pm.
Week 2
12th & 13th September 2026
Alford and Louth area villages
Our marshland and coastal churches have weathered many storms and as a result have so much history to uncover and enjoy.
Learn of links to early settlers in the USA, hear the music from the only working barrel organ of its kind in Lincolnshire, and discover paper angels, fantastical fish, green men and other curious creatures.
Lunches available:
Addlethorpe – Freshly filled rolls, homemade cakes
Alvingham – Sausage rolls, cheese and biscuits
Beesby with Maltby – Bacon baps, pork pie, plum bread, toasted teacakes, cake, served 10am to 3pm both days.
Hogsthorpe – Light lunches, cakes and biscuits
Trusthorpe – Soup and salad
Utterby – Soup, snacks, cakes and pastries
Find out more
There are several ways to find out about the event online:
You can view or download the brochure PDF here
2026 Brochure PDF
instagram.com/churches.festival
Thanking our photographers
