Half term in Gainsborough is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without travelling far, Gainsborough and the surrounding area are full of brilliant options. Whether you’re after hands‑on creative fun, fresh‑air adventures, or budget‑friendly days out, there’s plenty happening locally to help families make the most of the break. From historic attractions and riverside walks to pop‑up events and hidden gems right on our doorstep, this guide brings together some of the best ways to enjoy half term in and around Gainsborough.
Become a history hunter
Gainsborough is home to one of the best-preserved, timber framed manor houses in England dating back to the fifteenth century. Wander the corridors of Gainsborough Old Hall or climb up to the top of the tower for views across the town and beyond. The Old Hall is open all week with various children’s trails, colouring sheets, games and dressing up located in the Solar Chamber – FREE with normal admission. Please note there is a £1 charge for some trails.
Gainsborough Heritage Centre also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the town through exhibitions and period displays.
If the weather in on your side, head out and explore the town using the heritage trial. This self-led trail will take you to some of the most iconic sites and some lesser-known places, giving you a fun (and free) afternoon out.
Let’s go to the movies
Gainsborough’s state-of-the-art Savoy Cinema is proving popular, offering the latest releases in the heart of the town centre. Take a look what’s on this half term – Gainsborough Savoy Cinema.
The Dinosaur Timewarp
Join Trinity Arts Centre Join for an exciting, unmissable, and fully interactive Jurassic Panto style adventure filled with music, fun and laughter along the way.
Embark on an exciting adventure through the jungle to meet Babsy the Mad Scientist and use her new time machine to take them back in time to meet their favourite dinosaurs in person. After a visit from Leo the Lion, Molly the cheeky Monkey and the evil Dr Nasty the time machine goes wrong and opens a doorway from the past transporting Terry the T Tex into present day.
The Dinosaur Timewarp stomps in to Trinity Arts Centre on Wednesday 18 February – Book Your Tickets Now.
Get Ready for Illuminate!
Join in three free workshops taking place throughout half term in Gainsborough to make your own lantern for the lantern parade at Illuminate taking place on Saturday 21 February!
Workshops are taking place on:
- Saturday 14 February, 9am to 1pm at Gainsborough Farmers’ and Craft Market
- Saturday 14 February, 10am to 2pm at Gainsborough Old Hall
- Thursday 19 February, 3pm to 5pm at All Saints Church
There will also be an opportunity to make your own stained glass effect art on Thursday 12 February, 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Gainsborough Library. All pieces of artwork will be featured in the Illuminate event taking place on Saturday 21 February – Find Out More.
Then get ready to light up Gainsborough with the town’s annual FREE Illuminate event taking place on Saturday 21 February!
This year’s theme is ‘Through The Window’, which is inspired by the architecture of the town’s iconic buildings but also provides a lens for reflecting on themes of exclusion, acceptance and perceptions.
Here’s what to expect for FREE:
- 6pm Illuminate Lantern Parade
- 6pm to 8pm “Through the Window” Exhibition
- 6.30pm to 8pm Fire Garden
More details and information can be found at www.discovergainsborough.com/illuminate-2026
Choose from over 65 flavours of award-winning ice cream at Blyton Ice cream!
You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 65 flavours of award-winning ice cream just 10 minutes’ drive from Gainsborough. From Bakewell Tart to classic vanilla – there’s a flavour for everyone! They also have sugar free and vegan options too!
There’s also a café serving hot meals, light bites and hot and cold drinks. Kids can also enjoy the children’s play area with crazy golf, table tennis, go-karts and a play park that is suitable for all ages.
Woodland Wonderers Adventure Time
Woodland Wonderers Adventure TimeWednesday 18 February, Uncle Henry’s
Get out and explore the woodland at Uncle Henry’s with Crazy Daisy from Debutots Kids.
The Woodland Wanderers Adventure is a fun and interactive 45-minute session where children can enjoy a magical story adventure, a woodland treasure hunt, and playful games and songs in our outdoor theatre.
Family Days Out this half term
Just a short drive from Gainsborough will bring you to Bransby Horses, a welfare charity that cares for nearly 1000 horses, donkeys and mules. They have a visitor centre and café, play park, plus miles of footpaths that allow visitors to meet their equine friends – free admission!
If you’re looking for something more hands on; why not visit Rand Farm Park?! Discover exciting hand on experiences with a wide variety of animals and live demonstrations. They also have an indoor play and outdoor attractions for all ages. You can also take a drive out to Hall Farm Park (30 minutes from Gainsborough), a family run working farm with lots of things to see and do giving visitors a unique experience, including tractor rides and goat walking! Lincoln Zoo also offers unforgettable adventures, incredible animals, and family-friendly fun come all together in a wild day out!
Get out and explore
Get out and enjoy the fresh air with a number of local woods just outside Gainsborough including Owlet Wood with its network of footpaths; and Tuetoes, Laughton Forest which supports a wide range of habitats, rare plants, animals and birds, making it a great place to visit if you want an interesting walk!
The Lincolnshire Wolds is under an hour’s drive away offer breath-taking scenery and vast open countryside. There are a number of walking routes around Market Rasen; plus the town’s interactive heritage trail has 20 stops offering surprising insights to the town’s past. Willingham Woods is also popular with walkers and cyclists and is a great stop off if you’re visiting the coast.
If you’re more energetic then Wild Pines Park is the place to be! It’s one of the largest rope courses in UK offering you the chance for a unique and adventurous day out. Play World in Gainsborough also gives you a chance to have a few minutes to yourself while the kids blow off some steam.
Have a great time exploring Lincolnshire this February half term! For more information on other places to visit in Lincolnshire visit www.visitlincolnshire.com.