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mrssmithscottage

Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby is a rare time capsule of a bygone era. Restored & ready to welcome you thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding.

It will soon be time for our annual Apple Day (26t

It will soon be time for our annual Apple Day (26th Sept) at Mrs Smith's Cottage 🍎

Sadly, our apple tree has had a small crop this year - so if anybody has any spare apples they'd like to donate, that'd make us very happy!

This year we’re inviting visitors to make the most of our traditional apple press. Bring along your own apples and clean containers and use our equipment to turn your harvest into fresh apple juice to take home.

Alongside apple pressing, there will be apple-themed crafts and Mrs Smith’s famous apple chutney recipe to take away.

Our cottage gardens are free to visit, with standard admission charges applying to the cottage itself.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

We are now closed for the week, but would be delig

We are now closed for the week, but would be delighted to welcome you all to Mrs Smith's Cottage when we reopen this Friday from 12pm!

We also have our NavenBees Toddler Group session from 11am, bring your little ones (ages 2-5) along for lots of fun and learning about our natural world. £2.50 per child, adults free! No need to book.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Thank you to all our wonderful visitors this weeke

Thank you to all our wonderful visitors this weekend!

For those that missed us, we are open again tomorrow at 12pm for cottage visits. Drop in, or book through our website via the link in our bio.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Happy August Bank Holiday 🌞 If you're lucky enoug

Happy August Bank Holiday 🌞

If you're lucky enough to have a day off today, and fancy doing something a bit different, we are open until 4pm for cottage visits. Come and take a step back in time with us.

For further information, and to book online, visit our website through the link in our bio.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Making the most of the morning sunshine this Sunda

Making the most of the morning sunshine this Sunday! 🌻

If you're looking for something to do this bank holiday weekend, why not pop to see us at Mrs Smith's Cottage? We have plenty to experience come rain or shine.

Open 12-4pm (last entry at 3pm) today and tomorrow. For further information, or to book online, head to our website through the link in our bio.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

The rain didn't stop us at Mrs Smith's Cottage yes

The rain didn't stop us at Mrs Smith's Cottage yesterday...☔

From the warmth of the cottage you can still enjoy beautiful views of the garden, and we must say the gloomy weather made things even more cosy.

Due to today's forecast, we will not be putting out our garden games as scheduled - but we still have plenty to do, see, and craft!

We are open 12-4pm and would be delighted to welcome you in.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

On this day in 1961... Mrs Smith had a quiet day t

On this day in 1961... Mrs Smith had a quiet day that ended in ice cream. 🍦

Like Mrs Smith, we have a range of crafts including our 'ice cream parlour' on now until the 31st August! We have had some wonderful creations so far.

Pop in to see us between 12-4pm (Saturday, Sunday & Monday) to take part.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Drop in this Friday (28th August), between 11am-12

Drop in this Friday (28th August), between 11am-12pm, for NavenBees Toddler Group!

This week, the NavenBees will be in the garden having a go at our outdoor games.

Bring your little bees along for hands-on learning about our natural world – with stories, crafts, and have-a-go gardening for ages 2-5.

£2.50 per child, adults free - no need to book.

#MrsSmithsCottage #ToddlerGroup

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Do you know about carnival ware? Carnival ware, o

Do you know about carnival ware?

Carnival ware, or carnival glass, is a press moulded glass coloured with salts to give it an iridescent finish. 🌈

It acquired its name in the 1950s, when excess stock or seconds were distributed as prizes at fairs and carnivals. However, it was once a luxury item for the aspiring middle class.

Mrs Smith kept a couple of pieces in her cottage. What do you think of them? 💭

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Visiting Lincolnshire in September for the #Tourof

Visiting Lincolnshire in September for the #TourofBritain 2026 cycle races? Fancy staying and enjoying our beautiful county for a while longer? Here's our team's recommendation for extending your trip:

• Plan a day trip to Navenby, visit the historical Mrs Smith's Cottage and a grab a bite to eat at one of the amazing cafes or pubs in the village. Navenby is easily accessible by car, as well as by the number 1 bus from Lincoln.

• If you're feeling inspired by the #TourofBritain, why not plan your own cycle adventure? Bike rack facilities are available at Mrs Smith's Cottage free of charge (don’t forget your lock!).

• Hop down the road from Navenby, down to Cranwell and Sleaford to visit our friends at @cranwellmuseum, @cogglesfordwatermill and @navigation_house. Tell them we said hello!

• Enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Viking Way. If you don't fancy the full 149 miles, shorter routes still allow you to enjoy the Lincolnshire countryside: https://www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/viking-way/

Drop your own recommendations in the comments!

#TourofBritain #VisitLincolnshire #ItStartsHere #StayALittleLonger

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic peop

We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic people to join the team here at Mrs Smith's Cottage.

🏡NEW! Post: Heritage Tourism Officer - Mrs Smith's Cottage
Part-time (20 Hours) – maternity cover, up to 12 Months (every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Salary: £31,537-£33,699 per annum, pro rata, plus weekend enhancement
Closing date: 06/09/2026

For more information, job pack, and to apply: https://orlo.uk/AhGqT

🏡Volunteer roles at Mrs Smiths Cottage! What you could get involved in:

Welcoming and chatting with visitors
Sharing the story of Mrs Smith and the cottage
Supporting event days and activities
Helping care for the cottage and garden
Assisting with our toddler group and our school visits

🌼Why volunteer with us?

Be part of a friendly and supportive team
Learn more about local history and heritage
Gain valuable experience and new skills

Flexible opportunities available. Whether you can spare a few hours a month, or you'd like something more regular, we’d love to hear from you. Full training provided!

Pop in or email us at mrssmithscottage@n-kesteven.gov.uk. More info online at: https://www.mrssmithscottage.com/volunteer/

How we're ending the weekend here at Mrs Smith's C

How we're ending the weekend here at Mrs Smith's Cottage... whew what a busy time we have had getting all this washing done! Thank you to everyone who has popped in to help. 🫧🧼

Now to dry and iron...

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

On this weekend in 1959... Mrs Smith went for a ri

On this weekend in 1959... Mrs Smith went for a ride over to Louth with her cousin Nellie, and husband Joseph! She also notes it was a very hot day on the 14th August, which we can certainly relate to.

What do you think she got up to in Louth? 💭

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Our Washday Weekend has been off to a great start

Our Washday Weekend has been off to a great start today with our NavenBees toddler group - you all did an excellent job!

We will be running our Washday Weekend until Monday if you'd like to have a go. 🧼🫧

All water from the weekend will be reused to water our fruit, veggies, and flowers.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

We're delighted to share that Mrs Smith's Cottage

We're delighted to share that Mrs Smith's Cottage has once again achieved Museum Accreditation from Arts Council England 🎉

This prestigious accreditation is the UK standard for museums and galleries, recognising excellence in areas such as collections care, visitor experience and long-term sustainability.

The achievement marks another important milestone in the Cottage's journey following its restoration and reopening in 2020, and comes less than a year after receiving a VisitEngland Hidden Gem Accolade.

Congratulations to our staff and volunteers who have helped make this possible. 👏

📍 Pay us a visit to find out why this unique Navenby museum continues to capture the hearts of visitors from near and far.

@northkestevendc @visitlincolnshire @heartoflincs

Take a look at what's on this August at Mrs Smith'

Take a look at what's on this August at Mrs Smith's Cottage!

14th-17th (12-4pm) - Washday Weekend
Join us over this weekend to have a go at doing laundry the 'old-fashioned' way. Get to grips with using dolly tubs, a washboard and a mangle, just like Mrs Smith did. 🧼

28th - 31st (12-4pm)
Bring a picnic (we've got the blankets!) and see how you fare with our garden games. Including giant 4-in-a-row, noughts and crosses and hook-a-duck (and more), there's something for all the family to enjoy. 🎳

1 - 31st (12-4pm)
Our Summer Holiday crafts continue! We have seen some fantastic creations so far, so don't miss your chance for an hour or two of colouring, cut-and-stick and creating. 🎨

All events are included in your admission to the cottage, and we recommend booking to secure your place through the link in our bio.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Drop in this Friday (14th August), between 11am-12

Drop in this Friday (14th August), between 11am-12pm, for NavenBees Toddler Group! As it's the summer holidays, big brothers and sisters are welcome to join in the fun too.

This week, the NavenBees will be trying their hand at our old-fashioned washday, using our dolly tubs, mangle, and washboard.

Bring your little bees along for hands-on learning about our natural world – with stories, crafts, and have-a-go gardening for ages 2-5.

£2.50 per child, adults free - no need to book.

#MrsSmithsCottage #ToddlerGroup

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

On this day in 1962... Mrs Smith had her friend Ma

On this day in 1962... Mrs Smith had her friend Mary round for a drink and a game of dominoes!

This is a rather iconic diary entry which we have chosen to proudly display inside the cottage, right next to two original Babycham glasses.

#MrsSmithsCottage #DiaryEntries

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

What is this mystery object from Mrs Smith's Cotta

What is this mystery object from Mrs Smith's Cottage? Comment down below your guess. 🤔💭

Aaaand... stop scrolling if you don't want a spoiler!

🏡🏡🏡

This object is a candle snuffer. They were used to extinguish a candle's flame and trim the wick at the same time. At one point in time, candle wicks did not burn down, so crushing the wick in the small square compartment stopped it from reigniting by cutting off the oxygen supply.

This contraption also collected wicks, making it convenient during a time where candles were the main source of light.

They became obsolete thanks to a technological innovation in the 1700s, which saw the introduction of self-snuffing wicks. This allowed the wick to burn away, eliminating the need for regular trimming.

🕯 Read more about candle wicks here ➡ https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2022/05/in-the-days-when-candle-wicks-still-had-to-be-trimmed/

The more you know!

#MrsSmithsCottage

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

What a lovely weekend it has been so far! Thank yo

What a lovely weekend it has been so far! Thank you to all our visitors.🌞🦋

We are open again tomorrow between 12-4pm, for further information or to book online, head to our website through the link in our bio.

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

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Contact us

Telephone: 01522 811469
Email: [email protected]
Address: Mrs Smith’s Cottage, 3 East Road, Navenby, Lincolnshire, LN5 0EP

       
 
   Based on 35 reviews

       
 
   Based on 41 reviews

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