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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.

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

Join us next weekend, 14-17th August, to try your

Join us next weekend, 14-17th August, to try your hand at our old-fashioned washday!👚

Using dolly tubs, a washboard, and a mangle just like Mrs Smith would have used, this activity is suitable for all ages. We also have our summer holiday crafts running alongside this - so join us for a wonderful weekend!

Included in your admission fee to the cottage. Booking recommend to avoid disappointment.

@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/

@heartoflincs

On this day in 1957... Mrs Smith's husband, Joe, a

On this day in 1957... Mrs Smith's husband, Joe, and Frank laid the concrete for Mrs Smith's garden plinth!

Joe built this for Mrs Smith so that she would be able to reach her washing line without her sheets draping on the ground. You can still see it today outside the shop.

#MrsSmithsCottage #DiaryEntries

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

We have been so pleased to see so many of you taki

We have been so pleased to see so many of you taking part in our Summer Holidays Crafts already! There's been some fantastic creations going on in our 'Ice Cream Parlour'🍦

If you'd like to visit, our crafts are here all summer - Friday to Monday between 12-4pm. All activities are included in your admission fee. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment!

#MrsSmithsCottage #CraftEvents

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Drop in this Friday (24th July), between 11am-12pm

Drop in this Friday (24th July), between 11am-12pm, for NavenBees Toddler Group!

This week, the NavenBees will be in the colourful garden, and having a go at painting what they see. 🎨

We will also have a selection of garden games to try!

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

Fancy starting your week with something a little d

Fancy starting your week with something a little different? Why not come and visit us today at Mrs Smith's Cottage!🏡

We are open today between 12-4pm and would love to share the story of Mrs Smith with you. Just pop in, or book via our website if you prefer ➡ https://www.mrssmithscottage.com/visit/

Admission pricing:

Adult: £4.00
Child: £2.50
Family (2 Adult & up to 3 Children): £12.50

#MrsSmithsCottage

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

🌿Volunteer at Mrs Smith’s Cottage🌿 Do you love hi

🌿Volunteer at Mrs Smith’s Cottage🌿

Do you love history, meeting new people, or spending time somewhere truly special? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at Mrs Smith’s Cottage!

This beautifully preserved cottage offers a unique glimpse into the past, and we need your help to keep its story alive for everyone who visits.

✨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!

💬Get in touch today to find out more about how you can become part of the story at Mrs Smith’s Cottage! Pop in or email us at mrssmithscottage@n-kesteven.gov.uk. More info online at: https://www.mrssmithscottage.com/volunteer/

@heartoflincs

Join us from next Friday, 24th July, for our Summe

Join us from next Friday, 24th July, for our Summer Holiday crafts at Mrs Smith's Cottage! 🎨🦋🐝🌞

Based in our modern learning centre. This year, we have:
🎨A DIY ice cream parlour inspired by a day in the life of Mrs Smith
🎨Nature-inspired colouring sheets and bookmarks
🎨Decorate your own butterfly

We also have a range of children's books, games & puzzles to keep your little ones entertained all summer long.

We are open 12-4pm Friday-Monday. All crafts are included in your admission fee to the cottage. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment!

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

The Mrs Smith's team are busy getting ready for th

The Mrs Smith's team are busy getting ready for the Big Butterfly Count taking place here next weekend! Look at these beautiful drawings. 🎨

Join us from the 24th - 27th July to take part. Spend 15 minutes relaxing in our cottage garden and make note of the butterfly species you see. We will have guides for you to use, so you don't have to be an expert to take part.

We will also have a butterfly trail and crafts, so there is something for the whole family to enjoy! 🦋

Entry to cottage gardens is free of charge. Crafts and trail are included in your admission fee. We recommend booking to avoid disappointment!

@heartoflincs @visitlincolnshire

Early spring versus Midsummer! What a difference t

Early spring versus Midsummer! What a difference the seasons make to our lovely cottage garden. It's bursting with life and hard to get it all in the frame.🌻🐝

We have had a wonderful weekend with all our visitors, thank you for coming! If you missed us, we are open again from Friday at 12pm.

Plan and book your visit here: https://www.mrssmithscottage.com/visit/.

@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

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