The Lincolnshire Coast

Located on the east coast of England, Lincolnshire is home to some of the best beaches in the UK. The county’s coastline stretches for more than 50 miles along the North Sea, and boasts a wealth of things to see and do.

With blue flag beaches, traditional seaside resorts and the most delicious fish and chips, you can enjoy a wonderful day out on the Lincolnshire Coast.

The King Charles II Coastal Path

Encircling the entire English coastline, the King Charles II Coastal Path is set to be the world’s longest coastal walking route. In Lincolnshire, the path currently runs for 16 miles, connecting the popular resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe.

This uninterrupted coastal path will take you to some of the finest destinations on the Lincolnshire Coast, including Chapel St Leonards, Sutton-on-Sea and Anderby Creek. Follow the route and you will discover wild, natural beaches, inspired architecture and an abundance of coastal wildlife.

Skegness

Skegness is undoubtedly the most renowned seaside resort in Lincolnshire. Boasting a Blue Flag beach and a wealth of family-friendly attractions, this popular town is the ideal place to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun.

A prominent holiday destination in Victorian times, there is much more to Skegness than first meets the eye. This popular seaside town is rich in history, and landmarks like the Pier, the Clock Tower and the Jolly Fisherman statue offer an insight into the town’s fascinating past.

Visit today and you can enjoy a brilliantly nostalgic experience. Skegness is full of traditional seaside entertainment, from donkey rides on the beach to rollercoasters on the pier. In addition to the classic amusements, the town also boasts a plethora of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Fish and chips are in abundance, so you can sample some of Lincolnshire’s finest seafood, whilst soaking up the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Away from the seafront, there is even more to explore. Tower Gardens provides a peaceful green space in the centre of town, whilst Skegness Aquarium and Natureland Seal Sanctuary are perfect for rainy days. For a traditional Victorian experience, take a stroll along the picturesque promenade, or enjoy a relaxing row around the boating lake.

Key information

• Dog friendly, October – April only
• Lifeguard
• Accessible public toilets
• Changing Places facilities in Tower Gardens

Chapel St Leonards

Chapel St Leonards is a charming seaside town, just 7 miles from Skegness. Much quieter than its neighbouring resort, this lovely town boasts a beautiful beach, and some incredible views across the coast. This stretch of the Lincolnshire Coast is relatively sheltered, so if you’re visiting out of season, the sea breeze shouldn’t be too brisk!

Rarely busy even on a sunny day, Chapel’s long stretch of sand is perfect for long walks. The promenade here is part of the England Coastal Path, so you can follow direct routes to both Skegness and Sutton-on-Sea. As this part of the path is fairly flat and straight, it's also suitable for cycling.

Take a wander along the prom and you will come across Chapel Point. Once a key coastal defence during the Second World War, this is now the site of the North Sea Observatory. This Marine Observatory is the only one of its kind in the UK and provides stunning views across the sea. There is a great café here, with an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining on sunny days.

Key information

• Accessible public toilets
• Dog friendly, from October – April only

Anderby Creek

Nestled between Skegness and Mablethorpe, Anderby Creek is one of Lincolnshire’s many hidden treasures.

A completely natural stretch of soft sand, this low-key resort is a wonderfully peaceful retreat. If you’re keen to avoid the usual seaside attractions, Anderby Creek offers the perfect alternative. You can enjoy some fantastic coastal landscapes here, and some very atmospheric skies.

As well as boasting a beautiful beach, this picturesque area is also home to the world’s first dedicated cloud observation platform. Recognised as an “official spotting area” by the Cloud Appreciation Society, the Cloud Bar at Anderby Creek provides a stunning 360-degree view of both the North Sea and the Lincolnshire Wolds.

This unique viewing platform is equipped with five adjustable convex mirrors, which are aimed at the sky. There is a cloud menu to assist you in identifying the clouds overhead, as well an educational guide that will ensure you never look at the sky in the same way again!

Key information

• Dog friendly, October – April only
• Accessible public toilets

Huttoft

Just a couple of miles from Anderby Creek, Huttoft Beach is another one of Lincolnshire’s undiscovered gems. Also known as Moggs Eye, this quiet rural beach offers a pleasant alternative to the more vibrant resorts along the coast.

Framed by sand dunes, the unspoiled stretch of sand here is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Views reach across the North Sea, and all the way down the coast, so you can enjoy some fantastic sights on a clear day. With such a beautiful backdrop, Huttoft is the perfect place to enjoy a long stroll in the sunshine – and as there are no dog restrictions here, the whole family can come!

One of the most unique features of Huttoft Beach is the extensive car terrace that runs parallel to the coastline. This handy facility allows you to park almost directly on the beach, and offers exquisite views of the sea. Thanks to the area’s lack of light pollution, this car terrace is also an approved location for stargazing.

Enjoy a walk along the beach and you will discover The Vista at The Boatshed. Originally a disused boat shed, this beachside café is now a welcoming retreat for refreshments in the summer, and a tranquil escape on a cold day!

Similar to the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards, the Boatshed has indoor and outdoor seating, plus a rooftop terrace. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or coffee and you can enjoy breathtaking views over the North Sea, the sand dunes and the countryside beyond.

Key information

• Dog friendly, all year round
• Accessible public toilets

Mablethorpe

With two miles of soft golden sand, Mablethorpe is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Lincolnshire. This Blue Flag award-winning beach is bordered by a pretty promenade, and rolling sand dunes. As you make your way over the dunes, you will be rewarded with the most exquisite view of the North Sea, and the vast Lincolnshire skies.

With plenty of space to spread out, the relatively quiet beach here is perfect for families; you can pack a picnic, build sandcastles and paddle in the sea. Buckets and spades are a must – and windbreakers are recommended! Like most of the Lincolnshire Coast, the breeze can be quite bracing here on a chilly day.

For a more vibrant atmosphere, take a wander along the prom. Towards the centre of the beach, you’ll find traditional seaside amusements, alongside a selection of cafes and shops. You can get some fantastic fish and chips in Mablethorpe, as well as traditional sweet treats like doughnuts and ice cream.

Tucked just behind the promenade, you will find Queens Park. A great spot for children, this family- friendly area boasts a variety of fun activities, with a boating lake, a crazy golf course and a paddling pool.

Key Information

• Lifeguards
• Dog friendly, October – April only
• Accessible public toilets

Sutton-on-Sea

Sitting adjacent to Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea is a beautifully tranquil stretch of coastline. Relatively undeveloped, the beach here is natural, wild and free. Perfect for long walks, you can enjoy undisturbed views of the North Sea, and huge stretches of deserted sand.

Like much of the Lincolnshire coastline, Sutton-on-Sea is on the England Coast Path, so you can enjoy a lovely hour-long walk to Mablethorpe along this scenic route. Pretty seaside huts are dotted along the landscape, and there are several places that you can stop for an ice cream along the way.

If you fancy a bite to eat, this quintessential seaside town boasts a great selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Over the next couple of years, a brand-new redevelopment project is also set to bring an exciting new pavilion to the seafront. This incredible new building will feature viewing platforms, pleasure gardens and an exhibition space. There will also be a brand-new café and restaurant, with Changing Places facilities.

Key information

• Lifeguard
• Dog friendly, from October – April only
• Accessible public toilets

Sandilands

Situated close to Sutton-on-Sea and Chapel St Leonards, Sandilands is the first beach in the East Midlands to be acquired by the National Trust. Lined with colourful beach huts and wild grass, the beautiful beach here is the perfect place to experience a taste of the natural coast.

Running parallel to the beach is the Sandilands Nature Reserve. An absolute haven for wildlife, this former golf course has been transformed into an incredible new reserve by the National Trust.

The Lincolnshire Coast serves as a vital stopover along the ‘fly-way’ migration route, making it one of the key areas for wildlife along the English coastline. Working in collaboration with the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, the National Trust are hoping to create habitats for a whole host of new wildlife, especially these migrating birds.

Since developing the reserve at Sandilands, there have already been at least 217 bird species recorded in the area – including some national rarities!

As well as providing a protected area for wildlife, Sandilands Nature Reserve also offers a year-round experience for visitors. A wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature, this peaceful reserve is the perfect place to soak up the magic of the Lincolnshire Coast.

Key information

• Parking
• Dog friendly, all year round
• Accessible public toilets
• Changing Places facilities

Cleethorpes

Located in North Lincolnshire, Cleethorpes is a splendid seaside town, full of family-friendly attractions. There are four miles of golden beaches to explore; Fitties Beach and the Marine Embankment Beach offer a quieter alternative to the Central Prom, which is lined with traditional amusements, cafes and shops.

As you enjoy a walk along the picturesque promenade, you will find plenty of places to stop for an ice cream, or pick up a bucket and spade. The colourful seafront makes for some great photographs, and children will love the vintage fairground rides dotted along the beach.

Whilst you’re here, tucking into some fish and chips is a non-negotiable. As Cleethorpes is right next to Grimsby, you’d be hard pressed to find fresher seafood than here! The region prides itself on its fishing heritage, so there’s no better place to treat yourself to a fish supper. Head to Papa’s Fish & Chips on the pier and you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the sea whilst you dine.

Key Information

• Dog-friendly, October – March only
• Lifeguards
• Accessible public toilets
• Changing Places facilities at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre