Lincolnshire’s coastline offers miles of unspoilt sandy expanses. We’ve explored every beach and promenade along this coast over numerous seasons. Here’s our thoroughly researched guide to Lincolnshire’s coastal towns, with honest assessments of what each offers different travellers.
Skegness for a Classic Family Seaside Escape
Skegness welcomes visitors with characteristic enthusiasm. This flagship of Lincolnshire's coastal destinations continues to attract generations of families.
The Blue Flag beach extends for miles, its golden sand ideal for castle-building competitions. At low tide, the sea reveals an expansive playground of smooth sand perfect for games and exploration.
It isn’t just about sandcastles and sea waves, there’s loads going on to keep you busy. The Pleasure Beach has all the good old-fashioned fun you’d expect – think dodgems, rides, flashing lights, and the chance to win toys and treats at the arcades.
Head to the pier for a bag of chips, have a go at ten-pin bowling, or just take in the sea views. And along the promenade, you’ll find crazy golf, ice creams, and no shortage of places to refuel with a freshly prepared donut!
Literally on the edge of Skegness is Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve. Known for its unspoilt coastline, sand dunes, salt marshes, and rich birdlife. The area is popular for birdwatching, walking, and enjoying peaceful natural surroundings, with a visitor centre offering information and refreshments.
Perfect for: Families seeking maximum entertainment value and traditional seaside fun.
What to enjoy: The beach remains the centrepiece – clean, sandy, and complemented by a well-maintained promenade. Fantasy Island theme park offers exciting rides for older children, while Natureland Seal Sanctuary provides educational animal encounters. The seafront illuminations create a magical atmosphere on summer evenings, transforming the promenade into a twinkling sight.
Mablethorpe for Buckets, Spades and Good Old Seaside Days
Mablethorpe still has that classic British seaside feel, the kind that brings back childhood memories. The beach huts lining the promenade add bright splashes of primary colours to the landscape.
The beach proudly earned a Blue Flag for cleanliness in 2024 and is an ideal environment for families with younger children. The Queens Park paddling pool and miniature railway provide classic entertainment that has been cherished across generations.
Perfect for: Families with young children and those appreciating authentic seaside nostalgia.
What to enjoy: The clean, accessible beach features regular lifeguard patrols for peace of mind. Beach huts are available at reasonable prices (starting from £25/day in spring and adjusting seasonally). The Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre combines educational value with entertainment for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Sutton-on-Sea for Quiet Moments and Coastal Views
Sutton-on-Sea achieves a remarkable balance: despite its location between Mablethorpe and Skegness, it maintains a distinctly peaceful character. The focus on natural beauty rather than commercial attractions creates a genuinely restful atmosphere.
The beach follows the impressive Lincolnshire standard – expansive, sandy, and immaculately maintained – but with abundant space for relaxation. The town centre's Victorian and Edwardian architecture reflects its heritage as a refined holiday destination.
The Pleasure Gardens are quiet and well-kept, ideal for a slow wander or a sit in the sun.
Perfect for: Couples seeking quieter beach days, families who appreciate natural surroundings, and anyone who values tranquility.
What to enjoy: The colourful beach huts along the promenade add character while complementing the natural setting. The flat, wide beach is perfect for walks and collecting seashells.
Cleethorpes for Classic Seaside Feels and Railway Wheels
Cleethorpes has that classic seaside feel. The beach here is one of Lincolnshire’s best. Wide, sandy, and tidy, there’s plenty of space to build sandcastles with the kids or enjoy a quiet stroll as a couple.
The town wears its railway history proudly. You’ll spot old station buildings, railway-themed signs, and even a miniature steam railway still chugging along the seafront. It all adds to Cleethorpes’ easygoing, nostalgic charm - the kind of place where things move at a gentler pace, and the little details, like the smell of freshly cooked chips or the sound of a train whistle, make it feel like a proper British beach day.
Perfect for: Railway enthusiasts, families seeking both beach relaxation and attractions, and those interested in maritime history.
What to enjoy: The eight-mile stretch of sand ensures ample space throughout the year. The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (Britain's oldest seaside miniature railway) delights children and transport enthusiasts alike. The Discovery Centre offers engaging interactive exhibits about coastal ecosystems and local maritime history.
Anderby Creek for Peace, Dunes and Cloud Watching
Anderby Creek represents English coastal nature at its most pristine – this small gathering of houses, a welcoming café, and a convenient car park lead to one of England's most remarkable natural beaches. This stretch of unspoilt coastline between Mablethorpe and Skegness provides a perfect escape into natural beauty.
The beach stretches magnificently in both directions, backed by protective dunes and nature reserves that support diverse wildlife. The Cloud Bar – the world's first official cloud-watching facility – features circular seats with mirrors angled to reflect the sky.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, walkers, wildlife photographers, and those seeking peaceful communion with the sea.
What to enjoy: Panoramic views and genuine tranquility await visitors. The Sand Bar café serves delicious food that perfectly complements its scenic location. The carefully designed paths through dune habitats enable exploration while protecting these delicate ecosystems.
Making the Most of Your Lincolnshire Coast Adventure
Lincolnshire’s coastline isn’t just one kind of seaside – it’s many. You’ve got cheerful resorts, dunes, hidden creeks, and miles upon miles of golden sand. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Getting around: To truly explore what makes this coastline so special, having your own mode of transport can be a real bonus. However, trains can easily take you to places like Skegness and Cleethorpes, and Callconnect (the flexible and friendly on-demand bus service in Lincolnshire) can take you to some of the coast’s most charming villages, hidden beaches, and off-the-beaten-path spots. It’s a great way to explore the area at your own pace and without a car.
Book early: These coastal towns have been holiday favorites for generations, and for good reason! If you’re planning a summer escape, especially to popular Skegness or Mablethorpe, you’ll want to book your accommodation early.
Check the tides: One of the most magical things about Lincolnshire’s beaches is how dramatically they change with the tides. The sea can retreat almost a kilometre at low tide, revealing an entirely new landscape to explore. Check the local tide times (most cafés post them daily) and plan your beach day accordingly – low tide for beach combing and sandcastles, high tide for swimming.
When to visit: Sure, summer’s fantastic with everything open and buzzing, but don’t count out the other seasons! Spring and autumn might easily become your favourites – fewer people around and the light is just perfect for photos. Even winter has its special magic! The waves along Cleethorpes promenade are striking in the colder months, and few things beat a hot chocolate in a cosy café after a refreshing seaside walk. Each season shows you a completely different side of the coast.
