destinations

Sutton on Sea

quaint seaside village with award-winning beach

Sutton on Sea was originally known as Sutton in the Marsh. Away from the bright lights and attractions of the nearby resorts, Sutton has a blue flag award winning sandy beach, traditional beach huts and a children’s paddling pool - beloved by families for generations. The promenade provides walks for miles both north and south, along England’s Coast Path. A family tennis tournament has been held in the first week of August since 1928.

Sutton on Sea is noted for a good range of independent shops. Word from those in the know: a great Sunday lunch at the Bacchus Hotel which dates from 1691, delicious scones at The Corner House Café, Bennet’s, a classic Lincolnshire butcher noted for its pork pies and look out for two good fish and chip shops in Waldo’s and The Dolphin.

SPECIAL TO sutton on sea

Sandilands

Nature & Landscapes

Sandilands

Sandilands is on the south side of Sutton on Sea. The National Trust has begun an exciting project to transform the former Sandilands golf course into new habitats for wildlife, especially migrating and breeding birds. The golf course had been in existence since 1894, the National Trust acquired it in 2020 in order to create a new 30ha nature reserve. It will feature open water, islands, reedbeds, ponds, grassland and sand dunes. There will also be a visitor centre and café. This is the first coastal acquisition the National Trust have made in Lincolnshire and definitely one to watch!

did you know?

At very low tides it is possible to see the remains of an ancient mixed forest on the beach. It was submerged by rising sea levels about 3000 years ago.

St Clements church was built in 1818 after the previous church was destroyed by the sea. Between 1884 and 1889 a tramway ran between Alford and Sutton. The tramway was popular, return fares were one shilling for adults and sixpence for children. The future looked rosy and there were plans for an extension, however the construction of the Willoughby and Sutton Railway proved to be too much. The new railway connected the town southwards enabling holiday trains from the Midlands and North of England to reach the resort. In 1888 the line was extended to Mablethorpe, and in 1889 40,328 passengers were carried to Sutton on Sea. The Louth and East Coast Railway opened a line in 1877 linking Louth to Mablethorpe. Closed in 1971, the old line has been managed as a nature reserve - good for barn owls, goldfinches, sparrow hawks, herons, marsh harriers, and kestrels.

did you know?

January 31, 1953, Sutton on Sea’s resilient spirit shone through during one of the most challenging moments in its history.

A powerful combination of a ten-foot storm surge, high tide, and fierce winds breached the town’s flood defences, leading to significant flooding in some areas. In response, a dedicated team of troops and workmen came together, working to restore the defences before the next Spring Tide in February. Thanks to their determination and hard work, Sutton on Sea now enjoys strong, reliable flood defences that continue to protect this charming town, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy its beautiful seaside attractions safely.

more about the Coast

Discover more information about things to do, food and drink and places to stay in the area.

Mablethorpe Beach
Anderby Creek