Coastal destinations
Holidaymakers and day trippers are spoilt for choice when planning a visit to Lincolnshire’s wonderful coastline, says Glynis Fox.
Resorts galore, numerous attractions and plenty of options when it comes to accommodation – the Lincolnshire coast has all the essential ingredients to ensure everyone has a fabulous time.
From Skegness to Ingoldmells, Chapel St Leonards, Trusthorpe, Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe, you can stay in one place, visit more, or even tour them all if you are travelling by car!
Skegness is immensely popular and offers plenty for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a good beach, the refreshing sea, donkeys to ride, ice cream vendors and cafés, takeaways and restaurants for all tastes.
Bottons Pleasure Beach amusements, which are situated on a large park facing the seafront, include a big wheel which gives riders a fantastic view, but there are lots of other fun arcades elsewhere in the town.
Other family attractions include the Natureland Seal Sanctuary, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and abandoned seal pups, and The Pier, with its family entertainment centre, escape rooms and more.
The Embassy Theatre is also nearby and it’s always worth checking if your favourite tribute group, comedian or other entertainer is due to appear.
On Tower Esplanade, you’ve just got to explore Skegness Aquarium, which is home to some fantastic sea life, some of which actually swims over the heads of visitors! Even more excitingly you may qualify to swim with sharks – although you will need to register to do this.
Skegness also has a wealth of shopping, so there are no worries if the kids have forgotten their buckets and spades or other “must have” beach toys.
There’s plenty of retail therapy for adults too. Lumley Road, in particular, is packed with fashion, footwear and food shops, along with cafés, rock sellers, chemists and fish and chip shops.
GOING FOR GROWTH
The town is continuing to grow. As we went to press it was announced that work would be starting “in the coming months” on a new Travelodge hotel and a Starbucks coffee stop, after a South Parade plot was sold for just £1.
The new development is going on the site of a former crazy golf course, which has been vacant since 2018.
The news follows East Lindsey District Council selling the plot to developer Burney Group for £1, despite it having a reported market value of about £280,000.
When plans were first voiced, hoteliers on South Parade feared the new development would negatively impact their businesses, but the plans were approved in early 2023.
The Travelodge will boast 80 beds over six storeys, a publicly accessible bar and a restaurant. The proposed drive-thru Starbucks will have indoor and outdoor seating.
East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for the coastal economy, Councillor Steve Kirk said he is delighted that work can now get underway in the coming months to welcome this much wanted and needed new investment into the town.
Mablethorpe is another much-loved resort, with a slightly different vibe to Skegness.
If you are feeling energetic, you can actually set off from Skegness and walk along the Lincolnshire Coast Path for 15.45 miles and you will arrive at this popular destination – alternatively you might just decide to take the car!
Attractions include the lovely beach, a miniature railway, water park and crazy golf. The colourful beach huts add an extra seaside touch.
Attractions include the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, Lincolnshire Aqua Park, Mablethorpe Fairground, the two-screen Loewen Cinema in Quebec Road and The Dunes, a family-friendly seafront bar, theatre and restaurant complex which offers live entertainment on summer nights.
HEALTH AND LEISURE
Excitingly the town’s new £12 million Station Leisure & Learning Centre (which replaces the Station Sports Centre) is on course to welcome its first users this summer. It will be operated by the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture.
Work on the magnificent new complex started in March 2023 after East Lindsey District Council successfully bid for Government Levelling Up funding through the Towns Fund and was awarded £7.4m, supported by the Connect Coast Town Deal Board.
The transformational leisure and learning scheme promises to provide new health and wellbeing opportunities for people in Mablethorpe and the surrounding area. The centre features a four-lane, 82ft swimming pool, a changing village, modern fitness suite, studios and a new outdoor play area and car park. The complex will also offer people new learning and skills opportunities.
ELDC portfolio holder for finance (and political lead for the Station Leisure & Learning Centre), Councillor Richard Fry said: “For many years, a public swimming pool for Mablethorpe has been a long-desired wish from residents in the town.
“I am delighted that East Lindsey District Council, working with Magna Vitae and the Connected Coast Board, has been able to deliver this with a fantastic four-lane, 25-metre pool, as well as a new fitness suite and other facilities.”
He added that the new complex would remove the need for residents to travel out of town to go to a swimming pool, as well as increase opportunities for people of all ages to learn to swim and improve their health and wellbeing through fitness and social activities.
CLEETHORPES ATTRACTIONS
Cleethorpes is another crowd-pulling destination for those looking to enjoy a day out at the coast or experience a longer stay.
Park up on the promenade and take a walk, watch the family action on the beach or gaze out to sea and view the passenger ferries and commercial vessels making their way into Grimsby or Immingham.
Take a few breaths of fresh seaside air as you walk along The Pier and reward yourself with some delicious fish and chips from Papa’s – choose to relax in the chippy’s giant indoor restaurant, order a takeaway to eat while you amble along the front, or sit and tuck in, in the comfort of your car.
The town itself has a good range of both national name and independent shops. You could also visit Coastal Silver at the Meridian Point Craft Centre and treat yourself to a piece of sea glass set in silver or gold jewellery.
Entertainment is ready and waiting at The Parkway Cinema, or you could try Cleethorpes Boating Lake or visit the Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, where there is an amazing choice of activities to get stuck into, from swimming and a workout in the gym, to badminton, table tennis or Aqua or Roller Disco!
Looking for a ride with a difference? Try the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. One of Britain’s oldest seaside miniature railways, enjoyable for people of all ages, it celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.
Experience a two-mile return journey on the rails, it’s a relaxing way to take in the views along the picturesque Humberside Coast. But the line also acts as a transport link – connecting Cleethorpes Promenade with its main station, Lakeside (near Cleethorpes Premier Inn).
Whilst at the coast, why not take the opportunity to visit some other great places, such as Ingoldmells, Trusthorpe, Sutton on Sea and Chapel St Leonards. Don’t forget to find out more about Butlin’s too.
SUPERBOOST FOR COAST
Late March saw the announcement that momentous plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast had taken a leap forward.
This was following the unilateral approval of a 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. At an Executive Meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, attendees were told that this means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, with the power to deliver hundreds of local jobs.
Projections undertaken by the Gateway team revealed that the scheme will deliver the benefits of £289.7m, £20.5m and £16m in Gross Value Added measurability when it comes to commercial, industrial and retail jobs.
A proposed Local Development Order seeks to carry out the building of up to 1,000 new homes, as well as create more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space.
Situated to the west of the town on land principally owned by Croftmarsh, along with other areas owned by the Scarbrough family, the Skegness Gateway scheme promises to breathe new life into an area of the coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boost the local economy and provide the sort of education and jobs that encourage local people to stay in the area.
Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh said: “This is a milestone moment for the people of Skegness. It is an important step in revitalising our town and community and a pathway for people to carve a real future in the town, with employment, skills and learning opportunities all situated within one site, connected by an ambition to restore Skegness at the heart of East Midlands economic investment.
“Having farmed the land at Croftmarsh for 30 years, it was always hoped that it could eventually be used for development. Now it’s a chance for prospective consultants, developers and investors to look more closely at our plans and be a part of transforming Skegness’ future.”
TALKING ABOUT GRIMSBY
Grimsby is close to Cleethorpes and well worth a visit while you are in the area. Much bigger than its other coastal neighbours, it offers a mix of retail therapy at businesses scattered in various parts of the town.
Many people will be familiar with the Freshney Place Shopping Centre, with its useful onsite parking. Like similar centres, it has not been immune from challenges on the retail scene, but it is still home to people’s favourite shops and cafés and is currently undergoing multi-million-pound changes, spelling an even brighter future.
The centre welcomes an average of 125,000 visitors each week and supports 1,700 full and part-time jobs in the area.
Grimsby also has other shopping centres, including the Victoria Retail Park in Victoria Street North, Alexandra Retail Park in Alexandra Road and the Abbeygate Shopping Centre, in Abbeygate. The latter is home to a variety of independent and niche traders.
If you enjoy browsing market stalls, why not check out the colourful Freeman Street Market, which has a 150-year history.
Here, you will be able to buy meat, fruit, vegetables and flowers, get clothes printed with your own logo, or other details and introduce your family to classes at the GAP Academy, which offers classes in musical theatre, ballet, modern, tap dancing and more.
This community-friendly market also serves food and drink, hires meeting and work space, and hosts a variety of events.
As we went to press, we learned that Grimsby could soon be getting a unique public swimming pool. A planning application has been submitted to North East Lincolnshire as part of the final plans for the regeneration of part of Grimsby Docks.
It follows planners approving the restoration of the town’s Ice Factory and a 161-bed hotel next door to it – which formed the first two phases of plans. These were given the green light in January.
The latest application is for the development of 300,000 sq ft of the docks, which would include a public swimming pool, and also unlock the potential to create 1,000 new jobs.
SUMMER SPA ESCAPE FOR ADULTS ONLY
Nestled on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, within 150 acres of grass and woodland, Laceby Manor is Lincolnshire’s leading luxury wellness resort for your summer spa escape.
Whether it’s a staycation, a spa day or a pre-holiday treatment, the Spa at Laceby Manor, near Grimsby, has everything you need to relax and reset.
Created as a retreat within a retreat, the serene indoor space blends seamlessly with the outdoor spa terrace, extending the feeling of wellbeing that comes from being in nature from the surrounding gardens, golf course and countryside.
With an expert team committed to sustainable wellness, the eco-conscious design of the spa has been curated to ensure that you receive the highest levels of care and attention, while minimising the impact on the planet.
Scientifically-proven British skincare and treatments, including specialist cryotherapy from celebrity-favourite 111SKIN, sit alongside natural seaweed products and treatments from Irish-based VOYA and Tribe517’s bespoke products handcrafted at their Welsh farm using honey from their own hives.
Relax and revive
The adults-only space includes an indoor-outdoor vitality pool, two saunas, a steam room, hammam, rasul, relaxation room and two natural swimming ponds for the increasingly popular cold water therapy.
The spa terrace benefits from loungers and newly-introduced large day beds as well as al fresco dining from the neighbouring Oak Room Restaurant.
Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seasonal menus, a well-stocked wine wall and premium cocktails, the Oak Room Restaurant has quickly become a popular local dining spot. The adjoining Oak Room Pizzeria is a more casual dining option, serving up freshly-fired sourdough pizzas to adults and well-behaved children aged 11 and over. An in-spa drinks service operated by the dedicated Spa Butlers adds to the experience, enabling you to truly relax.
Explore treatments, spa day packages and overnight escapes at Laceby Manor Spa,
Barton St, Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LD. Visit www.lacebymanor.co.uk/spa
ENTER A WORLD OF HOME INTERIORS INSPIRATION
Established in 1901 by Arthur Lee, Lees Furnishers in Grimsby is a highly respected fourth-generation family business which has been supplying fine furnishings, including upholstery, cabinetry, bedroom furniture, flooring, fabrics and wallpaper plus accessories and lighting for over 120 years.
The friendly, knowledgeable team at Lees pride themselves on helping customers furnish fine homes, providing a five-star service of days gone by, always with an eye to the future, whilst maintaining high quality standards.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy new sofa, or to completely transform several rooms, the welcoming Lees team can help guide you towards making the best choices to suit your needs.
“Our dedicated Interior Design team offer a comprehensive service should you need extra support with larger projects, we take the time to listen to your brief and proceed to put together schemes to suit your taste and practical requirements for everyday living. We work with you to ensure that we create a look you are proud to live with and show off.”
Don’t miss the luxury range of garden furniture designed to help extend your living space and create a beautiful alfresco social setting ideal for the summer months.
For more information visit www.leesfurnishers.co.uk
WELCOME TO THE HENEAGE ARMS
Situated in Hainton, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, The Heneage Arms is a welcoming country pub offering a traditional selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks alongside freshly cooked home-made dishes and bar snacks.
This cosy village inn takes its name from the Coat of Arms of the Heneage family of Hainton, whose line dates back to the Norman Conquest and who lived at Hainton Hall.
Locals and visitors alike receive a warm welcome with friendly service and the chance to relax in front of log fires.
The Heneage Arms is open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm, with last food orders at 9pm and serves delicious Sunday lunches from 12noon (booking advisable).
Don’t miss this year’s Beer Festival with beer, food and live music on Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st June.
For more information visit www.theheneagearms.co.uk
HEALING WITH HORSES
The way of the Horse is helping people on a journey of personal growth, emotional healing and trauma recovery.
Helping people manage stress and anxiety while also dealing with past trauma is at the forefront of innovative programmes run by The Way of the Horse, which recently relocated to its new headquarters in Lincolnshire.
Founder, director and master instructor Dina Shale, who opened the original centre in Leicestershire in 2015, has spent more than 20 years studying alongside leading experts worldwide, including the highly acclaimed Linda Kohanov, from the USA, where Dina qualified as an Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) tutor.
As an experienced education provider, Dina has developed successful and proven on-site EFL programmes, which invite participants to explore the transformative power of horses.
Dina, who works with people from all backgrounds and professions, including police, nurses and carers, as well as “everyday mums” who have faced symptoms of PTSD, has extensive experience in trauma training which she integrates into her work. A new collaboration with Somatic International has helped Dina focus upon supporting trauma victims, unlocking pathways to empowerment and healing.
This renowned EFL centre is committed to assisting individuals, including children and adults with emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges, through interactions with horses, leading the way with a hands-on educational approach.
“In our fast-paced world we forget the profound impact animals can have on our wellbeing,” says Dina.
“Horses are highly intuitive, prey animals whose only defence against predators is their ability to detect threats and danger. They are a mass of fight, flight or freeze; that’s their basic response to danger. As humans, we also share this same primary response to danger, so can learn by studying how horses interact through their body language and non-verbal communication.
“Horses read our body language and nervous system and reflect back as to how we’re feeling. Over the generations we’ve learned to switch off our instincts and feelings, but we can also learn from them.”
The programmes offer a unique and transformative experience, promoting mental wellbeing. However, far from being an equine “petting centre”, The Way of the Horse helps people manage stress and anxiety by using somatic and mindfulness techniques with the help of horses to assist in identifying, processing and healing trauma.
Dina says: “If you are looking to heal your past, remember you need to FEEL to HEAL! Look for treatments that include the word ‘Somatic’ and that work with the nervous system. We need our health systems to get into the 21st century and we need to be working at a somatic level, meaning in the body with the nervous system, not just manage the symptoms.”
On-site community programmes include Recovery Ranch and Project Pony, which is CPD accredited and runs for 12 weeks, created to help deal with stress and anxiety, as well as the children’s programme I Can Do.
Programme choices
The Way of the Horse also offers the opportunity for aspiring EFL practitioners to gain practical experience and qualifications, and there is also support for new businesses and groups, such as victims of domestic violence too.
“Our one-week EFL Introduction programme offers more than just a learning experience – it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection, while gaining valuable insights into facilitation techniques.
“Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills or simply yearning for a deeper connection with these magnificent animals, this course is for you.
“Our mission is to provide tailored and bespoke programmes of support to individuals from all backgrounds, be it children, young people, families, or businesses, to enable self-healing and inner growth.
“Our aim is to help individuals to achieve a state of complete peace and harmony, by educating themselves to read their mind and body language and translate it into positive and sustaining action while embarking on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and emotional healing.”
For more information visit www.thewayofthehorse.co.uk
Address: The Way of the Horse, Harry’s Place, Fenn Lane, Trusthorpe, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire LN12 2QN, Telephone: 07714 269 218, Email: info@thewayofthehorse.co.uk, Website: thewayofthehorse.co.uk
NATURELAND TO THE RESCUE!
Natureland Seal Sanctuary in Skegness has become known worldwide for its rescue of Harbour and Grey Seal pups which have become stranded on the Lincolnshire coastline.
Natureland is a family business that has been running for three generations, rearing and returning more than 1,000 seals back to the wild.
The dedicated team at the Seal Hospital in Natureland now helps to rehabilitate between 50 and 70 seal pups every year, helping them to feed in the Seal Hospital Pool and regain weight before being safe to return to the wild. Each pup costs the sanctuary approximately £2,000 from rescue to release.
Natureland receives no outside funding, so it relies on donations and money from visitor admissions to fund its vital seal rescue work.
The centre is also home to a reptile house, aquarium, Pets Corner, penguins and tropical butterflies among many more.
Be sure to visit Natureland soon!
For more information visit www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk
QUALITY CARE AT OLD NORSE LODGE
Old Norse Lodge is a luxury residential care home offering the highest standards of care with the support of a dedicated, experienced team in a beautifully serene location.
Oold Norse Lodge in Grimsby stands as a beacon of comfort and care for its residents.
With 66 bedrooms, each equipped with modern amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, queen-sized double beds, and mini-fridges, the care home ensures the highest quality of living and care is provided to its residents.
But what truly sets Old Norse Lodge apart is its commitment to holistic care. Beyond the facilities such as the cinema room, hair salon and garden rooms, Old Norse Lodge encourages a community atmosphere among its residents through a diverse array of daily activities. From engaging in arts and crafts to outings to the local football matches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Dedication to individual needs
Recognising the unique needs and preferences of every individual, the care team at Old Norse Lodge strives to promote independence while ensuring optimal support with personalised care plans.
It’s not just about helping but encouraging residents to maintain and carry on living independently to the best of their abilities.
This dedication to individualised care extends beyond the physical well-being of residents. The staff at Old Norse Lodge foster meaningful connections and create a warm, familial atmosphere. Residents find not just a place to live, but a true home where they are valued and respected.
In essence, Old Norse Lodge is more than just a care home, as it continues to enrich the lives of its residents and contribute to the community; it stands as a shining example of what senior living can be.
For more information visit www.danforthcarehomes.co.uk/old-norse-lodge
ENJOY LUXURIOUS LIVING IN YOUR BESPOKE BEAL HOME
Find your perfect place, designed just for you, at Highfields in the charming town of Immingham.
If you’re seeking a beautiful new home in one of Lincolnshire’s most up and coming locations, then Highfields is the perfect place for you. This prestigious Beal Homes development is an exclusive community of two, three and four-bedroom homes.
As a family-owned and independent housebuilder, we have a proud track record of creating exceptional new communities across Lincolnshire. These include the highly successful Bishop’s Green development in Welton, and Thonock Vale, situated in the historic market town of Gainsborough.
A place of opportunity
Immingham is a close-knit town with a variety of amenities, making it a desirable choice for families, couples, professionals and downsizers alike. The semi-rural location means you can have both peace and tranquillity, as well as easy access to local services. The beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds and coast are a stone’s throw away.
Historic area with a bright future
The town of Immingham has existed as a settlement since the early medieval period. The town’s rich history is preserved through many impressive landmarks, such as The Pilgrim Fathers’ Monument and Thornton Abbey.
Today, the Port of Immingham is a key gateway for trade to and from Europe and beyond and the area is playing a key role in the Humber’s growing status as a magnet for investment. As a result, the area has a growing economy, full of opportunity.
Your home, designed by you
As a Highfields buyer, you’ll benefit from our unique Design Lounge service, which enables you to personalise every aspect of your new home, from modifying internal layouts to refining intricate details. With an extensive array of choices at your fingertips, you’re guaranteed to create a home that stands out as distinctively yours.
For the brand new, bespoke home of your dreams in one of Lincolnshire’s most promising locations, look no further than Highfields.
Start your journey to your bespoke Beal home at Highfields by visiting www.beal-homes.co.uk/highfields or call our sales hotline – tel: 01482 977776
Photographs: Mick Fox
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