Coastal pleasures

Stretching over 50 miles from the Humber to The Wash, the Lincolnshire coast remains a top UK destination.

With its blend of vibrant, family-friendly amusement hubs and tranquil, unspoilt natural spots, it is ideal for both lively holidays and nature lovers.

Alongside its popular seaside resorts, vast sandy beaches and nature reserves, the coast is bustling in the summer months, while spring and autumn offer excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

FOOTSTEPS IN THE SAND
To fully immerse yourself in this spectacular stretch of coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path has opened up more remote sections offering solitude and great nature spotting opportunities on the tidal marches.

The path between Sutton Bridge (the border with Norfolk) and Skegness is open apart from a small section in the south which is partially diverted due to an unsafe bridge. If you are not looking for a long-distance hike, but would still like to enjoy the delights of a coastal walk, there is a superb selection of shorter circular and linear routes available, such as the stretch from Chapel Point to Anderby Creek.

The walk takes in the coast and arable farmland, as well as nature reserves and a variety of unusual attractions, including The Round and Round House at Sandhills, south of Anderby Creek beach.

The plywood observation shelter sits atop the dunes and is accessible via a boardwalk. It is a great place to look out over Anderby Marsh Nature Reserve and across the hinterland to the higher ground of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

FUN IN THE SUN
For those seeking family fun in the sun, Skegness boasts a Blue Flag beach, accompanied by an abundance of family-friendly activities right by the sand, including Atlantis Adventure Golf Course, Skegness Aquarium, and the iconic Skegness Pier. Parking is plentiful, with the two closest to the beach being Skegness Beach Car Park (which has toilet facilities), and Skegness Pool & Fitness Centre Car Park.

Skegness Carnival Parade is due to take place on Sunday 9th August, from 1pm. This year’s theme is ‘Lincolnshire’, celebrating everything that makes the county so special – its history, seaside, countryside, communities and legends. The parade route typically starts behind Tesco on Richmond Drive and ends at North Parade Car Park.

The Skegness Show 2026 is a community event scheduled for Saturday 27th June, from 10am to 5pm at The Pavilion, Wainfleet Road. The event will feature local community groups, including the RNLI Skegness Lifeboat Station. Expect stalls, traders, food vendors and entertainment.

The number one beach sports and music festival in the UK returns to the town with live music from top tribute acts.

Beach Fest Skegness 2026 runs from 24th – 26th July. What began in 2021 as a beach soccer tournament has since evolved into a dynamic and large-scale music festival. Last year’s event attracted over 3,000 attendees.

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
Mablethorpe’s Blue Flag award-winning beach continues to be a popular destination for visitors wanting a traditional seaside escape.

The golden sandy beach often hosts events and activities such as donkey rides, sandcastle competitions, firework displays and bike races. Like its Skegness neighbour, Mablethorpe has plenty of seaside amusements just steps away from the beach.

Since 2019, the town has been home to the Time and Tide Bell, an impressive sculpture which rings out across the coast as the waves of the rising tide nudge the structure.

The closest car park is at ‘North End’ on Quebec Road and is operated by the adjacent Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Garden.

Lincolnshire Aquapark, located on Alford Road in Mablethorpe, comprises numerous fun and challenging features, with eight trampolines, two slides, inflatable climbing walls, balance beams, blast bag to catapult people up to four metres high, a mega cyclone spinning hamster wheel to climb inside of and the colossal five-metre-high Jungle Joe.

JUMP TO IT
Head to Ingoldmells and discover Fantasy Island, the award-winning theme park with iconic roller coasters, themed zones and rides. It also hosts Europe’s largest seven-day market features a staggering 320 stalls covering a range of goods.

Hardy’s Animal Farm is another family favourite. Set in seven acres, it offers hands-on and interactive animal experiences, including daily feeding sessions, egg collecting, pony grooming, and a meet and greet with alpacas. The site has a café and three dedicated outdoor play areas for different ages.

If you have a family eager to burn off energy, then check out Jump Warriors at Ingoldmells. This trampoline park is one of the largest attractions on this stretch of coast, with countless trampolines, jump towers plus a Ninja Assault Course, and, of course, just a stone’s throw away is Butlin’s original resort.

FAR FROM THE ‘MADDING CROWD’
Should you want to get away from the holiday crowds, head to Anderby Creek, one of the county’s hidden gems.

This quiet stretch of unspoilt beach is located between Chapel St Leonards and Huttoft beach. Whilst there are no traditional seaside amusements, it does have a beach café, a shop which stocks seaside essentials, and a pub serving hot food with a beer garden during the warmer months. There is parking (with toilet facilities) next to the sand dunes, so you are only ever a few steps from the sand. From the car park, a dedicated gentle wooden slope leads up to the beach, allowing visitors to avoid the main sandy incline.

Anderby Creek is also home to The Cloud Bar, the world’s first purpose-built cloud observation platform. It boasts cloud sculptures, seating, and information where you can learn all about clouds and how to identify them using the structure’s five rotatable curved mirrors.

Chapel St Leonards’ sand and shingle beach covers a long stretch of coast at the southern edge of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, which itself stretches from Sandilands to Chapel St Leonards, and inland to Hogsthorpe, Mumby, Anderby and Huttoft.

Enjoy a refreshing six-mile walk south to Skegness, or head north for around a mile and you will arrive at Chapel Point, home to the iconic North Sea Observatory. Chapel St Leonards, with its classic seaside charm, is known as the “village of two halves” thanks to its expansive, unspoilt beaches paired with its traditional amusements.

The beach has an adjacent promenade which is home to a pub and café. Other nearby attractions include The Green, the heart of the village which hosts markets and events throughout the year.

The largest nearby car park is Well Vale, just a two-minute meander from the beach and accessed by a short flight of stairs.

The Seaview Colonnade in Sutton-on-Sea between Mablethorpe and Sandilands is a new state-of-the-art pavilion space in the heart of the village, providing a hub to support activities, events and tourism for residents and visitors.

Open throughout the week from 9am to 5pm, facilities include a pop-up café by Seven Districts Coffee, and a Farmer Browns Ice Cream kiosk, as well as neighbouring paddling pool, play area and tennis courts on the site.

With its Blue Flag award-winning sandy beach, Sutton-on-Sea is conveniently reached by regular buses from Skegness railway station.

Known for its colourful beach huts lining the seafront, a walk along the promenade will take you to the village of Trusthorpe to the north and Sandilands to the south, meaning it is surrounded by the beauty of the natural coastline.

There are plenty of car parks, including Marine Avenue which is directly opposite the central entrance to the beach.

TRUST IN NATURE
The Lincolnshire coast is one of the most important stretches of the English coastline for wildlife, as a stop-over on the ‘fly-way’ migration route, which is why the National Trust is embarking on an exciting new project to transform the former golf course at Sandilands to create a year-round nature experience for everyone to enjoy.

Working in partnership with the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, the National Trust plans to create new habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially migrating birds such as black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank and spoonbills, along with breeding birds like snipe, lapwings and oystercatchers.

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
The Fat Seagull is a dog-friendly café, artisan gift shop and art gallery located near Sandilands beach, less than 400 feet from the seafront.

Collaborating with local Lincolnshire producers, the Fat Seagull is a treasure trove of unique products showcasing handmade flair and coastal personality. You will also find homemade preserves, jams, and the famous Lincolnshire Plum Loaf. With freshly-ground coffee, homemade cakes, pastries and treats, it is the perfect spot for a restful recharge.

Should you have a bigger appetite, you could always opt for fish and chips, a coastal favourite, freshly sourced from Grimsby.

Whether you are visiting the Lincolnshire coast for the day, a long weekend at a B&B, or staying at one of the many caravan or holiday parks, you are sure to leave with a smile on your face.

CELLULOID AND CINEMA MEMORIES
The Classic Home Cinema shop based in Cleethorpes is the largest provider of cine reels in the UK and also home to the North East Lincolnshire Film Archive.

Since 1988, owner Phil Sheard has been helping to preserve, sell and share film reels and projection equipment, bringing together cinema enthusiasts, and keeping the spirit of cinema from a bygone age alive.

But why use cine? Phil explained: “Film collectors enjoy the cinema experience, the projector and beam of light, the fun of a complete show, ads, trailers, newsreel, supporting shorts and full feature, only available in one format – film! Most show their films in their own home theatres, mini cinemas, a delight to enjoy the nostalgia and share with friends.”

In addition to selling classic silent films and more – everything from Disney to Star Wars – Classic Home Cinema specialises in transferring home films to DVD. And if you have a collection you are looking to sell, please ask for a quote.

If you wish to revive cinematic memories and get hands-on with home film projection, Classic Home Cinema will be happy to help.

For more information visit www.classichomecinema.co.uk

AMORE – ITALIAN BY THE SEA
Located in the heart of Cleethorpes, Amore brings a true taste of Italy to the Lincolnshire coast. Built on a passion for authentic Italian cooking and warm hospitality, the restaurant is a destination for those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

At the core of Amore’s ethos lies a simple philosophy — quality ingredients, traditional methods, all cooked from scratch with a focus on flavour.

From fresh seafood to carefully prepared pasta dishes, each plate is crafted to reflect the essence of Italian cuisine, while embracing its unique coastal setting.

What sets Amore apart is not only the food, but the views and atmosphere. Combining elegant surroundings with a welcoming, intimate feel, it offers the perfect setting for casual lunches, romantic dates and special occasions.

Signature dishes, including the restaurant’s much-loved seafood platter, continue to draw guests from across the region.

Since opening last year, Amore has evolved into one of Cleethorpes’ most talked-about dining experiences. With plans to continue refining both its menu and overall experience, the focus remains on delivering consistency, quality, and something truly memorable.

Open seven days a week, Amore welcomes bookings and walk-ins.

Amore, 2 Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes DN35 8LQ. Tel. 01472 400400. Find Amore on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/amorecleethorpes

WELCOME TO THE ULTIMATE CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The first two phases of a £1m refurbishment programme of Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes includes the remodelling of five screens and luxury recliner seating.

Parkway Cinema Cleethorpes is UK’s largest independent cinema and has built an outstanding reputation for screening a wide range of popular films in a welcoming environment. This state-of-the-art seafront cinema complex offers nine screens, live theatre, bar and regular special screenings for parents and babies, with a senior screen programme every Tuesday, plus kids’ club discount tickets at the weekend.

Now cinema-goers can enjoy chilling out during an enhanced movie night out with luxurious bespoke reclining seats, daybeds and unique semi-private booths.

“Our luxury fully electric recliners are comfier, wider and taller than ever before. With loads of leg room and plenty of space to stretch out, each seat also has a built-in tray table and cup holder, perfect tor snacks and drinks.”

The space per customer has also been made wider by reducing seat numbers, and 25% bigger screens (over 10m wide) have been added, as well as upgraded projection and Dolby digital sound installation.

The third stage will reinvent the bar and foyer area to create a range of warm, welcoming spaces and more food options. The work has been expertly carried out by local contractors with many innovations in pre-manufacturing components offsite to minimise disruption and to enable the cinema to remain open during the renovations.

Andy Cooper, Parkway general manager, says: “We’re thrilled to unveil our newly upgraded cinema experience. We want every guest to feel like they’re stepping into something special from the moment they arrive.”

History and heritage
The family-run Parkway Cinema chain was originally founded in 1983 by Gerald Parkes and his wife Denise and has grown to be one of the most successful independent cinema companies in the country.

The Playhouse Cinema in Louth is believed to be the oldest cinema in Lincolnshire, opening just before Woodhall Spa’s Kinema in the Woods in 1922. Originally converted from a Victorian chapel dating from 1821, it first opened as a cinema on Boxing Day 1921.

The current Art Deco frontage was added in 1935, as well as stairs leading to the newly built balcony.

Two further screens were added in 1996, followed by further extensive refurbishment in 2010, including the introduction of digital projection and sound, and in 2017 with new seating and sofas added to the larger screen.

“We’re independently owned, and independently minded,” explains Richard Parkes, who took over running the business with his brother Gerrard and mother Denise after his father, who was awarded an MBE for services to the UK cinema industry, passed away in 2013.

“We believe that creating a great cinema is about much more than what happens on screen, we offer exceptional service and genuine hospitality.”

For more information visit www.parkwaycinemas.co.uk

RELAX AND REVIVE AT CHAPEL FIELDS HOLIDAY PARK
Set within the tranquil countryside of Chapel St Leonards, Chapel Fields Holiday Park offers a blend of modern holiday accommodation, scenic lakeside surroundings and relaxing coastal living.

Located just minutes from the beach, Chapel Fields Holiday Park continues to grow as one of the area’s most attractive family-run holiday destinations.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the park offers a peaceful rural escape with a wide variety of accommodation options, including owners-only static holiday homes, spacious touring pitches, luxury lakeside pods and newly completed holiday cottages.

One of the latest additions to the park is a beautifully finished development of luxury holiday cottages, designed to combine modern comfort with traditional Lincolnshire character.

Featuring quality brickwork, landscaped surroundings and private outdoor areas, the cottages provide an ideal retreat for couples and families looking for a peaceful coastal getaway.

Touring and holiday homes
Chapel Fields also continues to attract touring caravan visitors from across the UK, thanks to its spacious hardstanding pitches, well-maintained grounds and relaxed atmosphere.

The park’s owners-only holiday home development offers a welcoming community setting with scenic lake views and beautifully landscaped surroundings.

Lakeside glamping pods
Positioned around the water’s edge, the luxury lakeside pods and lodge-style accommodation offer guests a unique stay overlooking the park’s fishing lakes and countryside scenery.

These popular lakeside retreats have become a favourite for short breaks and relaxing escapes throughout the season.

Water meadows fishery
At the heart of the park lies Water Meadows Fishery, home to specimen lakes stocked with carp, catfish and coarse fish, attracting anglers of all abilities year-round. The combination of fishing, nature and open space continues to make Chapel Fields a unique destination on the Lincolnshire coast.

Evolve and expand
With continued investment across the park, including new developments, upgraded landscaping and expanding accommodation options, Chapel Fields Holiday Park continues to build on its reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination for holidaymakers seeking relaxation, comfort and countryside charm.

For more information visit: www.chapel-fields.co.uk

Photographs: Mick Fox

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