Coastal treasures

Blow those cobwebs away by heading off on a voyage of discovery and exploring the magic of the Lincolnshire coast. By Glynis Fox.

A range of resorts await, from larger destinations – such as Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness, which always attract the crowds – to the more intimate places tucked in between. These include Chapel St Leonards, Ingoldmells and Sutton on Sea.

It doesn’t matter whether you own a caravan, have a mobile home, love staying at a holiday camp, or prefer a guest house or hotel – there’s loads on offer to help you maximise your fun this year!

You could base yourself at one of our famous resorts, then hop in the car, or board one of those eye-catching, open-topped, seaside buses and take a mini tour. It can be great fun discovering different places and holiday spots during your break away.

Many of our coastal hotspots have been boosted or are in the process of being upgraded thanks to an injection of millions of pounds of government cash. This means that this year you are likely to spot where attractions have had a facelift or new attractions have popped up.

CLASSIC RESORTS
Let’s start with Cleethorpes, which offers families a wonderful expanse of beach to play on, a pier where you can gaze out to sea and then maybe pop into Papa’s mega-restaurant at the end of the pier for the perfect fish-and-chips meal.

The waterfront promenade is the perfect place to sit and watch for incoming ferries and other watercraft from the comfort of your car, whilst enjoy a yummy ice cream. This frontage seems to stretch forever and so it is also the ideal place to enjoy an invigorating stroll with children and the family dog.

Cleethorpes Leisure Centre is also on the town’s waterfront and is immensely popular with families who love swimming and holidaymakers who want to maintain their fitness routines.

The town also has a lake at Meridian Point and a popular light railway nearby. In this part of town, you can also take in a film at the Parkway Cinema, or walk back into the centre of town and explore Cleethorpes’ shopping offer and cafés.

Mablethorpe has a different vibe. Driving there from inland, you are greeted with numerous shops, market areas and a wealth of amusements – and that’s before you even reach the seafront!

More compact than Cleethorpes, it buzzes with life at holiday time, welcoming a mix of staying visitors from nearby caravan and holiday parks, to a never-ending influx of day-trippers.

The beach, which is really popular with families, is also known for hosting sand racing events at other times of the year, but there is always something to do for all ages. So do look out for donkey and amusement rides at this and other main coastal destinations.

LEISURE AND LEARNING
Last year, locals and holidaymakers were thrilled when the fabulous £13.5 million Station Leisure & Learning Centre was launched by East Lindsey District Council.

The council used money secured through the Town Deal, supported by the Connected Coast Board, which oversees the delivery of the fund in Mablethorpe and Skegness, to build the facility. It is operated by the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture. People can enjoy the 25-metre swimming pool at the centre, which also offers swimming lesson for children and adults; use state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the gym; try an instructor-led exercise class; use the community learning space, and pop into the activity game and obstacle arena (Magna TAG) for family fun. Outside there is an outdoor play area for the community. There is also parking behind the centre and anyone can pop in and enjoy refreshments at the Whistle Stop Bistro.

If your family loves outdoor activities, the Lincolnshire Aquapark, just outside the town, boasts an outdoor inflatable obstacle course on the lake at Grange Leisure Park, with its trampolines, sliders, climbing walls and more.

FAMILY FUN
Skegness is another unmissable resort. If you are looking for a holiday destination which offers plenty of entertainment, this should certainly be high on your list of potential destinations because there is always lots going on for the whole family.

The town has a beautifully paved road leading to the seafront. This passes the exciting Skegness Aquarium on the right and the town’s lifeboat station is at the end on the left. Grab an ice cream and step out on the beach and build sandcastles with the children, or watch the sea gradually roll in.

Other attractions include the Embassy Theatre, which puts on shows to suit all tastes and a seal sanctuary, which is included in Skegness Natureland at the northern end of the seafront.

certainly appreciate the town’s variety of shops, offering everything from fashionwear to shoes, books, gifts and foodstuffs too. It all makes it easy to buy essentials to take back to your caravan and treat yourself to something to wear too.

Smaller places along the county’s coastline which are also worth more than a passing glance include Sutton on Sea, Chapel St Leonards, Chapel Point, Ingoldmells, Sandilands and Anderby Creek.
Sutton on Sea is a lovely place for a day visit and a popular family attraction is due to reopen in the summer following major refurbishment and improvement work – the public paddling pool, one of three in the East Lindsey district.

As we went to press, work was also progressing on the Seaview Colonnade development overlooking the seafront. This massive redevelopment project will feature a new pavilion with a café, restaurant, exhibition space and a Changing Places toilet. It is also expected to feature new beach huts on the seafront, enhanced Pleasure Gardens, extra seating and event spaces and community gardens.

Ingoldmells buzzes and no wonder, because this is where you will find all the amazing rides at Fantasy Island, and it’s also where the Butlin’s story started in 1936. The camp is in a great spot and offers people easy access to the beach but there’s also plenty to do within the site. Look out for the traditional fairground, new entertainment venues, outdoor activities, including the high ropes, climbing wall, go-kart, and discover Butlin’s SKYPARK.

SEA VIEWS AND NATURE
Sandilands, which is just short drive from Sutton on Sea, is undergoing a phenomenal transformation, which will see what was a former golf course transformed into a wetland nature reserve and visitor hub.

Work approved by the National Trust is underway and when finished, with the area restored to its natural state, it will boast wildlife habitats, including those for migrating birds such as the black-tailed godwit, spotted redshank, spoonbill, snipe, lapwing and oystercatcher. Get those binoculars ready!

Seaside village Chapel St Leonards will appeal if you are looking for a quieter place to stay, which still gives you easy access to the beach. If you venture a little further along the coast you will come to Chapel Point, where you can visit the North Sea Observatory and enjoy great views out to sea whilst enjoying coffee and cake.

Finally, archaeological evidence has shown there was originally a medieval harbour at Anderby Creek and during World War II, RAF Anderby Creek was home to the first battle training school of the RAF Regiment.

Today the beach comprises wide sandy shores bordered by dunes and marshes. Quieter than many other parts of the coast – although it has a café – it is free of major development and the beach is dog-friendly.

Photographs: Mick Fox

FIRST-CLASS HOSPITALITY AT THE ELM TREE
A stylish and exclusive venue, The Elm Tree in Hundleby offers the perfect setting for your boutique wedding celebration with a choice of stunning indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces.

Celebrate your special day with family, friends and even your favourite four-legged companions at this gorgeous Georgian country house surrounded by attractive gardens and grounds, where every personalised ceremony is unique.

Owners and hosts Jonathan and Chris, who share years of experience in delivering top class hospitality, have lovingly created this elegant pet-friendly luxury wedding venue which offers a warm welcome, and a bespoke service combining “fun and laughter with lavish comfort”.

Couples can enjoy a truly memorable experience thanks to this award-winning venue’s friendly and accommodating team, including in-house wedding planner and co-ordinator Niki Burné, who is on hand to ensure your special day goes without a hitch.

When you book a wedding at The Elm Tree, not only do you get a romantic wedding venue, the wedding party also has the use of the four beautifully designed guest rooms for the night of the wedding.

There is also a “wedding breakfast” guest capacity for up to 30 seated (50 for the evening), and there are a variety of catering options available.

Jonathan and Chris say: “When you book with us, you become part of the Elm Tree family! We love being part of your day – to us it’s not just a job, we want to help you enjoy a memorable experience and create your wedding, your way!”

For more information visit www.elmtree.co.uk

YOUR CHANCE TO OWN YOUR OWN PUB BUSINESS WITH BATEMANS
For over 150 years, Batemans Brewery has been creating cask conditioned traditional ales in Wainfleet. The company has been overseen by the same family for four generations and in that time has acquired a number of traditional pubs in many market towns and villages.

Now, the opportunity has opened up for a quality operator to acquire the business of an impressive-looking pub/hotel in popular Burgh Le Marsh, which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment.

This is just one of several pub vacancies currently on offer – presenting a rare chance to partner with one of Britain’s longest-established brewing families.

Why take a Batemans Pub?
Batemans offers all its business owners a friendly arm around their shoulders in all aspects of running the business. Business owners – whether experienced landlords or first-timers – can count on genuine support, transparent costs, well-maintained buildings, no rent reviews and the expertise of 150 years in the industry to call upon.

From expert cellar services delivered by Batemans’ own draymen to free training courses, marketing support, and ongoing property investment, every element is designed to help business owners succeed and maximise their profits.

As Chris Jones, who heads up the Profit Partnership team, says: “As an independent family brewery we have strong values, and are simply looking for people who are hungry to make a profit, will fit in and share our company values, have the human touch and who will enjoy the local people and be part of the community.”

For more information about Batemans’ latest pub vacancies, visit www.batemansbrewery.co.uk/run-a-pub/pub-vacancies/

A HIDDEN GEM BY THE LINCOLNSHIRE COAST
Chapel Fields Holiday Park offers a relaxing getaway close to nature.

Nestled in the heart of Chapel St Leonards, just moments from the shoreline yet wrapped in the calm of the countryside, Chapel Fields Holiday Park is a family-run haven designed for those who crave peace, comfort, and a breath of fresh air. With spacious grounds, lakeside views, and a warm welcome waiting, it’s a place where time slows down and nature takes centre stage.

Set across a thoughtfully landscaped site, Chapel Fields offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit every type of traveller. Static holiday homes provide a sense of community and belonging for long-term owners, while the lodge plots overlooking Meadow Lake offer premium views and added privacy for those seeking a touch of luxury. Seasonal visitors are equally well catered for, with touring caravan pitches and four nightly bases perfect for those exploring the Lincolnshire coast.

For something more unique, the park’s glamping pods, set beside Horse Shoe Lake, offer a charming, comfortable alternative. Each pod comes with its own private fishing pontoon, inviting guests to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of lakeside life from their doorstep.

And that’s just the beginning. Chapel Fields is expanding its offering with brand-new holiday cottages – beautifully appointed, self-contained homes that bring together rustic charm and modern convenience.

Meanwhile, a private rental section is in development, giving caravan owners the opportunity to let out their holiday homes and offering added flexibility for both families and investors.

At the heart of the park is the renowned Water Meadows Fishery, a well-loved destination for anglers of all levels. Two specimen lakes are stocked with large carp, catfish, and seasonal pike, while Moat Lake caters to casual fishing with a variety of coarse fish. Open year-round, it’s a cornerstone of the park’s appeal and a sanctuary for fishing enthusiasts.

Health and wellness are also part of the Chapel Fields experience. The Halo-Therapy Salt Box, located onsite, provides gentle, holistic treatment sessions that involve inhaling pharmaceutical-grade salt particles. These 45-minute sessions are known to support respiratory and skin health, as well as promoting deeper sleep, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Open to guests and the wider public, it’s a calming retreat within the retreat.

When it’s time to refuel, guests can head to The Den, the park’s licensed café. Serving everything from fresh coffee to hearty meals, and hosting weekend entertainment, The Den is a laid-back social hub where guests gather, unwind, and enjoy good company.

The park operates from 1st March to the last Sunday in November for static home owners, though its fishing lakes remain open all year, drawing in nature lovers and anglers regardless of the season.

Ongoing developments include exclusive new waterside caravan pitches, reflecting the park’s continuous investment in guest experience and its evolution as a premier Lincolnshire destination.

Whether it’s the peaceful walks, the proximity to the coast, or simply the sense of space and serenity, Chapel Fields Holiday Park offers something rare: a chance to truly switch off.

“Chapel Fields Holiday Park has delighted holidaymakers for years,” say the team. “Whether you’re a keen fisherman, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a break, we welcome you to relax and unwind with us.”

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

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