Must-Visit Beaches in Lincolnshire

Published on 2022-03-20 / By Daniel Moorey

As an island nation, the UK is awash with beaches. It’s often overlooked, but did you know that Lincolnshire has more than its fair share of sandy shores? That's right! There are utterly stunning beaches in Lincolnshire. The poet Christopher Tye talked of ‘Empires of sand from The Wash up to Cleethorpes’, and he was right.

Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park spans from Sutton on Sea to Chapel St Leonards. Outside of this, there is enough to enthral every kind of beach enthusiast. There are beaches in Lincolnshire for everyone. From tidal sand, mudflats, salt and freshwater marshes, and golden sands backed by dunes.

Whether you’re a Lincolnshire local or visiting from Washingborough Hall, here are our top ten beaches in Lincolnshire for you to explore and enjoy:

Donna Nook for seals

Over the last few years, sighting a seal along the UK coastline has become a growing common occurrence. The UK is now home to 40% of the world’s grey seal population, with designated seal sanctuary beaches, such as Donna Nook, homing a significant proportion. As well as providing a safe space for seals to breed and thrive, there are wardens on hand to give you advice and information about the seals.

For the best seal sighting experience, you’ll need to visit in November or December when they breed. It’s a magical experience for all ages. There are also cuckoos and linnets, marsh and bee orchids beyond the beach.

And if you’re curious about the beach’s name, ‘The Donna’ was a Spanish Armada shipwrecked off the nook/headland in 1588. Making Donna Nook one of the most history-rich beaches in Lincolnshire.

Skegness for families

Skegness, or as it’s better known, Skeggy, has it all. Donkey rides, canoeing, kayaking, crazy golf, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, crabbing, rock pooling, paddling, picnics, kite flying, ice creams, and fish and chips.

It’s a big enough town for a fun-packed family holiday, but small enough for little legs to explore and manageable for a single day out. Its beach fringed setting makes it one of the beaches in Lincolnshire with a truly charming holiday feel.

Anderby Creek for peace

If you are looking for a quiet spot for some wellness therapy, Anderby Creek is the hidden gem for you. Its long sandy beach runs for miles, making it the perfect place for a tranquil coastal trek.

Unspoiled by attractions and developments, it’s an escape from Lincolnshire’s busier beaches.

There is a car park along the aptly named Sandy Lane from where you can access the beach via a footpath that crosses the dunes behind the beach. You can also find toilets and a café here.

Chapel St Leonards for birders

Looking for beaches in Lincolnshire with stunning wildlife? Chapel St Leonards is an unmissable spot for all avid birdwatchers. The beach and surrounding area support flocks of winter waders and summer breeding species, including reed and sedge warblers, lesser whitethroat, great crested and little grebes. In August and September, thousands of swallows and house martins roost in the reedbeds.

For sweeping views across the beach, there’s a striking angular bird observatory looking out to the North Sea. Built in 2018, the North Sea Observatory boasts a café, free binoculars, meeting facilities and toilets. It is also dog friendly.

In the summer, enjoy a drink on the terrace and watch the sunset, or on those cooler winter days, make the most of the indoor space fitted with plenty of windows, meaning you’ll never miss out on that perfect bird-spotting view.

Cleethorpes for fish and chips

The town here still has a gentility about it as well as a magnificent Victorian pier. It is a bit of a drive from Washingborough Hotel, but if you are after award-winning fish and chips, Pappas on the Pier is the place.

It’s a Cleethorpes institution and has been featured on the BBC as the best in the country. So shake up your regular order and try the Hull Pattie or stick with the nation’s favourite classic, cod and chips.

In summer 2021, Cleethorpes was named the second-best beach in the UK by Trainline. If you want a car-free day, a 15-minute bus ride from Washingborough hotel will take you to Lincoln train station, and from there you can take a scenic countryside train journey to Cleethorpes station, opposite the seafront.

Mablethorpe for cake

If you want something lighter to eat, Lady B’s Cupcakery is another option. Set in Mablethorpe’s traditional seaside resort, they make a popular cream tea complete with fresh cream a jam or, for a treat on the go, a Malteser cupcake.

The beach here can get a little busy, but it’s still as clean and golden as other Lincolnshire beaches.

Sutton On Sea for fishing

Fancy some crabbing? Or flatfish fishing? Or just some free time to yourself? Sutton on Sea is abundant with fishing opportunities of all kinds, and it is especially good for night fishing.

There are special fishing tours available if you’re new to the ways of the rod, or throw in your crabbing bate and hope for the best! Whether you’re lucky on the line or not, there’s something about spending the day surrounded by the sea that is satisfying enough.

Ingoldsmell for dogs

Washingborough Hall is dog friendly. So if you have your furry friend with you, and are looking for dog friendly beaches in Lincolnshire, we’d recommend heading to Ingoldsmell beach.

Some of Lincolnshire’s beaches have restricted access over the summer months, but Ingoldsmell has a section of beach that is dog friendly all year-round!

Saltfleetby for natterjack toads

Saltfleetby is one of Lincolnshire’s wilder beaches for nature lovers. It’s backed by windswept dunes, which are very dramatic, but be careful not to get blown away on windier days.

The resident natterjack toads don’t seem to mind though as this is one of the few places in the UK where you can see them.

Saltfleetby is about an hour’s drive from Washingborough Hall, cutting across the stunning Lincolnshire Wolds.

At the end of the day...

While there is no evidence that the sea air makes you tired, the relaxing lull of the waves, endless sandy sprawls and wonderful wildlife watching can certainly make you ready for a peaceful night’s sleep. And with all these beaches in Lincolnshire you’ll get exactly that.