Exploring the Lincolnshire Coast: The Best Beaches to Visit
There’s something special about a road trip along the Lincolnshire coast, especially as it has some of the best stretches of sandy beaches in the UK. Tucked on the east coast of England, stretching between the Humber in the north and The Wash in the south, Lincolnshire’s shoreline is one of the most underrated in the UK. It’s a place where classic seaside towns sit alongside peaceful nature reserves, and where you can hop from lively promenades to quiet, unspoilt beaches in a single afternoon.
As you follow the coast road, you’ll pass some of Lincolnshire’s best‑loved spots: the family‑friendly sands of Skegness, the retro charm of Mablethorpe and the sweeping dunes of Anderby Creek. Each stop has its own character, some perfect for arcades and ice creams, others made for long walks, beachcombing and watching the waves roll in. The tide can go out really far at most of Lincolnshire’s beaches, and they are amongst some of the most accessible in the UK.
Anderby Creek
Anderby Creek is one of the quietest stretches of the Lincolnshire coast, with wide sands, natural dunes and plenty of space to wander. There’s a small car park close to the beach, plus toilets and a café nearby, but the area stays low‑key with no arcades or big attractions. It’s also home to the quirky Cloud Bar and a viewing platform, making it a lovely spot for a peaceful walk, sandcastle building or a laid‑back day by the sea. We visited here on a mild day, and we were the only ones on the beach for most of the time, rare, I know, but it was bliss.
Chapel St Leonards Beach
This stretch of coastline around Chapel St Leonards Beach is known for its long, open sands, gentle dunes and a promenade that’s easy to walk along. Facilities are nearby, with toilets, cafés, pubs and small shops just a short walk from the beachfront, plus convenient parking behind the dunes. The beach itself stays fairly calm compared to the bigger resorts, making it a good spot for simple seaside walks, paddling and plenty of space to spread out.
Cleethorpes Beach
With its mix of traditional seafront and wide, open sands, Cleethorpes Beach offers a bit of everything in one place. The main promenade has all the practical bits close by with toilets, cafés, fish and chips, parking and the pier with a restaurant that enjoys great views. The shoreline itself stretches far enough that you can wander into quieter areas backed by dunes and saltmarsh. It’s an easy spot for a long walk, a paddle or a simple seaside day without needing to go far for facilities.
Mablethorpe Beach
The long, open shoreline around Mablethorpe Beach has that classic east‑coast mix of wide sands and easy access to everything you might need. Toilets, cafés, arcades, mini-golf, fish and chips and parking sit close to the seafront, while the beach itself stretches far enough that you can quickly move from the livelier central area to quieter, more natural sections. In peak season, the famous sand train runs along the stretch of beach from Mablethorpe down to the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary. We have been on this many times; it’s great fun when the train drives into the sea for a short while.
Moggs Eye Beach
Mogg’s Eye Beach feels noticeably quieter than the nearby resorts, with wide sands, grassy dunes and a more natural, open feel. Facilities are minimal at the beach itself, but there’s a small car park, seasonal toilets and easy access to walking routes along the shoreline.
Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve
Quiet, wild and wonderfully open, Saltfleetby Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve offers one of the most natural coastal landscapes in Lincolnshire. The area is made up of rolling dunes, saltmarsh and a wide, untouched beach, creating a peaceful setting that feels far removed from the busier resorts. Access points are dotted along the coast with small car parks and clear walking routes, though facilities are minimal, keeping the focus firmly on the landscape.
Skegness Beach
There is plenty going on around Skegness Beach, with the main promenade lined with everything from arcades and rides to crazy golf, cafés and the Sea Life Centre. The beach itself is a wide, sandy stretch with easy access from the front, and you’ll also find a free paddling pool, toilets, parking and lots of food options just a few steps away. It’s one of the liveliest spots on the Lincolnshire coast, offering a mix of traditional seaside attractions and open space for a simple walk or a sit by the sea. We have enjoyed many a holiday here as there’s always so much to do.
Sutton on Sea Beach
The seafront around Sutton on Sea Beach has a much gentler feel than the bigger resorts, with a long promenade, wide sands and a free paddling pool that sits just behind the beach. Facilities are close by, including toilets, cafés, small shops and easy parking, but the area still keeps a quieter, more traditional atmosphere. It’s a great option if you want a stroll by the sea, a paddle or a relaxed day without the noise and bustle you get further down the coast. We used to take our son here a lot when he was really little. Now he prefers the hustle and bustle of Skegness.
Lincolnshire’s coastline has a calm, understated charm — long open sands, big skies and quiet stretches that feel miles away from the busier seaside spots elsewhere in the country. Whether it’s a quick walk, a full beach day or a stop on a wider road trip, these beaches show just how varied and surprisingly peaceful this part of the East Coast can be.
