Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

A small coastal town situated on Lincolnshire’s low-lying fens, Mablethorpe comes alive during the summer as a favorite destination for families.

The centerpiece is the expansive golden sandy beach, which stretches for several miles and is accompanied by sand dunes and a nature reserve to the north.

There are numerous activities for children, ranging from the delightful experiences of mini-golf and paddling pools to visits to wildlife sanctuaries and rides on Mablethorpe’s nostalgic sand train.

In contrast to the vibrant atmosphere of the resort, the nearby town of Alford offers visitors a thatched 17th-century manor house and a restored five-sailed windmill.

Let us delve into the best attractions in Mablethorpe:

1. Mablethorpe Beach

A consistent recipient of the Blue Flag award, Mablethorpe Beach features wide golden sands that extend for miles in both northern and southern directions.

You can remain in the center to access beachfront amenities such as fish and chip shops, donkey rides, and mini-golf, or venture northward to enjoy a quieter experience away from the crowds.

At Theddlethorpe, the beach expands dramatically, allowing for serene moments without encountering others.

In the resort area, a vibrant display of colorful beach huts lines the elevated promenade.

In mid-September, these huts host the Bathing Beauties arts and crafts festival.

The promenade continues down the coastline past Sutton-on-Sea, offering opportunities for lengthy walks and cycling.

2. Saltfleetby – Theddlethorpe Dunes

North of the Seal Sanctuary, the coastline evolves into a nature reserve encompassing 1,377 acres of dunes, salt marsh, freshwater marsh, mudflats, and sandy beaches.

Visitors will observe two distinct ridges of dunes that run parallel to the freshwater reserve.

The landward ridge evidences its origins from the 1200s and was established on a storm beach, whereas the eastern dunes were formed in the 1800s due to the diversion of the Great Eau River.

The reserve offers three marked trails tailored to showcase different seasonal highlights.

A variety of wildfowl species, including teal and wigeon, inhabit the reserve during winter, while spring showcases stunning displays of dune vegetation, and numerous migratory bird species are observable in the summer.

3. Lincolnshire Aquapark

Located in the fens behind the resort, a collection of freshwater pools features an inflatable adventure course throughout the summer months.

The Lincolnshire Aquapark operates from late May until early October, welcoming individuals aged five and older.

Participants will don life jackets and helmets while navigating an exhilarating course, complete with two large slides, a giant hamster wheel, eight trampolines, inflatable climbing walls, a blast bag that launches people into the air, and a five-meter-high Jungle Joe climbing frame.

4. Mablethorpe Sand Train

Since 1952, the Mablethorpe Sand Train has been a pivotal element of the resort, traversing the golden sands of Mablethorpe North Beach.

Given the beach’s vastness, the train can serve as a convenient mode of transport for those staying at the Golden Sands Holiday Park or wishing to travel from the resort center to the Seal Sanctuary.

Dogs are permitted aboard, and the entire round trip from Central Beach lasts approximately 20 minutes at a cost of £2 per passenger, with complimentary travel for children under two years old.

5. Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary

For families seeking a retreat from the beach, the nearby village of Huttoft houses a sanctuary for rescued donkeys.

The Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary operates as a non-profit organization and welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Thursday and weekends during the summer.

The farm provides buckets of carrots available for purchase at 50p to feed the donkeys over the paddock fence, making it a delightful activity for children as the animals are gentle and friendly.

The sanctuary includes a small café that serves beverages and hot and cold snacks.

6. Queens Park

Located just off the promenade, Queens Park offers a family-friendly environment with numerous amenities for children.

The park’s hallmark is a boating lake, reminiscent of those found in coastal towns across England during the early 20th century, now populated by a large flock of geese.

Additionally, there is a paddling pool, a miniature railway, an 18-hole putting green, and a mini-golf course.

Older residents can often be seen enjoying the bowling green and tennis court, while the Pavilion Café adjacent to the paddling pool offers a variety of snacks, hot drinks, and ice cream.

7. Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre

This small zoo is operated by a charity focused on the rescue of seals and seabirds.

The sanctuary houses resident seals unable to be released back into their natural habitat, along with informative panels detailing their behaviors and personal histories.

Guests can gain deeper insights during scheduled feeding times.

The wildlife center also features various primates (including the vocal gibbons), reptiles, cats, meerkats, goats, emus, guinea pigs, giant rabbits, pigs, ponies, and birds of prey.

8. Alford Manor House

The town of Alford, located near Mablethorpe, has attractions worthy of a visit, but the highlight is undoubtedly this 17th-century mansion.

Alford Manor House is recognized as the largest manor house in the UK featuring a thatched roof.

Constructed in 1611 and built in the shape of an H, it originally consists of a timber frame that was subsequently encased in brick.

The house is available for private events, yet also opens for exhibitions focused on local history.

Within the barn on the grounds exists the Museum of Rural Life, showcasing life in the past on the outskirts of the Lincolnshire Wolds, featuring a bootmaker and blacksmith’s shop, a Hornsby threshing drum, a 1957 Massey Harris 780 Special combine, and a collection of mid-20th-century Lister and Petter stationary engines.

9. Mablethorpe to Sutton-on-Sea Promenade Cycleway

Mablethorpe serves as a starting point for a series of coastal towns connected by an extensive seafront cycle-path situated atop an embankment.

For those seeking physical activity, fresh air, and tranquility, escaping the bustling arcades of Mablethorpe leads to more serene villages and towns.

Along the route to Sutton-on-Sea, you can find Trusthorpe with its Medieval parish church.

The atmosphere between Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe contrasts dramatically; however, their beaches remain strikingly similar, featuring a paddling pool for young children near the promenade.

Visiting Sandilands Golf Club’s links course for a round of golf followed by a leisurely lunch in the quaint town behind the embankment is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

10. Loewen Cinema

Given the unpredictable weather in England, families enjoying a day at the beach may occasionally seek alternative activities.

Loewen Cinema serves as an excellent indoor alternative, screening the latest Hollywood blockbusters and family-friendly films.

Though the building itself is unremarkable, this welcoming and personalized theater offers a distinctly different environment compared to large multiplex cinemas. Afternoon visitors enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee, and the seating is spacious and comfortable in both the large and small auditoriums.

Those accustomed to corporate theaters will likely be surprised by the affordability of tickets, popcorn, and soft drinks.

11. Mablethorpe Fairground

A fixture of the resort located on the Central Promenade, the Mablethorpe Fairground offers an embrace of nostalgic family entertainment.

Entry to the site is complimentary, and transactions for rides and amusements are conducted with vouchers.

Various attractions include dodgems, slides, a House of Terror, classic games such as hook-a-duck, and gentle rides suited for younger children, including carousels and a “Cars” themed Race-o-Rama.

The fairground opens on weekends from 11:00 to 17:00 and serves traditional seaside treats such as toffee apples and fish and chips.

12. Alford Five-Sailed Windmill

This remarkable windmill is fully operational and opens to the public on selected dates throughout the year.

These opening dates vary, so visitors are encouraged to verify the mill’s website before planning a visit.

Located a brief ten-minute drive from Mablethorpe, the mill was constructed in 1837. Notably, the millwright’s company that built this structure continues to operate today.

The innovative five-sailed design was groundbreaking at the time, based on the efficiency research of engineer John Smeaton.

Visitors can witness wheat being ground using wind power, while the delightful tearoom, “Millstones,” offers freshly baked coffee cakes and Victoria sponge cakes made with stone-ground flour.

13. On Your Marques

Located in Alford, this private model car and motor-racing museum is curated with considerable passion and dedication.

On Your Marques appeals to those with an interest in collectibles and unique museums.

Approximately 6,500 models are on display during the museum’s summer season, showcasing a wide breadth of automotive history.

Upon re-opening, visitors can always anticipate a large selection of new acquisitions to explore.

The collection also includes posters and various car-themed memorabilia from movies, Formula 1, rallying, supercars, and Le Mans.

The Pit-Stop café serves tea and cake, alongside a detailed working Scalextric (slot car) track spanning nearly 50 meters.

14. Woodthorpe Garden Centre

More than just a venue for purchasing plants, garden furniture, and accessories, Woodthorpe Garden Centre serves as a distinct attraction that particularly appeals to younger visitors.

The center features a substantial outdoor play area, an intricate hedge maze, and “Dinothorpe,” which showcases convincing dinosaur models.

Additionally, Woodthorpe Garden Centre includes a restaurant that serves coffee sourced from Stokes of Lincoln (established in 1902), and hosts a Santa’s Grotto during the Advent season.

15. The Mirage

Parents on holiday with teenagers may grant their children some independence at this lively indoor amusement arcade, which is particularly bustling during summer.

The Mirage is filled with modern arcade machines alongside nostalgic games, such as coin-pushers and ticket redemption machines.

Also within the establishment is a multi-lane bowling alley, a play area for younger children, and a café/bar where adults can take a moment to relax from parenting duties.