Family Days Out in Lincolnshire

Whether you’re from the county or visiting from elsewhere, there is an abundance of choice when it comes to family days out in Lincolnshire…

By the coast…

Lincolnshire has over 50 miles of coastline, with fantastic sandy beaches, unspoilt nature reserves and some of the most famous seaside resorts in the country.

Four of our beaches – at Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe, Skegness and Sutton on Sea – have been awarded prestigious Blue Flags (given to beaches with the highest standards of cleanliness and water quality). In fact, Lincolnshire has more prestigious Blue Flag awards than any other county on the East Coast of England!

If you’re looking for all the hustle and bustle of a traditional seaside resort, visit Skegness, Ingoldmells or Cleethorpes. Natureland Seal Sanctuary in Skegness is a must for visitors of all ages.

Mablethorpe and Chapel St Leonards are quieter seaside resorts and great for families with smaller children.

Sutton on Sea and Anderby Creek are totally unspoiled and fantastic places to spend a few relaxing hours by the sea.

Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve is three miles south of Skegness. Consisting of acres of sand dunes and salt marsh on the banks of The Wash, Gibraltar Point is a haven for birds and wildlife, with many trails and walks running through it.

In the countryside…

Lincolnshire has some of the most beautiful and diverse countryside in the UK. If you’re wanting a family day out in Lincolnshire that doesn’t cost a fortune and takes you and your family back to basics, then read on!

The Lincolnshire Wolds:

The Lincolnshire Wolds, in the north east of the county, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with gentle rolling countryside and lots of pretty villages.

It has an annual walking festival running from mid-May to the beginning of June, which is a great way to explore the beauty of the Wolds.

Historic market towns, such as Louth, Horncastle, Woodhall Spa and Market Rasen, are close by.

The Lincolnshire Vales:

The Lincolnshire Vales, in the south west of the county, is just as beautiful as the Wolds, with rolling hills and valleys and traditional Lincolnshire villages.

It is an ideal location for cycling, walking and visiting places of interest including Stamford, Burghley House and Belton House.

The area is easily accessible from London and the south via the A1 and also from the Midlands.

The Lincolnshire Fens:

The Lincolnshire Fens, in the south east of the county, stretches into Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. It has its own unique landscape with flat, wide-open countryside criss-crossed with drainage dykes and waterways that are havens for birds and wildfowl.

Walking in the unspoilt Lincolnshire Fens is a great way for you and your family to escape the pressures of modern life and reconnect with nature.

In our towns…

There are great family days out in Lincolnshire to be found in our fantastic towns.

Boston

Boston is a thriving market town with a fascinating history. How about climbing the Boston Stump – one of the tallest church towers in Britain – or following the Pilgrim Fathers’ Trail across the town?

Lincoln

Lincoln is a beautiful city with plenty to do and see. There is so much to choose from and many of Lincoln’s attractions are free. Simply click on the following links to learn more:

Lincoln Cathedral; Lincoln Castle; Roman Lincoln; Medieval Bishops’ Palace; The Museum of Lincolnshire Life; Ellis Mill; The Collection/Usher Gallery; Steep Hill.

If sightseeing isn’t for you, Lincoln often hosts shopping events, such as fairs and markets. 

There are some fantastic Walking Tours of Lincoln to go on and, if you’re feeling fit, you can even hire a bike and explore further afield!

Louth

Louth is a pretty market town in the Lincolnshire Wolds, gaining a reputation for having some of the best independent food retailers in the country. So, if you like good food, then Louth is a must! With quaint Georgian streets and lovely red brick houses, it’s like stepping back in time.

After exploring the town, visit Hubbard’s Hills – a well-known local beauty spot and ideal for children of all ages. There are lots of walks and trails to explore and you can even paddle in the stream!

For a family day out in Lincolnshire full of high octane excitement, Cadwell Park can offer the ultimate in thrills. Furthermore, if you want to unleash the inner racer in you, how about a track day?  You’ll certainly have a day you will never forget!

Market Rasen

Market Rasen is a traditional market town at the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds with plenty of shops, cafes and pubs.

Just outside the town is Willingham Woods – a large wooded area owned by the Forestry Commission, with several trails and a picnic area.

If you like adventurous activities and you’re not afraid of heights, then High Ropes Adventure may well be for you. It offers climbing, rope, orienteering and archery courses and is suitable for children aged six and upwards.

For a fun day out, why not visit Market Rasen Racecourse? It’s very child-friendly and children under 18 are admitted free. If you go into the Family Enclosure, you can take a picnic whilst you enjoy all the excitement of a day at the races.

Sleaford

Sleaford has some great places to entertain families including:

• The National Centre for Craft & Design; the country’s largest venue ‘entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration and promotion of contemporary and international craft and design’. With free admission, frequently changing exhibitions, demonstrations and lots of children’s activities, it is an excellent child-friendly way to spend an afternoon.
• Cogglesford Watermill – an award-winning watermill that is thought to be the only Sheriff’s watermill still working in England. It is situated just over half a mile from Sleaford town centre in a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Slea. It has free admission and is open daily, with milling taking place on the second Sunday of each month. On all other days, you can watch a video of the milling process. There is an award-winning café adjacent to the watermill, selling delicious meals and snacks.
• The Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre is located just three miles from Sleaford next to RAF Cranwell, where all pilots and officers (including Prince William) are trained. This small aviation centre tells the story of RAF Cranwell, from its early days as a Royal Navy air service base to the present day. There are some great interactive exhibits including a flight simulator, navigation, aircraft recognition, supply drop and propeller development. Admission is free.
• RAF Digby Ops Room is located in a WWII bunker and replicates a typical day during the Battle of Britain in 1940. It is a fascinating insight into what life was like back then and is well worth a visit, especially with free admission! Open Sundays from May to October, with guided tours at 11am. There’s no need to book – just arrive in good time at the Sports Ground Car Park opposite the main gate of RAF Digby.

Stamford

Stamford is one of England’s most beautiful towns and has many excellent independent shops and cafes.

Located a mile from Stamford is Burghley House, one of the finest Elizabethan houses in England. It is home to the world famous Burghley Horse Trials every September and has been the setting for several films, including Pride and Prejudice. Burghley House is open to the public from March to November.

Stamford Arts Centre holds children’s workshops during the school holidays. It is housed in the old Stamford Assembly Rooms, which date back to 1727. It was used as a set for both the BBC’s production of Middlemarch and the 2004 film version of Pride and Prejudice.

Stamford Meadows is a communal parkland in the centre of Stamford, with the River Welland running alongside. It is a lovely place to have a picnic or take a walk along the river.

As well as the Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford hosts two other very popular annual events:

• The Mid-Lent Fair, one of England’s largest street fairs dating back nearly a thousand years, arrives in Stamford the day after Mothering Sunday for five days.
• The Stamford Shakespeare Season, which runs between June and August and is held outdoors at Tolethorpe Hall.

We hope our Popular Family Days Out in Lincolnshire guide has inspired you to come and visit our beautiful county! Here are some more ideas for fantastic days out:

• 5 Free Days Out In Lincolnshire
• Family Friendly Events In Lincolnshire
• Agriculture Events In Lincolnshire
• 10 Things To Do In Lincolnshire For Kids
• 10 Things To Do In Lincolnshire For Free
• The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Trail
• The Most Talked About Spa Breaks In Lincolnshire
• Walks In Lincolnshire