Discover the Charm of Day Trips to Cleethorpes: A Haven Near Nottingham
Living in Nottingham, we make the most of the abundant spring and summer days by embarking on day trips to the Lincolnshire coast, a two-hour drive from our city. Among the seaside resorts we visit, Skegness, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes are our favorites. While Skegness is accessible via train, offering a more relaxing day without the need to drive, the current lack of railway services to Mablethorpe makes it less accessible. Similarly, although there is a convenient train station at Cleethorpes, situated on the seafront, the train services between Nottingham and Cleethorpes are sparse, as reflected in the advertisement poster below!
Why Cleethorpes?
Our day trips to the Lincolnshire coast are typically made by car, and we usually end up in Cleethorpes for several reasons. Firstly, the journey to Cleethorpes is slightly faster because of the smoother road and less traffic. Additionally, at high tides, the sea at Cleethorpes comes in closer to the seafront, creating a more atmosphere. In contrast, the sea at Skegness is more distant, and Mablethorpe, although charming, has no pier.
Moreover, Cleethorpes boasts a smaller but refurbished pier, a significant attraction and a rare find in many seaside towns these days. Unlike Skegness, which has a truncated pier damaged during a storm in the 1970s, Cleethorpes offers a complete pier with a bar and restaurant. Although the pier does not have a theater like it did in the 1970s, it still retains its charm.
Miniature Railway and Cultural Attractions
A standout feature of Cleethorpes is its delightful miniature railway, Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. This attraction is quite stunning and provides a delightful excursion for visitors of all ages. Unlike Skegness and Mablethorpe, these two resorts do not offer a miniature railway.
In addition to the railway, Cleethorpes offers several other cultural attractions. It has an inviting library and a visitor information center, known for selling high-quality souvenirs. There are a variety of good restaurants in the area, which caters to more than just fish and chip shops. If you are a book enthusiast, you'll enjoy browsing in the second-hand book and bric-a-brac shops, particularly the collectors' emporium Cleethorpes Collectables, which sells items like stamps, coins, postcards, football programs, and Dinky Toys.
Why Cleethorpes Captivates Us
If you’ve ever struggled with homesickness during a vacation, you might relate to our frequent thoughts about Cleethorpes, even while on a family holiday in Majorca three years ago. It is a place that resonates with us, and the memories we have created there are both nostalgic and perfect.
These are the reasons why Cleethorpes remains our favorite place for day trips from Nottingham. The combination of leisure, cultural offerings, and historical charm makes it a trip worth taking, whether you're a local or a visitor. Cleethorpes truly stands out as a haven in the Lincolnshire coast.