Hagnaby Abbey

Standing stones and earthworks are all that remain of this 12th-century Premonstratensian abbey, scattered across farmland between Mablethorpe and the Lincolnshire Wolds. The ruins aren't much to look at - a few low walls and foundation outlines - but there's something rather moving about finding these fragments of medieval monastic life in such a remote spot. You'll need to walk across fields to reach the site, so proper boots are essential, especially after rain when the ground gets properly soggy. History enthusiasts will appreciate the abbey's story - dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536 like so many others - though casual visitors might wonder what the fuss is about. The setting is lovely enough, with views across to the coast, but don't expect Fountains Abbey or Rievaulx. This is archaeology for the dedicated rather than a family day out. Kids will lose interest after about ten minutes unless they're particularly keen on scrambling over old stones. Access appears to be free, though you're essentially walking through working farmland so respect for the landowner is crucial. The site works well as a brief detour if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Haven Golden Sands or Woodthorpe Leisure Park, but it's not worth a special journey unless you're collecting Lincolnshire abbeys.