Huttoft Hounds

The Huttoft Hounds are a curious strip of carved stone dogs lining the seafront near Mablethorpe, each one a different character with its own bit of personality. They're not grand or elaborate - just straightforward, weathered sculptures that have become something of a local landmark over the years. You'll spot them as you walk along the coast, and they're the sort of thing that makes you smile rather than gasp.

It's a quick visit, really. Five minutes if you're just passing, maybe twenty if you want to photograph each one and work out which dog is meant to be what breed. Kids tend to enjoy counting them and naming them - there's something appealing about a line of stone mutts that don't require any explanation or guidebook.

The beauty of the Hounds is that they're free and always accessible, right on the seafront. You can call in whenever you're in Mablethorpe for a longer beach day. They work well as a gentle break between the caravan parks scattered around the area - Cherry Tree Springs and Sutton-on-Sea are both within a mile or so, and Lakeside Springs and Creekside Family Camping aren't much further. None of these parks are sprawling leisure complexes, so the Hounds fit naturally into a quiet seaside weekend where you're after gentle wandering rather than major attractions.

Worth stopping for if you're already in the area. Don't plan a trip especially for them, though.