Skegness North Beach

The stretch of sand at Skegness North Beach rolls out flat and wide, backed by the sort of promenade that speaks to generations of British seaside holidays. It's the kind of place where donkey rides still happen, where you'll find traditional amusement arcades, and where the beach huts line up in neat rows like something from a postcard.

What you get here is straightforward seaside fare. The beach itself is sandy and spacious, the sort that doesn't get uncomfortably rammed even when families descend during school holidays. You can walk for miles along the shore, paddle, hunt for shells, or simply sit with fish and chips while watching the North Sea do its thing. The water's cold but manageable for a dip in summer.

Families will find their rhythm quickly - there's an amusement park near the shore, slot machines in the arcades, and enough ice cream vans to make any child forget they came for the beach. Walkers and those after a bit of peace should come out of season, when the crowds thin and you can actually hear yourself think.

If you're staying at Butlins - which sits practically on the doorstep at 0.1 miles away - you'll barely need directions. Those based at Skegness Seaview Caravan Park or North Shore Holiday Park are equally well-placed, just a short stroll away. It's free to access the beach itself, no entry fees to worry about. Allow an hour for a proper wander, or the whole day if you're the type to settle in with a book. It's not fancy, but it works.