Trusthorpe Beach

The sand stretches flat and wide at Trusthorpe, backed by low cliffs and a scatter of beach huts in faded seaside colours. It's the sort of Lincolnshire beach that rewards you for turning up - no crowds, no fanfare, just proper seaside that actually feels like somewhere you've discovered yourself rather than been herded to.

You get a decent beach here for paddling, sandcastles, or just sitting with a flask and a book. The cliffs aren't dramatic, but they're tall enough to provide shelter from the wind, which matters more than you'd think on the east coast. Low tide reveals a broad expanse of firm sand, ideal if you've got kids who want space to run about without feeling watched. Walkers can head along the foreshore in either direction - Mablethorpe's just up the road if you fancy an ice cream or a chip shop tea.

Trusthorpe works best as part of a longer beach day rather than a standalone destination. It's free, naturally, and you can spend as long as you like. On summer weekends families from the nearby Haven Golden Sands and Woodthorpe Leisure Park converge here, but even then it never feels rammed. The adult-only Seymore Glamping Pods are a 20-minute walk away if you want something quieter - worth considering if you're after proper peace.

Worth stopping for? Absolutely, especially if you're based at one of the parks nearby. It's unpretentious, affordable, and does exactly what a beach should do.