Holidays in Cleethorpes

Beach water quality

Official Environment Agency classifications for designated bathing waters near Cleethorpes.

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More around Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes works well as a base for days out across this corner of Lincolnshire and beyond. The attractions below are grouped by the town they're listed under, so you can see what sits together and plan from there. Some are listed under Skegness, Hull or York rather than Cleethorpes itself. Check the journey time from wherever you're staying before you commit to a full day.

Family favourites

If you have children with you, start close to home. Two attractions are listed in Cleethorpes itself:

The Jungle Zoo is a zoo and wildlife attraction, and an easy first outing.
Play Factory Louth is listed as a theme park and is a good one to keep in reserve for younger children.

Skegness has the biggest cluster of family attractions:

Fantasy Island, Pleasure Land, Captain Kids Adventure World and Mablethorpe Funfair are all listed as theme parks.
Animal lovers have two options listed under Skegness. Natureland Seal Sanctuary and The Seal Sanctuary appear as separate entries, so check which one you're booking before you set off.

In Hull, the Animal Education centre is another wildlife option. Dinostar, listed as a museum, is a natural pick for dinosaur-mad children.

Rainy day options

When the weather turns, the museums and galleries are your safest bet:

Dinostar and Sutton and Wawne museum are both listed in Hull, so you can pair them in one day.
Wilderspin National School is listed in Cleethorpes, which keeps travel short on a wet morning.
Play Factory Louth may also suit a grey day. Check its set-up before you go rather than assuming it's under cover.

Outdoors and water

For fresh air and splashing about, Skegness has two water parks: Fairy Dell Paddling Pool and Skegness Water Leisure Park. Both are worth saving for a warm, dry day. Pack towels, a change of clothes and sun cream.

Normanby Hall Country Park is listed under museums and galleries, but as a country park it gives you a chance to spend time outside as well. It's listed under York, so treat it as a separate day trip rather than a quick add-on.

Heritage and history

Lincolnshire's aviation story is the standout theme here. Two museums are listed under Lincolnshire:

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
RAF Ingham - Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre

Together they make a natural pairing for anyone interested in wartime history. Chadwick Centre, also listed under Lincolnshire, could round off the day. Closer to base, Wilderspin National School in Cleethorpes is an easy heritage stop.

Grouping attractions into a sensible day

The simplest approach is to keep each day to one town. That way you spend your time enjoying yourselves rather than driving.

A Cleethorpes day: The Jungle Zoo in the morning, then Wilderspin National School or Play Factory Louth after lunch.
A Skegness day: one theme park, such as Fantasy Island or Pleasure Land, plus a seal sanctuary or Fairy Dell Paddling Pool. Trying to fit in more than two big attractions usually means rushing.
A Hull day: Dinostar and Sutton and Wawne museum, with the Animal Education centre if energy allows.
A Lincolnshire heritage day: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and RAF Ingham - Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre.

Where to eat

All of these places to eat in the region hold a 5-star food hygiene rating, which is reassuring when you're feeding a family on the go:

Mick's Plaice for fish and chips, very much in keeping with a seaside break.
The Barge Inn and Swashbuckle, both pubs and inns, for a sit-down meal.
The Food Hut, a tea room, for a slower lunch or afternoon break.
Cooplands, a bakery, for picking up picnic supplies before a day at the water parks.

Turning it into a short break

There are 145 places to stay on BritStays in the Cleethorpes region, so you have plenty of choice whatever your group size. A long weekend gives you time for three of the day plans above. A four- or five-night stay lets you mix theme parks with a heritage day and keep a slot free for the weather.

A few practical tips:

Book your stay first, then check how far it is from Skegness, Hull and York before you fix your itinerary.
Keep one indoor option, such as Dinostar or Wilderspin National School, up your sleeve in case of rain.
Check opening times and prices directly with each attraction before you travel, as these can change with the season.
Confirm which seal sanctuary you mean before booking, as two are listed under Skegness.

Frequently asked questions

What family attractions are there in Cleethorpes itself?

The Jungle Zoo, a zoo and wildlife attraction, and Play Factory Louth, listed as a theme park, are both listed under Cleethorpes.

Which theme parks can I visit on a Cleethorpes holiday?

Fantasy Island, Pleasure Land, Captain Kids Adventure World and Mablethorpe Funfair are listed under Skegness. Play Factory Louth is listed under Cleethorpes.

What can we do on a rainy day?

The museums are your best bet. Dinostar and Sutton and Wawne museum are listed in Hull, and Wilderspin National School is listed in Cleethorpes.

Are there aviation museums nearby?

Yes. Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and RAF Ingham - Polish Bomber Squadrons Centre are both listed under Lincolnshire and pair well in a single heritage day.

Where can we get fish and chips?

Mick's Plaice is a fish and chip shop in the region with a 5-star food hygiene rating.

How many places to stay are there in the Cleethorpes region?

There are 145 places to stay on BritStays in the Cleethorpes region.