Mablethorpe is my favourite seaside destination on the Lincolnshire coast. A lot of people would say they prefer Skegness. For many this is possibly the easiest resort to get to as it’s the closest to most other counties. However, I’d much rather travel the extra distance and avoid the massive queues and over packed attractions and head on up to Mablethorpe. I shouldn’t really be telling you all that! I’d rather keep it as our secret. There is just as much to see and do there as there is at Skegness. Below I shall tell you about the 18 family friendly things that you can see and do in Mablethorpe.
#1 – Ride on the Sand train
This is so affordable and so much fun. A round trip is just £2 each or there are plenty of other cheaper options available if you don’t need to travel the whole distance. The sand train starts the day at a stop near the steps, just to the left of the main Mablethorpe beach. It travels left down the beach to the Seal Sanctuary and back. There are 5 stops along the way including Haven and the cinema.
The best thing about the sand train is that not only does it ride on the sand but on the way back to Mablethorpe it also goes in the sea. What fun!
#2 – Land train
The Jackson’s land train takes approx. 20 minutes to do a round trip from the town centre up to Chalet, Golden Sands (Haven) and the Sealife centre. They charge £2 for a round trip for all ages and £1 one way. They also have a Jackson’s amusement arcade in town.
#3 – Donkey rides
John Nutall has now started doing donkey rides at Mablethorpe. Last year Jamie had a donkey ride for £1.50 but this year with the new donkeys it was £3. I did find this a little steep, especially as the same owner has donkey rides at Skegness for much less than this. But the donkeys looked very well kept and Jamie loved his ride and a stroke.
#4 – Eat Fish & Chips on the beach
Look out for Mermaid fish and chips up near Captain Jack’s Pirate adventure golf. They have tables inside or outside or even better why not take your chips down onto the beach. There are other places to eat in Mablethorpe but the fish and chips are so good that we eat here whenever we visit.
#5 – Play on the beach
Mablethorpe has lovely golden sand, perfect for building sandcastles and digging deep holes. Even when the tide is out it’s not too far to walk to the sea.
Last time we were on the beach in Mablethorpe it was a sunny August day and the beach was not over crowded. The beach stretches on and on in either direction so if you want peace and quiet you just need to keep walking.
#6 – Boating at Queen’s park
A little further down the coast in the direction of the seal sanctuary you will find Queen’s park. This has a boating lake, paddling pool, golf putting green, bowling green, tennis courts and a miniature railway. We’ve never made it to this end of town, it is now on my must do next year list. None of these activities are free.
In 2017 it was £7 for a Swan boat for 30 minutes, £6 for a rowing boat for 30 minutes and £5 for a motor boat for 15 minutes.
The miniature railway at the boating lake is just £1 per person.
#7 – Captain Jack’s Fort Fun
Situated between the two Pirate Adventure golf courses you will find Captain Jack’s fort fun and Dinosaur adventure golf. As well as the crazy golf they have bouncy castles (one price for all), go karts (£1) and more. I do believe that this is only open during the school summer holidays but don’t quote me and if I’m wrong please let me know.
#8 – Adventure golf
As far as I know there’s actually 4 places to play crazy/adventure golf in Mablethorpe. At Queen’s park they have crazy golf at £1 a person. There is treasure island crazy golf on a pirate ship just up past the skate park. I think this is either £1 or £1.50 each. I believe the price varies. Dinosaur adventure golf at Captain Jack’s is £2 each. You can also play at Captain Jacks pirate adventure golf which is £4 per person or £15 for four. Although not the cheapest it does look the best.
#9 – Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary *suitable for a wet/cold day
If you have taken the land or sand trains from the centre then the seal sanctuary is the last stop before the train returns. I have been wanting to visit for ages and we did manage to go last time we were in Mablethorpe. Although there was more to see than a similar attraction in Skegness I have to say that we didn’t spend long there. You mostly have to follow one path around and it was very busy so Jamie struggled to see. We weren’t particularly overwhelmed with the enclosures. They have made the visit informative with lots of signs and they also provide rescue care for seabirds and seals.
It is right next to Haven’s golden sands so worth a visit if you are staying there. I am happy that our entrance fee helps the animals. I do, however, think that it should be a bit cheaper. I overheard some people saying that were very happy with their visit. We are not all the same in our opinions. There is a café onsite.
#10 – Loewan cinema – *suitable for a wet/cold day
The Loewan cinema shows many of the most recent films. It has 2 screens and can also play 3-D films. Ticket prices vary but it’s not over priced and most adult tickets are just £5.75.
#11 – Cheeky monkeys soft play area – *suitable for a wet/cold day
In Empire amusements down the high street you will not just find amusements but a café, bingo hall and a casino but a soft play area as well. Cheeky monkeys is suitable for toddlers up to children no taller than 4ft9in.
There is no charge for an adult. Children are £2.99 each and under 4’s just £1.
#12 – Outdoor paddling pool
Up at Queen’s park the paddling pool also has a splash area with sprinklers and fountains. It is free to use. You can rent a beach chalet for £11.50 a day.
#13 – Dunes Leisure Fairground
Open most weekends and school holidays Dunes Leisure has fairground rides for young and old. Situated right next to the central beach at Mablethorpe you can choose to go on as much or as little as you like. Each ride is paid for when you are on the ride and prices vary although most rides are £2.00. There’s everything you’d expect from a fairground and more.
#14 – Mirage amusements *suitable for a wet/cold day
Not only one of the biggest amusement arcades in Mablethorpe but you can also go bowling here plus Coco bongos adventure play which mostly has padded climbing frames.
#15 – Kids Adventure world *suitable for a wet/cold day
Located 5 minutes from the beach is Kids Adventure World which is a relatively large soft play centre. They are open 7 days a week. Children are £2 and adults are free. There is a café on site and the soft play is on 3 levels.
#16 – Eastside ceramics *suitable for a wet/cold day
Paint your own pottery at Eastside ceramics. Perfect for a wet day or calming the little ones down for a bit. They are close to the main street and everyone is welcome. For more information please visit their website.
I hope you enjoyed my round up on Mablethorpe and that you will find it useful. Please comment below or subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a post.
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There is nothing better than eating fish and chips at the seaside. The adventure golf looks super too!
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It looks so fun! I’d love to take my daughter on a donkey ride when she is a little bigger.
Classic beach fun! It looks like there are so many things to do in one place, perfect for kids and parents!
Looks like there’s plenty do do there. The sand train looks like something my kids would enjoy x
Love the traditional donkey rides!! This place looks brilliant and exactly how I remember my childhood beach trips. We will have to add this one to our bucket list. Thank you for the inspiration x
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