Greatseaside
Head to the seaside for a traditional day out in the sun with our guide to the best destinations
A S summer approaches, we all get that urge to feel some sand between our toes and taste some proper fish and chips by the good old British seaside. But in the landlocked East Midlands, escaping to the coast isn’t always an easy option. Nevertheless, we’re a hardy bunch and think nothing of packing provisions for the day and heading out to our favourite spots.
To make life a little easier, we’ve not only picked some top seaside destinations, we’ve also shown the approximate journey times from the region.*
SKEGNESS
Just over 40 miles from Lincoln, the classic resort made its name after Butlin’s opened its first centre there in 1936. Even before that time, though, East Midlanders have flocked to the town for traditional fun in the sun (fingers crossed). How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours. Leicester: Two hours, seven minutes. Derby: Two hours, 13 minutes.
CLEETHORPES
More beach-themed fun a little further up the coast towards the Humber, with a coastal light railway and The Jungle Zoo amongst the highlights. How far by car? Nottingham: One hour, 54 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, five minutes. Derby: One hour, 58 minutes.
INGOLDMELLS
Best known as the home of Fantasy Island, this sprawling seaside pleasure park features roller coaster rides and other white knuckle experiences. How far by car? Nottingham: One hour, 59 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, six minutes. Derby: Two hours, 13 minutes.
CHAPEL SAINT LEONARDS
Explore sandy beaches galore plus a range of shops and cheap and cheerful pubs – with the usual mix of amusement arcades for kids. How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, two minutes. Leicester: Two hours, ten minutes. Derby: Two hours, 17 minutes.
MABLETHORPE
Famed for its seal sanctuary and cute beach huts, as well as the two-screen Loewen Cinema, which doesn’t half come in handy on a rainy day. How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, two minutes. Leicester: Two hours, nine minutes Derby: Two hours, 16 minutes.
WHITBY
More adventurous types might prefer going a little further north to this charming historic Yorkshire town, famed for its chip shops and its connection with Bram Stoker’s Dracula (a game of “spot the goths” is always a hoot). How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, 39 minutes. Leicester: Three hours, one minute. Derby: Two hours, 37 minutes.
SCARBOROUGH
Another gorgeous North Yorkshire town, which remains one of the most popular places in the country to head for a day trip. Choose from the north and south bay, both offering a variety of different attractions. Don’t miss the famous Victorian funicular train. How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, 33 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, 53 minutes. Derby: Two hours 31 minutes.
BRIDLINGTON
This more southerly Yorkshire resort is an unexpected delight, with a seafront promenade, large sandy beach and plenty of boat rides to enjoy. How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, 17 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, 37 minutes. Derby: Two hours, 14 minutes.
HUNSTANTON
Most East Midlanders would rule out going as far as Norfolk just for a day, but they’ll make an exception for this great resort – one of the only places on the East Coast where, due to its west-facing location, you can actually enjoy a sunset. How far by car? Nottingham: Two hours, 23 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, ten minutes. Derby: Two hours, 36 minutes.
BLACKPOOL
Arguably Britain’s most famous seaside resort. With the Pleasure Beach, trams and Tower, it’s well worth the extra trouble involved in getting there. Just leave good and early before the M6 gets too chocca. How far? Nottingham: Two hours, 48 minutes. Leicester: Two hours, 49 minutes. Derby: Two hours, 21 minutes.