Sun readers’ favourite family attractions in Lincolnshire’s seaside resorts
If you’re off to the Lincolnshire coast with the kids, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ll have a whole host of family-friendly attractions at your fingertips.
Of course, if the weather plays ball then there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach, with buckets and spades to hand.
When you book a £9.50 Holiday, you also have the added bonus of fun family events and activities included on-site, from indoor pools to evening entertainment.
But if you do fancy venturing out, there’s tons for your whole brood to do.
From bottle-feeding calves at a kid-friendly farm to discovering the history of the Magna Carta, Lincolnshire is home to a wide range of attractions the whole family will enjoy.
We asked Sun readers and local experts for their favourite family attractions in Lincolnshire, and have suggested some of our own and highly-rated options.
Here’s your handy guide to follow…
For animal lovers
Budding naturalists will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.
Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.
“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”
Another option for wildlife lovers is Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, suggested by Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park.
Sarah said: “It isn’t as well known as some other family attractions like Fantasy Island.
“They have interesting animals like Bengal tigers and white lions. You can make it a whole day out and it’s great for the whole family.”
The park’s family-friendly touches include a children’s play area and kids will love the “snax shack” where you can buy treats for the parrots and meerkats (£2) and feed them.
Park life
Full immersion in nature doesn’t have to cost a penny – particularly if you head to Hubbard’s Hills, which is free to visit.
Sarah Al-Aidi said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.
“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks.”
Families can while away the day splashing in rivers or spending time in the cafe, which has a play area for kids.
There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.
Tip: although the park is free to visit, all-day parking costs £1.
Ride the coasters
No trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Fantasy Island in Skegness.
The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to dodgems, water flumes and carousels.
There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.
Don’t miss the market – Europe’s largest seven-day market with over 320 stalls selling everything from discounted pushchairs to soft toys.
Tip: for the best value, buy a ride-all-day wristband (from £14.50), which includes access to adventure golf, or use an “iCard” to pay per ride.
Fun on the farm
Less than an hour’s drive from the coast, Rand Farm Park is ideal for a day out with the family.
Kids will love meeting the animals – which range from Jersey cows, donkeys and horses to a pair of Swiss rams named “Ed Shearan” and “Justin Biebaaa”.
Animal activities include bottle-feeding the calves, watching a milking demonstration, tractor rides and handling small animals like rabbits.
There are indoor and outdoor play areas, including a climbing wall and a soft play with an under-fours sensory area.
Family tickets cost £28 (two adults and two children). The park even offers school holiday childcare for kids aged between four and 12, including meals (half-day sessions cost £31, full day from £41).
For mini history buffs
For older kids with a thirst for history, the highly-rated Lincoln Castle is a great option.
Youngsters will love the summer jousting events and a “Medieval Wall Walk” where you can explore towers and dungeons steeped in history.
Look out for the graffiti scratched into the walls by desperate prisoners, or imagine you’re Henry VIII as you roam the walls – he visited the castle with Catherine Howard in 1541.
At Christmas, the wall is illuminated with lights, with fairground rides and food stalls to enjoy.
There’s also the historic Magna Carta to see in real life – the castle contains one of only four surviving original copies of this famous document.
Tip: the Magna Carta is taken for maintenance every year – so it’s a good idea to call to check before your visit to avoid disappointment.