Dog-Friendly Lincolnshire Coast

The Lincolnshire coast offers traditional British seaside at its most authentic. Wide sandy beaches, classic resorts like Skegness and Mablethorpe, and quieter stretches provide varied dog-friendly options. Less fashionable than other coasts means better value and fewer crowds - ideal for straightforward, family-friendly dog holidays.

Lincolnshire Coast Overview

The Area

Geography:

• East coast between the Humber and The Wash
• Wide, flat beaches
• Sand dunes
• Saltmarshes (south)
• Traditional resorts

Character:

• Traditional seaside
• Honest, unpretentious
• Family-focused
• Good value
• Flat and accessible

Why Dogs Love It

• Wide, open beaches
• Generally good dog access
• Space to run
• Easy terrain
• Year-round options

Key Resorts

Skegness

Classic Resort:

• Traditional seaside
• Wide beach
• Pier
• Good facilities
• "Skeggy" character

Dog Access: Beach has seasonal restrictions on main section. Dog-friendly areas available. Check locally.

Character: Bustling, family-focused, arcades and attractions. Honest traditional seaside.

Mablethorpe

Quieter Alternative:

• Traditional resort
• Wide beach
• Sand dunes
• Good facilities
• Quieter than Skegness

Dog Access: Check seasonal restrictions. Dog-friendly sections available.

Sutton on Sea

Smaller Resort:

• Quieter than neighbours
• Sandy beach
• Promenade
• Peaceful atmosphere

Dog Access: Generally more relaxed. Check locally.

Chapel St Leonards

Village Resort:

• Small and quiet
• Beach access
• Peaceful
• Good dog walking

Ingoldmells

Holiday Park Territory:

• Fantasy Island
• Holiday parks
• Family entertainment
• Beach access

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round and Less Restricted

Gibraltar Point: Nature reserve beach. Dogs on leads in reserve areas but beach walking excellent. Quieter, wilder character.

North of Mablethorpe: Quieter beaches stretching north. Check access points.

Between Resorts: Beaches between towns often quieter with fewer restrictions.

Managing Restrictions

Summer Restrictions: Main resort beaches typically have seasonal restrictions (May-September, 10am-6pm common).

Strategy:

• Early morning beach visits
• Late evening walks
• Year-round sections
• Quieter beaches between resorts

Similar approach works on other busy coasts - see our Beach Holidays guide.

Nature Reserves

Gibraltar Point

National Nature Reserve:

• South of Skegness
• Dunes, saltmarsh, beach
• Bird watching
• Visitor centre

Dog Access: Dogs on leads in reserve. Beach access possible. Wildlife awareness essential.

Highlights: Different character to resorts. Wilder, more natural.

Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes

National Nature Reserve:

• North of Mablethorpe
• Sand dunes
• Beach
• Wildlife

Dog Access: Dogs on leads through sensitive areas. Good walking.

Wildlife Considerations

Nature reserves require dogs on leads. Ground-nesting birds in season. Seals sometimes present. Respect restrictions.

Walking Options

Beach Walks

The Appeal: Wide, flat beaches offer excellent dog exercise. Miles of sand for running.

Best Options:

• Gibraltar Point to Skegness
• North of Mablethorpe
• Between resort sections

Coastal Path

England Coast Path: Developing route around English coast passes through.

Character: Flat walking. Sea views. Accessible terrain.

For long-distance walking options, see our Long Distance Trails guide.

Inland Options

Lincolnshire Wolds: AONB inland from coast. Rolling hills. Different character. Worth combining.

Market Towns: Louth (nearby). Attractive market town. Good facilities.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Skegness Area: Most facilities. Busy in summer. Good value.

Mablethorpe: Quieter alternative. Good beach access.

Village Locations: Sutton on Sea, Chapel St Leonards - smaller, quieter.

Inland: Lincolnshire Wolds villages. Combine coast and country.

Accommodation Types

Holiday Parks: Many in the area. Variable dog policies. See our Holiday Parks guide.

Cottages: Available throughout. Self-catering flexibility. See our Cottages guide.

Caravans: Static caravan parks common. Check dog policies.

B&Bs: Various dog-friendly options.

Apply standard booking advice - clarify dog policies clearly.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Highlights:

• Best beach weather
• Full facilities
• Long days

Considerations:

• Beach restrictions in effect
• Busiest period
• Book ahead

See our Summer guide.

Winter

Highlights:

• Quiet beaches
• Full dog access
• Different atmosphere
• Good value

Considerations:

• Weather can be cold/windy
• Some facilities closed
• Bracing!

See our Winter guide.

Spring/Autumn

Often ideal. Fewer restrictions. Quieter. Good walking weather.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Coastal Pubs

Options: Various in resorts and villages. Fish and chips prominent.

Character: Traditional seaside pubs. Unpretentious. Dog-welcoming generally.

Good for post-beach refreshment - see our Pub Walks guide.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car:

• A52 from Grantham
• A16 from Peterborough/Spalding
• A46/A158 from Lincoln

By Train: Skegness on branch line from Grantham/Nottingham.

Value

Affordable: Lincolnshire coast often offers better value than fashionable destinations. Accommodation, food, and activities typically reasonably priced.

Weather

East Coast Climate:

• Can be cold and windy
• Sea breezes
• Generally drier than west
• Proper seaside weather

Combining with Other Areas

Nearby Options

Norfolk: Continue south to Norfolk's quieter beaches and Norfolk Broads.

Yorkshire Coast: North to Whitby and North York Moors coast.

Lincolnshire Wolds: Inland AONB. Rolling hills. Market towns.

The Wash: Huge estuary south. Bird watching territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincolnshire coast dog-friendly?

Generally yes. Main resort beaches have summer restrictions but dog-friendly areas and quieter beaches available.

Best beach for dogs?

Gibraltar Point area for year-round access. Quieter beaches between resorts. Check specific restrictions.

Is it busy?

Resorts busy in summer. Quieter than some destinations. Space on beaches.

How does it compare to Norfolk?

More traditional resort character. Less fashionable but good value. Norfolk has more variety and quieter options.

Is there good walking?

Beach walking excellent. Flat terrain. Nature reserves add variety.

Best time to visit?

Spring/autumn for beach freedom. Summer for weather but restrictions. Winter for quiet and full access.

Traditional Seaside Awaits

The Lincolnshire coast offers honest British seaside holidays. Wide beaches, traditional resorts, and good value create straightforward dog-friendly adventures. Less fashionable means fewer crowds and better prices.

Luke appreciates traditional seaside destinations. The wide sands, honest character, and space for dogs make the Lincolnshire coast a worthwhile option.