Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway

The narrow-gauge railway that runs along Cleethorpes seafront is a proper bit of nostalgia, the kind of thing that makes you understand why families have been coming here for decades. You board a small steam or diesel engine and rattle along the coast for about 45 minutes, passing sand dunes and holiday chalets, with the North Sea off to one side. It's not particularly thrilling if you're after white-knuckle rides, but for kids under ten it's genuinely brilliant - there's something about sitting in an open carriage watching the tracks unfold that keeps them occupied without screens.

The railway has been running since 1948, which counts for something. The volunteers who operate it clearly care about the place, and the whole enterprise has a wonderfully ramshackle charm that feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists. Allow an hour and a bit all in, including time to poke around the small station area beforehand.

It works well as part of a broader Cleethorpes visit rather than a standalone trip. Families staying at Haven Cleethorpes Beach Holiday Park - just under a mile away - can easily pop over for an afternoon outing. The ride itself is free-ish in the sense that you only pay for the journey you take, which keeps costs reasonable. Visit on a quieter weekday if you can; summer weekends get rammed with school groups and the magic rather evaporates. Winter sailings are sparse, so check ahead before travelling.