Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway

The narrow-gauge railway line that runs along the Lincolnshire coast is a proper throwback to seaside holidays of decades past. Vintage steam and diesel locomotives haul passengers in restored carriages along a short stretch between Skegness and the quieter villages inland - it's the kind of slow-paced journey where you actually notice the flat landscape rolling past rather than hurtling through it.

The appeal is straightforward: if you've got kids who are into trains, or you're the type who enjoys a bit of railway heritage, a trip here breaks up a caravan week nicely. The journey itself takes about an hour return, which feels just right before you need a cup of tea and a sit-down. Adults often find themselves charmed by the genuine vintage stock and the volunteer-run atmosphere, even if they weren't expecting to.

Based near Skegness, you're barely ten minutes from the major holiday parks like Butlins and Haven, or closer still to North Shore and Seaview if you're staying in the town itself. It works well as a rainy-day activity or a mid-afternoon diversion when the beach has worn everyone out. Don't expect a day's worth of entertainment - it's more of a two-hour outing, start to finish.

The flat, coastal terrain means it's accessible for most abilities, and the pace is leisurely enough that even the very young can manage without complaint. Worth checking ahead for running days and ticket prices, as volunteer-run railways don't always operate year-round.