Nature reserve

The nature reserve just outside Mablethorpe is one of those places that creeps up on you. You won't find dramatic cliffs or headline-grabbing views, but what's here matters - proper wetland habitat that draws in birds you won't see anywhere else on the east coast. Walking the trails, you spot lapwings, redshanks, and if you're lucky, avocets picking through the shallows.

It's free to access, which is brilliant, and you can spend anything from forty minutes to a couple of hours depending on how serious you are with binoculars. Spring and autumn migrations are the real deal - bring a camera if you're into that sort of thing. Summer can feel a bit sparse if you're not a dedicated birdwatcher, but families with kids will manage an hour without complaint, especially if the light's good for spotting things moving in the water.

The trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, so no hiking boots needed. There's nowhere to grab a coffee on-site, so plan accordingly. If you're staying at Haven Golden Sands just up the road or any of the caravan parks scattered around Mablethorpe, this makes a solid morning or late-afternoon outing when the beaches are rammed. It won't steal the show from a proper coastal holiday, but it fills a gap nicely - gives you something to do beyond the funfair and chip shops. Worth factoring in if you're spending a few days in the area.