Queen's Park Paddling Pool

Shallow water and gentle waves make this the sort of spot where toddlers can splash about safely while parents keep one eye on them and another on their ice cream. Queen's Park Paddling Pool sits right in the heart of Mablethorpe, a proper seaside town that knows what families want from a day out. The pool itself isn't exactly Lake Windermere - think more along the lines of a large, contained area where little ones can get their feet wet without the unpredictability of the North Sea just a stone's throw away. Parents with very young children will appreciate having this option, especially when the main beach feels a bit too much for nervous swimmers. It's the kind of facility that keeps the under-fives entertained for a good hour, maybe two if you've brought along some buckets and boats. Older kids might find it a bit tame, but that's rather the point. The location puts you right in Mablethorpe's centre, so you're never far from fish and chips or the amusement arcades when the paddling loses its appeal. If you're staying at Haven Golden Sands or any of the nearby holiday parks, this makes for a gentle morning activity before hitting the proper beach later in the day.