Mablethorpe

Three miles of golden sand stretch as far as the eye can see, backed by grass-covered dunes that whisper in the North Sea breeze. Mablethorpe isn't trying to be anything other than what it's always been - a proper seaside town where fish and chips taste better with sand between your toes and the sound of waves drowning out everything else.

This is old-school English seaside at its most authentic. The promenade runs the length of the beach, perfect for morning walks when the tide's out and you've got acres of firm sand to explore. Donkey rides still happen here. Beach huts dot the seafront in cheerful rows, and the amusement arcades have that slightly faded charm that makes them all the more endearing.

Lincolnshire's coast gets overlooked, which is mad really. The beaches here rival anything Norfolk offers, but without the crowds. Seal spotings are common if you head north towards Donna Nook, and the Lincolnshire Wolds roll away inland - proper countryside dotted with market towns and medieval churches.

Getting here from anywhere involves a bit of planning. Alford's your nearest market town with decent shops and services, about eight miles inland. The train gets you to Skegness, then it's a bus ride north, or you drive via the A52 and A1031.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes complete sense. Haven Golden Sands Holiday Park puts you right in the thick of things, while Woodthorpe Leisure Park offers a quieter base just outside town. The Sutton-on-Sea site gives you easy access to both Mablethorpe and its slightly more upmarket neighbour. Wake up to sea air, spend your days on the beach, and fall asleep to the sound of waves. Simple.