The sun's out, the temperatures have rocketed - what could be better than spending a day at the beach. However, Nottingham is landlocked.
While we have some beautiful parks, rivers and lakes nearby, sometimes what we really want is to see the sea, hear the waves and walk on the beach. So, with the help of our sister publication Leicestershire Live, we've highlighted nine beaches within an easy drive of Nottingham city centre, where you can make the most of the weather, perhaps enjoy an ice-cream or fish and chips, without spending endless hours in the car.
We've taken driving distances from Nottingham Railway Station in the city centre and timings are based on Google Maps' estimates taking into account road works and volume of traffic at the time of writing. Alternatively, of course, you could hop on the train to reach the coast. Be aware though that some of the destinations below won't have a direct rail line or may not have a station at all, however there's still plenty of east coast destinations to explore if you are going by alternative transport.
1. Chapel St Leonards
- Distance from Nottingham: 81.7 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes
It's got to be one of the top ten choices for Nottingham folk. Chapel St Leonards is a quieter alternative to Skegness and still offers relatively short driving times, as well as a sand and shingle beach and the usual seaside attractions.
A short drive from Skeggy, Chapel St Leonards is more laid-back than its bustling counterpart. It therefore, doesn't have quite as many facilities but still has plenty of pubs, restaurants, shops and places to stay. It’s also the perfect place to go walking - its beaches stretch for miles.
For google map directions, click here.
2. Hunstanton
- Distance from Nottingham: 93.8 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes
Another popular destination for day trips and holidays is Hunstanton. Its long beach, backed by cliffs, and the dunes making it an all round winner. Located in Norfolk, the beach is cleaned regularly. Visitors are urged however to check the beach's rules prior to arriving as dogs are banned during the summer months. Families can also visit some amusements, shops and cafes nearby with something for everyone
For google map directions, click here.
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3. Filey
- Distance from Nottingham: 117 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes
This Yorkshire town Filey is another good all-rounder. Filey Beach stretches across five miles from the rocky peninsula of Filey Brigg to the north down to Bempton, home to a popular RSPB reserve. At low tide a quarter-mile width of sand is exposed and younger visitors will find plenty of good rock pools to explore along this stretch.
For google map directions, click here.
4. Whitby
- Distance from Nottingham: 135 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours 49 minutes
Staying in this area, but heading further up the coast, is Whitby. Whitby has two great beaches for all ages to enjoy: West Cliff Beach and Tate Hill Beach. West Cliff beach is a blue flag beach which is long and sandy, and during the summer offers donkey rides for the children. Tate Hill Beach is a small and secluded beach with soft sand that allows dogs all year round.
For google map directions, click here.
5. Winthorpe, near Skegness
- Distance from Nottingham: 79.1 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes
Winthorpe is to the north of Skegness. It's been described as "a real hidden gem with miles of unspoilt beach and a wide promenade. You'll find beach favourites including ice cream shops, and the whole area is dog-friendly.
For google map directions, click here.
6. Sandilands
- Distance from Nottingham: 79.6 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours 18 minutes
The east coast has a number of seaside towns worthy of a trip but one that may not be on your watch list is Sandilands. Located between Mablethorpe and Chapel St Leonards, it has been described by VisitLincolshire as "an ideal quiet coastal spot”. Sandilands is well catered for on the food front, while those who want to stick to the beach and beach alone can bask in its wonder. It’s a place that’s perfect for walking the dog and enjoying the sea breeze, but if its a little too blowy for some, Sandilands is also known for its beach huts.
For google map directions, click here.
7. Sutton-on-Sea
- Distance from Nottingham: 78.5 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours 14 minutes
People who want a relaxed beach getaway could venture to Sutton-on-Sea which offers a quieter day out for all - but without missing out on seaside favourites. A small coastal village, the location is just a short distance from Mablethorpe and is ideal for families and great for swimming, but those who want the arcades and some brilliant fish and chips won’t have to venture too far from the coast. There is also a Splash Pool, a children-friendly attraction that features fountains and many water features.
For google map directions, click here.
8. Ingoldmells
- Distance from Nottingham: 77.2 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Sometimes labelled the forgotten beach in comparison to bustling Skegness, Ingoldmells has a sandy beach, plenty of shops, pubs and places to eat as well as a bowling alley in the area. Its beach may not be as quiet as the likes of Chapel St Leonards or Sandilands, but it is more relaxing than Skeggy in peak times.
The location, on the Lincolnshire coastline, has a number of caravan parks as well as the popular Fantasy Island theme park on its doorstep.
For google map directions, click here.
9. Cleethorpes
- Distance from Nottingham: 97.8 miles
- Driving time: Approximately 1 hours 59 minutes
While we have given the driving miles as 97.8 for this trip, if you are watching the fuel costs, you can get to this destination in 80.3 miles but it will take slightly longer on this route - estimated at 2 hours 11 minutes.
However you get there, Cleethorpes is worth a trip if you are a beach lover - it has pristine Blue Flag sands. In fact, its beaches along with modern seaside attractions, have helped it secure number two in the UK’s best beaches in 2021, as ranked by Trainline.
Located on the estuary of the River Humber, Cleethorpes is between Hull and Skegness along the north-east coats of Lincolnshire.
- Note that all driving times will depend upon factors such as time of day, road works and volume of traffic. Please check using a navigation method, such as google maps, for exactly information prior to travel.
For google map directions, click here.
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