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A family-friendly day out at Sandilands
Looking for a place where your family can explore, play and discover together? At Sandilands, big skies, sandy dunes and wide-open spaces create the perfect setting for adventure. Little explorers can spot wildlife, listen for birdsong and feel the sea breeze on their faces, while grown-ups soak up the beauty of this ever-changing coastal landscape.
Whether you’re building sandcastles, hunting for shells or simply enjoying time outdoors, Sandilands is a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and make memories you’ll treasure long after your visit.
Planning your family visit
Here's some key information for planning your family visit...
- The car park has baby changing and toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet and Changing Place. The toilets are open all year round.
- Parking charges apply. National Trust members park for free all day, just scan your membership card at the machine. JustPark location code: 80667.
- There is one hardstanding path through the site. The site is relatively flat, but grass paths are uneven and may be muddy in places following wet weather.
- There’s plenty of space to play with frisbees and balls, but please be mindful of ground-nesting birds and other wildlife in the long grass.
- Friendly dogs on short leads are welcome at Sandilands.
- Admission to Sandilands is free.
Family-friendly things to do at Sandilands
Sensory backpacks
Our sensory backpacks come with a variety of sensory items, such as fidget toys, a magnifying glass, and an ear trumpet, and are suitable for people of all ages with diverse needs.
Eco quest backpacks
Are you looking to unleash your spirit of adventure? Borrow an eco-quest backpack. This easy-to-use kit allows young explorers to become a ranger for the day and get closer to nature.
The Sandilands eco quest backpacks are supported by the Coastal Community Challenge and the Big Lottery Fund, now called the National Lottery Community Fund.
50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾
Join in the fun of National Trust's "50 things to do before you're 11 ¾" bucket list designed for young adventurers. Whether you choose to watch a bird, make friends with a bug, or go exploring in your wellies, Sandilands has plenty to offer. Before you embark on your adventure, be sure to check out our suggested activities below.
Sandilands top ‘50 things’ to do this autumn
Enjoy a memorable family day out this autumn. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out at Sandilands.
- No. 13 Make a mud creation
- You can make your own masterpiece almost anywhere, as long as you've got a few simple ingredients: mud, water, and a big imagination.Make a mud creation
- No. 22 Find some funky fungi
- What weird and wonderful mushrooms will you discover on your funky fungi adventure? Explore Sandilands and see what colourful, strange, and exciting fungi you can find.Find some funky fungi
- No. 23 Get up for the sunrise
- Rise and shine with the birds to catch the magical moment when the sun peeks above the horizon, casting a beautiful reflection on the sea.Get up for the sunrise
- No. 28 Climb a huge hill
- Climbing a huge hill (or sand dune) might seem really tiring, but once you've reached the top, think about how much fun you'll have coming down.Climb a huge hill
- No. 40 Go on a nature walk at night
- It's great to investigate nature at night. Some amazing creatures only come out in the dark, so it's a chance to spot or hear them.Go on a nature walk at night
Beach toy library
You can borrow a bucket and spade from Sandilands, allowing you to enjoy the beach without the worry of forgetting your toys. Simply borrow, enjoy, and return the toys when you're done.
The beach toys are housed in a mini beach hut, specially crafted by Mablethorpe's Men's Shed. Join us in our efforts to reduce waste and keep our oceans free from plastic.
Capture the moment
As autumn unfolds, it’s the perfect time to get outside, reconnect with the people you love and experience Sandilands as the seasons change. With golden grasses, changing colours and wildlife preparing for the months ahead, there are plenty of special moments waiting to be discovered.
If you capture a favourite autumn memory at Sandilands, we’d love to see it. Share your photos using #NTSandilands or tag @NTSandilands.
Our partners
Community projects that improve the lives and wellbeing of people living in Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton on Sea.
The Big Lottery Fund, now called the National Lottery Community Fund, awards money raised by National Lottery players to fund great ideas that help communities to thrive.
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