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A family-friendly day out at Sandilands
Are you looking for a perfect place for your family to unleash their spirit of adventure? Sandilands is the ultimate destination to ignite your child's love for nature, with stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. You’re bound to create memories to cherish for years to come.
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. The toilets are open all year round.
- Parking is free for up to two hours, or £2 for the whole day. National Trust members park for free all day – just scan your membership card at the machine.
- To access the site from the car park, you'll need to climb some steps with a centre handrail.
- The site is relatively flat, but the ground is uneven and has some steep slopes, which may be muddy in places following wet weather. Improving accessibility to the nature reserve is a key goal of our ongoing project.
- 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.
- The entrance to Sandilands is free.
Magical half-term adventure across Lincolnshire
This October half term, something spellbinding is stirring across three of Lincolnshire’s most enchanting places. Join Oli the Owl on a magical journey through Gunby Hall and Gardens, Tattershall Castle, and the wild beauty of Sandilands Nature Reserve.
Each location holds its own story, steeped in folklore and the healing power of plants. From curious blooms to wild herbs, you’ll uncover ingredients – or perhaps knowledge – to help you craft the most powerful potion imaginable.
At every site, a different part of the recipe is revealed. Whether you’re a budding witch, a wise old wizard, or simply looking for a little autumnal fun, this is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors and reconnect with the magic of the natural world.
Pick up a trail sheet for £2 at Tattershall Castle or Gunby Estate, or simply snap a photo of the trail points at Sandilands to collect your ingredients. Complete all three trails to unlock the full magic of the experience. There’s no need to book – just turn up and let the adventure begin.
Usual admission applies at Gunby Estate and Tattershall Castle.
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 grab your activity book from the office at the northern tip of the reserve.
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 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 now 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
Now autumn is here, take the opportunity to make memories and reconnect with your loved ones. With the days full of colour and wildlife out and about, don't forget to capture those special moments. If you wish to share your photos on social media, feel free to tag us using #NTSandilands or @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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