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Accessibility at Sandilands

Drone image of Sandilands ahead of conservation work beginning on the site
Images of Sandilands ahead of conservation work beginning on the site | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Sandilands is a year-round nature reserve, transformed from a former golf course into a thriving coastal landscape for nature and people. With accessible paths, boardwalks, facilities and a new visitor building, there are lots of ways to enjoy this special place throughout the year.

Here’s everything you need to know to help you plan your visit.

Arrival and parking

  • Location: Roman Bank, Sandilands nr Sutton-on-Sea, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, LN12 2RJ.
    Sandilands is located along the Lincolnshire Coast and forms the northern most point of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. Brown signs from the A52 direct you to the nature reserve.

  • Parking: The main car park has a firm surface, with eight designated accessible parking spaces and two accessible electric vehicle charging points near the toilet block. Blue Badge holders park free. Alternatively, parking charges apply. National Trust members park for free all day, just scan your membership card at the machine. JustPark location code: 80667.

  • Access: A ramp leads from the car park to the visitor building, which includes the Flyway Café, community space and additional accessible toilets. Alternatively, the main car park steps have a handrail. A ramped path also leads to the promenade.

  • Visitor building: Our new accessible visitor building includes the Flyway Café, community space and additional accessible toilets.

  • Accessibility: If you have any questions about access or would benefit from assistance during your visit, please contact us in advance.

Interior of the new Changing Place toilet and change facilities at Sandilands
New Changing Places toilet and change facilities at Sandilands | © National Trust/Rachel Marriott

Facilities

  • Toilets: Public toilets, including baby-changing facilities, a Changing Place and an accessible toilet, are available in the main car park. The accessible facilities can be accessed using a radar key. Additional accessible toilets are available within the café. Visitors at the southern end of the reserve can also use the facilities at nearby Huttoft Terrace car park.
  • Seating: Outdoor seating is available across the reserve, with indoor seating in the Flyway Café and bird hide.
  • Trampers and beach wheelchair: Trampers and a beach wheelchair are available to hire. Please email Sandilands@nationaltrust.org.uk at least 48 hours before your visit to book.
  • Picnic benches: Accessible picnic benches are located near the dune viewpoint at the northern end of the reserve. Please help us care for Sandilands by taking your rubbish home or using the bins provided.
  • Wheelchair seesaw: A wheelchair-accessible seesaw is available for visitors to enjoy.
A visitor reads an 'Accessibility' document while sat on a mobility scooter known as a Tramper in the parkland at Croome, Worcestershire
Explore Sandilands on a Tramper | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

Moving around the reserve

  • Walking: A hardstanding path runs throughout the site, providing a firm and accessible route around the reserve. Alternative grass paths can be explored on foot or by Tramper, but have uneven ground and natural features such as rabbit holes and changes in height. Please take care and choose a route that’s suitable for your needs.
  • Viewpoints: The top of the sand dune near Boy Grift Drain offers scenic coastal views.
  • Crossing Boy Grift Drain: Follow the clear concrete pathway and bridge, taking care around deep water and vehicle access points.
  • Dykes and scrapes: Please take care around wet or slippery ground and keep away from the edges of deeper scrapes.
  • Dogs: All dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome at Sandilands. Please keep dogs on short leads while exploring the reserve to help protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.
A view from the top of the sand dune at Sandilands, looking out towards the North Sea.
View of the North Sea, Sandilands, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Useful resources

  • Sensory bags: Explore Sandilands at your own pace with our sensory backpacks, containing items such as fidget toys, a magnifying glass and an ear trumpet. They’re designed to support visitors of all ages and abilities and are available from the office at the northern end of the reserve.

Improving accessibility has been an important part of the Sandilands project from the beginning. Today, the reserve offers more opportunities for people to connect with nature, explore the coast and enjoy this special landscape throughout the year.

Interior of the new Changing Place toilet and change facilities at Sandilands

Everyone Welcome

We've recently started working with AccessAble to introduce digital guides on disabled access for places in our care.

View Sandilands' AccessAble guide

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