Saltfleet – Discover the Coast, Dunes and Trails

Saltfleet combines an unspoilt coastal landscape with dunes, marshes, historic traces and a variety of trails. The contrast between the expansive landscape and the tangible stories connected with the former harbour is particularly appealing.

Coast, Dunes and Special Nature Experiences

The Saltfleet Nature Reserve covers a stretch of unspoilt coast extending from Saltfleet Haven in the south to Howdens Pullover in the north. The Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve offers a more comprehensive impression of the landscape. It encompasses an 8 km stretch of coastline with foreshore, salt marshes, sand dunes and grassland, and lies between the village of Saltfleet to the north and the coastal town of Mablethorpe to the south.

There are various trails through the dunes. These include an accessible circular route with information boards through Rimac. Over the years, many rare birds and significant migration periods have been observed in the National Nature Reserve. This makes it an appealing focus for a holiday centred on landscapes and birdwatching.

Two Trails, Two Different Impressions

Saltfleet Walk One passes through the landscape of the grazing marshes and offers the opportunity to visit the remote Church of St Botolph. The disused parish church contains fabric dating from the early 13th century as well as the 14th and 15th centuries. For visitors who want to combine landscape and history, this trail provides a way to link the marshes with a distinctive historic destination.

Saltfleet Walk Two follows the coast through the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes and returns via the King Charles III England Coast Path. This creates a different kind of day out: instead of grazing marshes and a remote church, the route is defined by the coast, dunes and a designated coastal path. Both routes help you decide, before looking for accommodation, whether your focus should be on marshland, the coast or a combination of nature and history.

Beach Access and Maritime History

The stated access points to the beach are Sea Lane in Saltfleet (LN11 7RP) and Saltfleet Haven (LN11 7SF). The car park at Saltfleet Haven has spaces for 15 cars. Saltfleet Haven Boat Club also has a slipway for day boats, dinghies and RIBs. For planning your day, you can therefore take the beach access points, car park and Boat Club slipway into account.

Saltfleet also has an unusual harbour history. The village is thought to have been one of the largest ports outside London from the 12th to the 15th century. Salt and Lincoln Longwool fleeces were shipped to Europe. The wreck of the Try also recalls the maritime past; it remains to this day at the place where the vessel ran aground. In February 1882, the 39-ton sloop was wrecked under the command of Captain John Adams, and five people lost their lives.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Theme

When looking for a holiday cottage in Saltfleet, you can first decide which experiences should shape your trip. For days spent in nature, the trails through Rimac are a good option; those interested in history can give greater consideration to Church of St Botolph and the harbour history when planning their visit. When making your selection, then check the individual accommodation’s details that are important to you.

Other Destinations on This Page

For further comparison, South Hykeham, Leadenham, Grasby, Brigg, Sutton On Sea, Saleby, Laceby and Carlton-le-Moorland are also available for comparison.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lincolnshire.