10 Ways to Create Unforgettable Coastal Memories Without Breaking the Bank.
Looking for that throw-your-head-back, barefoot-on-the-beach kind of happiness: without emptying your savings account? Welcome to staycationing at the Lincolnshire coast. Whether you’ve got little ones in tow, a dog or two, or grown-ups craving sea air and a simpler life, there are plenty of ways to holiday by the seaside… and keep things wallet-friendly.
From free fun to frugal feasts, here’s how to squeeze every drop of joy out of your next coastal family adventure: no platinum cards required.
1. Self-Cater for Serious Savings
Eating out for every meal can destroy the budget fast, especially with kids (and a dog hoping for sausages under the table). Booking a place like Shirecliffe Cottage means you’re set for breakfast fry-ups, picnic prep, and even the odd midnight snack without the cafe prices or the queues.
Tips:
Do one big shop at the start, focusing on big, sharable meals (think: pasta bakes, jacket potatoes, or ‘everything in the fridge’ salad).
Bring basics from home: herbs, oils, favourite spreads: rather than rebuying little jars you’ll never finish on holiday.
2. The Power of the Picnic
Lincolnshire’s beaches are made for barefoot picnics: and even basic food tastes fancier outdoors. Grab a blanket, fill a thermos, and pack the day’s snacks and sarnies before you leave the house. You’ll skip artisanal cafe prices and potential “Mum, I’m hungry!” tantrums altogether.
Shirecliffe Cottage Bonus:
The enclosed garden is perfect for an alfresco breakfast or a tea-time treat. Plus, you can prep everything in advance.
3. Hunt for (Free) Coastal Adventures
The best family memories often happen when you’re simply exploring. Here on the Lincolnshire coast, you don’t need tickets or tours: just a bit of curiosity:
Beach walks: Walking through the sand with bare toes (and paws), building sandcastles, or seeing who can spot the weirdest shell.
Footpaths & trails: Try the Anderby Creek to Chapel Point walk for birdwatching and wind-in-your-hair freedom.
Cloud Bar: Gaze at the skies from Europe’s first purpose-built cloud-watching platform, a five-minute walk from Shirecliffe Cottage.
*Long, free beach days are a Lincolnshire coast specialty: bring a bucket, ball, or binoculars!*
4. DIY Beach Games & Challenges
Forget buying plastic toys from every souvenir stall. Raid your cupboards and bring simple kit for hours of entertainment:
Nature scavenger hunts: Shells, driftwood, feathers, funny-shaped stones.
Sports day classics: Races, frisbee, rounder or cricket
Sand art contests: Who says sandcastles are just for kids?
Shirecliffe Cottage happily welcomes budding artists and explorers back at the end of the day: with an outside tap to wash sandy toes and a ground floor wet room.
5. Avoid Peak-Time Parking Charges
Hidden costs add up: especially if you’re hitting the beach every day. The good news? Many stretches near Shirecliffe Cottage and Anderby Creek have free or budget-friendly parking* if you go early (or later in the evening for sunset walks). *Check the parking costs online before you go.
Bonus Tip:
Why not ditch the car altogether? Good public footpaths and direct routes mean you can walk almost everywhere from the cottage.
6. Go Wild for Nature (It’s Free!)
Adventures in the great outdoors don't cost a thing, and Lincolnshire is home to a maze of nature reserves and child-friendly trails:
Anderby Marshes: Spot butterflies, birds, and the occasional furry friend.
Donna Nook: Check the calendar for seal pup season: a must for animal-mad families.
Local woods: Ideal for den-building or stick sword-fighting.
Bring binoculars if you’ve got them: or turn a walk into a photo safari using your phone.
7. Make the Most of the Cottage Perks
What you get for your money matters! At Shirecliffe Cottage, there’s:
Free Wi-Fi for rainy-day films or remote homework.
Enclosed garden for football, fetch, or letting the dogs (and smaller kids) burn off energy.
Dog Friendly: dogs are genuinely welcome at our cottage with a safe secure garden for them to run around in.
8. Get Creative with DIY Barbecues
Save big by grilling your own bangers and burgers in the garden. Kids love helping with food prep and there’s something magic about eating outside.
Tip:
Make it a cook-off! Award silly prizes for “crispiest sausage” or “most colourful salad.”
9. Tap Into Free (or Cheap) Local Events
Check local noticeboards and community pages before you visit:
School hols often see extra activities at local cafes or mini amusement parks: just be sure to check timings and book ahead for anything popular.
10. Unplug Together (No Screens Required)
The best bit about a staycation? There’s time and space to reconnect, away from homework, playdates, and work emails. Whether it’s cards round the kitchen table, stargazing from your deckchair, or telling jokes in your makeshift tent, you’ll make memories just by being together.
At Shirecliffe Cottage, our favourite kind of entertainment is the sort that doesn’t cost a penny: but lasts a lifetime.
Ready to Book Your Budget Beach Break?
Check our rates and have a nosey at the cottage here: Shirecliffe Cottage Booking. If you’ve got questions about what’s included (or just want to chat local picnic spots), we’re always happy to help. Here’s to family fun, fresh air, and plenty of paddling: whatever the weather, and whatever your budget.
*Shirecliffe Cottage: proof that the best holidays are all about simple pleasures and seaside smiles.*
