Warmer weather is on the way and many of us will be planning our next escape to the coast. In Nottinghamshire if you're not willing to drive for more than a couple of hours you've pretty much got to head to Lincolnshire, or, at a pinch, Merseyside.
As a result, with the hordes of the East Midlands descending on both coastlines, you're usually hard-pushed to find somewhere that isn't too busy. Fortunately, there are a handful of lesser-known beaches a stone's throw from the more popular ones in Skegness and Mablethorpe.
Huttoft Beach, also known as Moggs Eye Beach, has been named one of the best in Lincolnshire. It's especially popular with walkers and surfers, but would be perfect for anyone looking for sun and sea without the crowds. There's a reasonably sized car park, toilets and a picnic area as well as an ice-cream man most of the time.
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Out of more than 1,000 reviews on Google, the beach has a score of 4.6 out of 5, with many saying it's perfect for families. The Beach Guide website describes it as: "A quiet, rural beach backed by grassy sand dunes.
"The wide strip of golden sand which slopes gently into the sea is a great destination for beachgoers. "As well as being plenty of room for beach games the beach is used by swimmers, surfers, sea anglers and bird watchers."
There's no lifeguard service, unsurprisingly, but there is improvement work ongoing at the beach, so that might change if it becomes more popular. One reviewer wrote: "What an amazing beach. Went here for the day on a whim really. Heard about it online and decided to give it a try.
"Absolutely beautiful. Great for keen anglers, family-friendly, dog-friendly, well maintained and you can literally park up on the side of the road and step out onto the sandy beach." Another said: "Have to say one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to! Dog-friendly, lovely walks across the sand. "How much better can it really get? Parking up, opening your doors and being able to step straight onto the beach. We will definitely be back very soon."
