A gem on Britain’s eastern coastline is set to sparkle brighter following a substantial cash injection. Nestled on the Humber estuary in North East Lincolnshire, Cleethorpes has been a holiday hotspot since the 19th century. However, it fell victim to under-investment during the Benidorm boom, when Brits swapped UK coastal breaks for budget Spanish package holidays.

Renowned for its four-mile stretch of golden sands, a 335ft-long pier, and a sprawling 160-acre nature reserve, this quaint town caters to all tastes. Naturally, you’ll see rows of vibrant arcades, award-winning fish and chip shops, and souvenir stores selling everything from flavoured rock to fridge magnets. However, in recent times, Cleethorpes has faced criticism from seaside fans who have labelled the town as ‘run down’.

While it may not be the go-to destination for iced matcha or artisanal sourdough, ambitious plans are afoot to revitalise the town. In 2023, Cleethorpes secured over £18.4 million from the Levelling Up fund, paving the way for a ‘masterplan’ to enhance several key areas, reports The Mirror. 

Pier Gardens, a strip of public green space along the seafront, is among the first areas earmarked for rejuvenation. Construction commenced this year, with plans to transform the area into multiple overlapping zones, creating a central hub for recreational activities.

The development will include a large playground equipped with slides, a water play zone, terraced seating, and a performance area for hosting intimate concerts or theatre shows. Additionally, a reflection and memorial space will be nestled amidst ‘naturalistic planting schemes’.

Cleethorpe’s Market Place is also set for a revamp, with plans to create a ‘flexible space for market and pop-up events to revitalise the locale’. Lighting enhancements are planned to boost safety, while a fresh green corridor will connect St Peters Avenue with the seafront.

Local restaurants and cafes will have the opportunity to offer alfresco dining, and green infrastructure will help shield the town from wind.

As well as this, a striking three-storey landmark building is slated for construction at the former Waves site, located at the junction of Sea Road and the promenade. This modern edifice will house public amenities and changing facilities, along with commercially rentable spaces across all floors.

Cleethorpes has long been undergoing a transformation thanks to other investments. These include the popular shopping district of Sea View Street, the beach, and the Memorial Gate honouring our Armed Forces.

The latter plays a significant role in Cleethorpe’s identity, as last year’s Armed Forces Weekend drew an impressive crowd of 355,000, making it one of the most attended events of its kind in the UK.

Speaking to the Mirror, Councillor Hayden Dawkins, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, expressed his excitement over the town’s development plans. “Cleethorpes is a jewel in the crown of Britain’s East coast,” he said.

Staying in Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes has long been a popular choice for budget-conscious visitors, offering a wide variety of accommodation options. For instance, a weekend stay (Friday, June 27-29) at the Haven Cleethorpes Beach holiday park will cost you just £195.

This price is based on a family of four staying in a Saver Caravan.

For those seeking a touch more luxury, consider these delightful seafront apartments. Stylishly decorated and only a four-minute stroll from the beach, a one-bedroom apartment is priced at £550 for the same dates.