Camping in Theddlethorpe St Helens

Theddlethorpe St Helen and the surrounding dunes make an appealing, low-key base for a camping trip on the Lincolnshire coast, with the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve running right along the edge of the parish. As with the rest of England, wild camping is illegal here without the express permission of the landowner — that includes the nature reserve itself, which is protected for its dune flora and rare wildlife such as the natterjack toad, so pitching a tent informally on the dunes or marshes is not permitted and would risk real damage to a sensitive habitat. Instead, look to the established campsites and touring caravan parks dotted along this stretch of coast around Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea and the villages in between, many of which are set up specifically for easy access to the beach and reserve.

The terrain here is distinctive: flat, sandy dune country backed by farmland and drained marsh, quite different from the rolling wolds further inland, and very exposed to wind off the North Sea, so a sturdy tent, decent pegs and warm layers are worth packing whatever the forecast says. Late spring and early summer suit campers who want to see the dune slacks at their best, with orchids in flower and natterjack toads breeding, while high summer brings the warmest weather and longest days for exploring the beach and reserve trails on foot or by bike. Fewer campers means the shoulder seasons of May, June and September can be a particularly good compromise, combining decent weather with a genuinely quiet coastline.

For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options — shepherd's huts, pods and static caravans set within touring parks along this coast — offer a comfortable alternative, and are worth booking early for peak weeks. Whichever way you choose to stay, the reward is the same: direct access to one of the wildest and least developed sections of beach on the Lincolnshire coast, right on the doorstep.