A family-friendly day out at Sandilands

Boy holding a worm at Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire — Go wild at the seaside | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Are you looking for a perfect place for your family to unleash their spirit of adventure? Sandilands is the ultimate destination to ignite your child's love for nature, with stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. You’re bound to create memories to cherish for years to come.

Planning your family visit

Here's some key information for planning your family visit...

The car park has baby changing and toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet. The toilets are open all year round.
Park with PayByPhone at National Trust Sandilands. Download the app before travelling from www.paybyphone.co.uk or call 0330 060 4037, using location code: 806355. Alternatively, we accept cash or card payments for parking, at SandiDunes café kiosk.
To access the site from the car park, you'll need to climb some steps with a centre handrail.
The site is relatively flat, but the ground is uneven and has some steep slopes, which may be muddy in places following wet weather. Improving accessibility to the nature reserve is a key goal of our ongoing project.
There’s plenty of space to play with frisbees and balls, but please be mindful of ground-nesting birds and other wildlife in the long grass.
SandiDunes café kiosk offers a selection of kids’ drinks and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks, hot food and sweet treats. There are gluten-free and vegan options available. Please let the team know if you have any allergies or intolerances so they can assist you.
Friendly dogs on short leads are welcome at Sandilands.
The entrance to Sandilands is free.

Curlew, low level from the side in a field with blue sky above — A curlew spotted on the Longshaw Estate in Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Adam Kirkland

Family-friendly things to do at Sandilands

Bird beak trail

Tuesday 15 October - Sunday 3 November. FREE.

Calling all young adventurers! Come join us for an exciting bird beak trail where you’ll discover the amazing world of birds and their fascinating beaks. From the sharp fish-spearers to the clever shell-crackers, each stop on the trail features an activity to try and real coastal birds that live right here on the Lincolnshire coast.

Sensory backpacks

Our sensory backpacks come with a variety of sensory items, such as fidget toys, a magnifying glass, and an ear trumpet, and are suitable for people of all ages with diverse needs.

Eco quest backpacks

Are you looking to unleash your spirit of adventure? Borrow an eco-quest backpack. This easy-to-use kit allows young explorers to become a ranger for the day and get closer to nature.

The Sandilands eco quest backpacks are supported by the Coastal Community Challenge and the Big Lottery Fund, now called the National Lottery Community Fund.

Child jumping in puddles — Child jumping in a puddle | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾

Join in the fun of National Trust's "50 things to do before you're 11 ¾" bucket list designed for young adventurers. Whether you choose to watch a bird, make friends with a bug, or go exploring in your wellies, Sandilands has plenty to offer. Before you embark on your adventure, be sure to grab your activity book from the SandiDunes café kiosk.

Sandilands top ‘50 things’ to do this autumn

Enjoy a memorable family day out this autumn. Plan your own wild adventures and see how many of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities you can try out at Sandilands.

No. 13 Make a mud creation: You can make your own masterpiece almost anywhere, as long as you’ve got a few simple ingredients: mud, water, and a big imagination.Make a mud creation
No. 22 Find some funky fungi: What weird and wonderful mushrooms will you discover on your funky fungi adventure? Explore Sandilands and see what colourful, strange, and exciting fungi you can find.Find some funky fungi
No. 23 Get up for the sunrise: Rise and shine with the birds to catch the magical moment when the sun peeks above the horizon, casting a beautiful reflection on the sea.Get up for the sunrise
No. 28 Climb a huge hill: Climbing a huge hill might seem really tiring, but once you've reached the top, think about how much fun you'll have coming down.Climb a huge hill
No. 40 Go on a nature walk at night: It’s great to investigate nature at night. Some amazing creatures only come out in the dark, so it's a chance to spot or hear them.Go on a nature walk at night

Child pointing out den building activity - 50 things — Become a ranger for the day at Sandilands | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Beach toy library

You can now borrow a bucket and spade from Sandilands, allowing you to enjoy the beach without the worry of forgetting your toys. Simply borrow, enjoy, and return the toys when you're done.

The beach toys are housed in a mini beach hut, specially crafted by Mablethorpe's Men's Shed. Join us in our efforts to reduce waste and keep our oceans free from plastic.

Capture the moment

Now autumn is here, take the opportunity to make memories and reconnect with your loved ones. With the days full of colour and wildlife out and about, don't forget to capture those special moments. If you wish to share your photos on social media, feel free to tag us using #NTSandilands or @NTSandilands. Let's make 2024 a year full of precious memories inspired by nature!

A group of young adults kicking up autumn leaves on a walk around the estate at Hardwick, Derbyshire

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