Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, and its proximity to the Peak District makes it a popular base for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and climbing. However, if you live in Sheffield, you may still want to visit the coast, and if you’re willing to travel a bit, several coastal areas within Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire are within a few hours’ drive. Here at Coast Radar, we have looked in all directions and selected five of the nearest beaches to Sheffield by approximate car travel times.
Cleethorpes Beach
It is approximately 72 miles away, around one and a half hours to reach. Cleethorpes Beach, located in Lincolnshire, offers a wide sandy beach and a vibrant promenade with attractions. Visitors can enjoy traditional seaside activities like paddling, beach games, and ice cream. The area also features a coastal light railway and various eateries and shops. With its welcoming atmosphere and amenities, Cleethorpes Beach is a popular destination for families and tourists seeking a classic British seaside experience.
Humberston Fitties
Located near Cleethorpes, about 76 miles from Sheffield, with a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Humberston Fitties Beach, located near Cleethorpes, is known for its distinctive and tranquil setting. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Cleethorpes, the Fitties offers a quieter environment. You also have just out to sea two sand forts, originally built during WWI but used during WWII as protection for shipping, entering and leaving the estuary. This area is appreciated for its scenic beauty and dog-friendly beach.
Withernsea Beach
Approximately 88 miles from Sheffield, Withernsea can be reached in around 1 hour and 50 minutes. Withernsea Beach, located on the East Yorkshire coast, is a charming seaside destination featuring a wide promenade, sandy shores, and traditional seaside attractions. It’s known for its iconic lighthouse that houses a museum within the town. The beach offers a family-friendly environment perfect for picnics, sandcastle building, and leisurely walks. The area around Withernsea Beach also includes amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and shops, providing a pleasant day out for visitors seeking a classic British seaside experience.
Sutton-on-Sea
It is also about 88 miles from Sheffield, with an estimated travel time of 2 hours. Sutton-on-Sea Beach, a short distance from Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire, is a quieter cousin to its busier neighbour, offering a family-friendly sandy beach. It’s ideal for picnics or swimming, with a village that has resisted over-development, maintaining its charm with traditional brightly coloured beach huts, pretty gardens, and a children’s paddling pool. The beach prohibits dogs on the main beach from May 1 to September 30.
Mablethorpe
It is around 90 miles from Sheffield, requiring about 2 hours by car. Mablethorpe Beach in Lincolnshire is a renowned seaside destination featuring a wide, sandy beach, making it ideal for bathing and beach activities. The beach offers a variety of options, including donkey rides, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and crazy golf. Despite its somewhat dated main drag, Mablethorpe Beach is a family-friendly location that gets busy in the summer, attracting visitors with its mix of natural beauty and traditional seaside entertainment.
In summary, each beach presents a different slice of the British seaside, from bustling promenades to peaceful retreats, all within a manageable drive from Sheffield. From traditional seaside fun at Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe to quieter, nature-focused beaches like Humberston Fitties and Sutton-on-Sea. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, these options provide a range of activities and sceneries for everyone.
We suggest looking at our Lincolnshire Destination and East Yorkshire Destination pages for more information on the areas discussed in this article.