Sun, sand and zero airport queues: Anderby Creek named among UK’s best beaches

Lincolnshire just scored a seaside win: Anderby Creek has officially been named one of the best beaches in the UK — and honestly, we’re not surprised.

With the sun finally behaving itself and the great British summer in full swing, the Times and Sunday Times have dropped their annual 50 Best UK Beaches list. It’s basically the Michelin Guide for sand, sea and suncream, compiled after a five‑week, 4,307‑mile coastal marathon by travel writer Chris Haslam, who inspected more than 600 contenders with a forensic 12‑point checklist.

And tucked between Skegness and Mablethorpe, Anderby Creek made the cut as one of just seven East of England beaches to earn a coveted spot. Skegness, last year’s regional champ, didn’t make the shortlist this time — Cromer in Norfolk took the crown instead — but Anderby Creek held its own among coastal heavyweights like Wells‑next‑the‑Sea, Horsey Gap and Brancaster.

Haslam, who has spent nearly two decades circling the British coastline, says this year’s seaside is looking “more beautiful” than ever. He’s watched neon moonlight shimmer over Hebridean waves, wandered through Pembrokeshire wildflower meadows that could give Tasmania a run for its money, and seen Cornish sunsets that outshine California.

- Advertisement -

And with yet another heatwave rolling in, he’s urging Brits to skip the airport queues, ditch the passport panic and embrace the home‑grown coastline instead.

“You can do that next year,” he says. “This year, drop your towel on a UK beach.”

More from Stuck in the Middle

The Weekend Edit – Your guide to the best things happening across the East Midlands this weekend (August 21-23)

From dancefloor nostalgia and live music to forest celebrations and family adventures, here’s our pick of what’s worth leaving the house for

Wendy’s is literally giving away free burgers next week in the East Midlands and here’s how to get one

Wendy's has decided that August is apparently the month of giving away food

All aboard for four days of beer, cider, gin and steam trains

The four-day celebration combines heritage rail travel with live music, food an impressive drinks line-up

Some of the best affordable nature days out in the East Midlands this summer

You don't need to splash out on expensive attractions to make the most of the holidays.