A beloved UK seaside town could finally be reconnected to the capital after decades of being cut off from direct rail links.
For the first time since 1992, direct trains could soon be running from Cleethorpes to London, reconnecting the Lincolnshire seaside town to the capital after more than 30 years.
The last time direct services were running between the two destinations, John Major was Prime Minister, Whitney Houston was topping the charts, and the first text messages were being sent.
However, that could soon change as rail operator Grand Central submitted an application to reintroduce services back in March.
It hopes to connect Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Habrough, and Scunthorpe with London King’s Cross as early as December 2026.
If approved, there would be four return services a day, creating more than 775,000 additional seats each year and potentially unlocking £30.1 million annually for the region.
‘This isn’t just about attracting future investment into our town, it’s about addressing missed economic and social opportunities due to current poor connectivity,’ said Melanie Onn, the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
After delays in getting plans underway, MPs met again in May to discuss the proposal, with Simon Lightwood, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport, saying the Department’s view will be passed on ‘in due course’.
Paul Hutchings, managing director responsible for Grand Central, previously commented on the plans: ‘If approved, these services will play a pivotal role in driving regional growth by linking underserved communities to key commercial opportunities, benefiting both local businesses and passengers.’
How to get to Cleethorpes
Nothing is set in stone just yet, and there’s no confirmation on how much tickets will cost if the direct service is approved. However, Grand Central said it hopes to have the trains running by December 2026.
At the moment, getting to Cleethorpes from London requires multiple changes. Passengers typically have to take the train from Cleethorpes to Scunthorpe, to Scunthorpe to Doncaster and from there to King’s Cross.
The journey takes just under four hours in total, and that’s assuming all trains run on time. It will set you back around £25 for a one-way ticket on Trainline.
What is there to do in Cleethorpes?
There’s plenty to explore once you get to the seaside town, and, of course, the top activity is the beach. Expect arcades and fish and chip shops along the promenade and a Victorian-era pier to stroll along.
The beach has a four-star rating on TripAdvisor, based on hundreds of reviews. One user, ‘Roger B’, said: ‘Cleethorpes is so underrated. The promenade is clean with a lovely waterfall.’
Others described it as a ‘beautiful beach’, boasting that the sand was ‘soft’ and ‘clean’.
Cleethorpes boating lake is another main attraction. Visitors can hire pedal boats, feed the ducks or enjoy a stroll around the water.
There are also lots of independent shops, cafes and beachfront pubs to explore. And, if all goes to plan, it may be easier for Londoners to make a day trip there.
If you’re after visiting another underrated UK seaside town, why not take a trip to Treardurr Bay, which was named the UK’s best coastal gem earlier this year.
The beach lies just south of Holyhead in Wales and has been praised as one of the ‘most prestigious beaches in Anglesey’.
Not only does it have ‘crystal clear waters,’ but it’s relatively quiet, so you won’t find yourself competing with hundreds of other beachgoers for a spot.
The research, conducted by Insure4Boats, analysed Met Office data, local attractions and social media comments across more than 250 coastal towns. It described the bay as the ‘perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts with kayak and paddleboard rental available.’
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