Underrated seaside town with miles of golden sand home to Britain’s 'best' fish and chips
This Victorian seaside town has been a magnet for tourists since the 19th century.
A picturesque Victorian seaside town that boats four miles of glorious golden sand beaches has been attracting holidaymakers since the 19th century. Nestled on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire, Cleethorpes, has been a family favourite thanks to the resort ticking all the quintessentially British coastal must haves.
Brits heading to this seaside town will want to make sure they have packed their bucket and spade whether you wish to head to the quieter areas at Fitties beach or Marine Embankment beach where you can hear the sea lapping against the shore. Or if you fancy a donkey ride or trying your hand at beach sports head to the central promenade which features a long stretch of unspoilt beach of fine sand. Cleethorpes has been a magnet for tourists since the railway arrived in 1863.
Built in 1873 Cleethorpes Pier is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is one of the most photographed spots in the town. With the beautiful pier at its heart nearly 3,000 people paid to walk on the pier when it first opened.
Over the years the pier has been through a range of transformations to bring it into the 21st century. A concert hall was built in 1888 on the new pier head and after a major makeover in 2015 it was named national “Pier of the Year” in 2016 by The Piers Society.
Today, there is one huge reason why millions of tourists flock to the pier. Often labelled as Britain's best chippy, Papa’s Fish and Chips brought the pier in 2016 and created the world’s biggest fish and chip restaurant.
Employing more than 100 staff, fish served at Papa’s is processed through Grimsby Dock and the potatoes grown in Lincolnshire. A true family affair, the award winning chippy has belonged to the same family for an incredible four generations.
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Opening in 1966 Papa’s was named Britain’s Best Fish & Chips in 2017 in a BBC search and in 2018 the iconic chippy sent the Nation’s favourite dish to space.
“Frying award-winning fish and chips has been a way of life since 1966. While each generation has added something new, the philosophies of Mr Papa are still embodied with every meal we serve”, say Papa’s on their website.
Papa’s menu includes all the fan favourites from cod and chips, haddock and chips to pub classics like steak and ale pie and even battered halloumi.
Despite punters often having to queue, visitors are not left disappointed with their fried food.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "We travel down from Edinburgh a couple of times a year to visit family and always stop at Papas. We came in for some dinner yesterday midday and even though they were busy, everything was to a great standard.
"Staff were lovely and friendly. Food was amazing and the view just topped it off. Cannot recommend Papas enough!"
"Looking forward to coming back to Papa's for a family reunion in September. We love the pier location, the great staff / service and most of all the traditional English / seaside food! Magic", said another.
A third said: "Best fish and chips I've ever had, I will definitely be back when I'm next in cleethorpes. Reasonably priced aswell so what else is there to say?."
