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Ten interesting facts about Cleethorpes

Friday 27th Jun, 2025

Did you know that the beloved coastal town of Cleethorpes is packed with plenty of history and interesting facts? As our common bond now includes people living or working in Cleethorpes, we thought we'd celebrate by sharing some fun facts with you! 

• The name Cleethorpes comes from joining the words 'clee' (an old word for clay) and 'thorpes' (an Old English/Norse word for villages);
• The settlement began as a fishing village in the 6^th century and then a health resort from the 1820s.
• The coming of the railway in Victorian times fuelled its expansion into a town of almost 40,000 people. 
• Cleethorpes Pier opened in 1873 and the promenade in 1885.
• Ross Castle, a mock ruin of a castle, was built by the railway company in 1885 to provide another visitor attraction, and named after their Secretary.
• Cleethorpes lies on the Greenwich Meridian Line.
• Local residents from Lincolnshire and the Humber area call Cleethorpes 'Meggies'
• At low tide it has one of the widest beaches in the country.
• Average rainfall is among the lowest in the British Isles.
• You can see two large fortifications - the Humber Forts - in the mouth of the River Humber. On a clear day, you can also spot the lighthouse on Spurn Point.

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Written by JES - Apr 2022. Updated by MJ - June 2025

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