Welcome To Skegness
If you are looking for things to do in Lincolnshire, then you need to visit Skegness. There are lots of things to do in Skegness and lots of attractions. Not to mention Skegness seafront which comes alive in the summer, and Skegness theme park.
The popular Skegness resort which is located on the Lincolnshire Coast has been welcoming tourists for many years and is known as one of the first seaside resorts in England for UK staycations.
After World War 2, holidays at seaside resorts became very popular, and people would visit Skegness from Birmingham, Sheffield, and London, as well as visiting Cleethorpes which some people say is a poor relation to Skegness.
Skegness caravan parks are some of the best in the UK. Some of the most popular caravan parks in Skegness including the award-winning Richmond Park Caravan park which has now been taken over by Haven and is now known as Haven Skegness Holiday park. Another popular Skegness caravan park is Southview Holiday Park.
It does not matter if you are visiting Skegness for the day, or if you are holidaying in Skegness for the weekend, week, or longer, there is always plenty to do no matter what the weather is like.
Read Skegness Sands Caravan Park Review
You can walk along Skegness seafront which is amazing during the summer, or you can go and visit Skegness theme park, or even go and watch a movie at Tower cinema. If you have children, you can go and play on Skegness beach which continues to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award or visit the pier and play on the amusements. With everything from go-karting to ten-pin bowling, there are lots of attractions in Skegness to keep the whole family entertained.
You can stay in hotels, Guest Houses, or in Caravan Parks, there are lots of accommodation in Skegness to choose from.
About Skegness Butlins
Skegness is home to the first Butlins holiday camp which was opened on 11 April 1936 by Billy Butlin.
Butlins Skegness which is located in Ingoldmells near Skegness in Lincolnshire, England, has become the major player in staycations.
Sir William Butlin came up with the idea of creating a British holiday camp after staying at a Canadian summer camp in his youth. His dream of offering family holidays became reality when construction of Butlins Skegness started in 1935 and completed in 1936.
Two years later due to the success of Skegness Butlins, Billy Butlin opened a new holiday camp in Clacton-On-Sea. With the ongoing success of Butlins in Skegness and Clacton-on-Sea, the Butlins brand opened more holiday camps around the country including Bognor Regis, and Minehead. So, you could say, all the holiday camps around the UK, is thanks to the success of Butlins Skegness.
Skegness Butlins today has become a much-loved holiday camp, providing people of all ages a great holiday. The holiday camp has lots to offer, but what about the things to do off site, what things can you do during your stay besides all the entertainment Butlins has to offer? Well, we have put together some ideas of things to do during your stay at Butlins. Here are our top picks for things to do with children.
The Best Things To Do In Skegness
I love Skegness, for me with the Skegness seafront, Skegness beach, the theme park, the nightlife, great caravan parks, and all the Skegness attractions, Skegness is one of my favourite UK seaside resorts. It is up there with Great Yarmouth, and Cornwall.
If you are visiting Skegness, or are already here on holiday, and you want to find the Skegness attractions as well as attractions nearby, then keep reading my article on all the things to do in Skegness.
It doesn’t matter if you have come on holiday as a family or as a couple, Skegness has it all. Explore all the activities in Skegness, and things to do near Skegness so you can plan a fun day out.
Natureland Seal Sanctuary
If you are looking for Skegness things to do, then how about the Natureland Seal Sanctuary. The seal sanctuary is situated at North Parade, Skegness. It doesn’t matter how old you are, and it doesn’t matter if you are looking for activites in Skegness as part of a family or as a couple, Natureland Seal Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit.
The Skegness Seal Sanctuary received the “Best Skegness Attraction” in 2015. One of the main reasons why it has become a popular tourist attraction in Skegness and why it is on top of our list is down to all the cute animals that you can see.
Although the name suggests that you only see seals at Natureland Seal Sanctuary, the reality is you see a lot more. There are penguins, meerkats, alpacas, tropical birds/butterflies and so much more. There is even an aquarium, a koi carp pool, and a tropical house.
Read My Review of Natureland Seal Sanctuary
Don’t worry about getting hungry, Skegness Seal Sanctuary has a nice place where you can go inside and have something to eat and drink.
As well as being a great place to visit, it’s also a very worthy organisation that is known for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured seal pups that are stranded on Lincolnshire beaches. If you are visiting Skegness for a holiday, then Skegness Seal Sanctuary is well worth a visit.
Fantasy Island
If you are looking for activities in Skegness then Fantasy Island is a popular choice. It’s located in Ingoldmells and has great rides to suit different ages. As well as having thrilling rides, there are also lots of arcades, places to eat and places to get a stiff drink to calm your nerves.
Fantasy Island is not just a great place for thrill seekers to test their nerves, it also has soft play areas, live character shows and Europe’s largest seven-day market, so make sure you bring along your credit cards.
You can choose to pay per ride, or if you want to save money then you can choose a ride-all-day wristband.
For thrill seekers, the theme park is one of the best things to do in Skegness.
Skegness Raceway – Stadium
Skegness Raceway which is just two miles inland from Ingoldmells may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those that love cars it’s a great place to visit. It was a former greyhound racing and speedway stadium and now it has been brought to life as one of the most popular places to visit in Skegness.
At Skegness Raceway you can have the thrill of seeing banger and stock car racing, and monster trucks car crashing as they go around the track. There are also car and motorbike stunts and of course with Skegness being popular with caravans, there is also the famous caravan bangers.
Kids go free.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve Skegness
When I visit Skegness, I always like to visit Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, but I have never held back on my disappointment on how this wonderful place is ignored by the local tourism bosses. What I mean is, only a small fraction of people who visit the popular Lincolnshire seaside resort and looking for things to do know about Gibraltar Point.
More needs to be done by Skegness tourism officials to make more people aware of this magical place. Gibraltar Point should be shouted about and should receive the recognition that it deserves.
As well as being a great place to go for a nice walk, Gibraltar Point with its stretch of unspoilt coastline which runs southwards from the edge of Skegness to the mouth of the Wash is as great place to see a diverse collection of wildlife.
Once you have finished your nice walk, there is a lovely café inside the main building where you can get the best breakfast in Skegness. You can either sit inside or sit outside and watch the wonderful wildlife and admire the view.
If you walk along the path, you can walk to where there is a bench and admire Skegness Beach. Skegness has lots of great attractions, and this is a perfect place for dog walking.
Skegness Pier
This Skegness attraction is the pride and joy of Lincolnshire. Skegness is very lucky to still have its own pier. While some seaside resorts have lost their pier, Skegness is proud to have a pier that people love to visit. So, its no surprise that Skegness Pier is on our list of Skegness things to do especially with everything it has to offer. You could literally spend all day on the pier.
There is so much to do on Skegness Pier. You can go tenpin bowling, play arcade games or spend money on the slot machines. You can test your skill in zero contact combat gaming with the laser tag arena, or you can test your skill in the Skegness Escape Room.
There is talk about extending Skegness Pier, and if it does happen then that would be amazing.
With so much to do, and the hours you will spend having fun, don’t worry about getting hungry. There are lots of places to eat and all of which are very affordable. But, don’t miss out by staying inside the pier all day long. When visiting Skegness Pier make sure you pop outside and see all the attractions available. Then have a nice walk to the end of the pier and see the wonderful view. Skegness Pier is a real gem.
Skegness Aquarium
On Skegness Seafront you will find a great attraction for children. Skegness Aquarium has become a firm favourite for parents looking for a day out in Skegness. It gives children the opportunity to see what is under the sea. They will have the opportunity to see rays, seahorses, sharks and more.
One of the reasons why the Aquarium in Skegness is on our list of Skegness things to do is down to the joy of the children’s faces when they see what life is like under the ocean.
This popular attraction offers children the chance to explore Long John Silver’s cabin and to meet all the creepy crawlies that he met on his travels. But, Skegness is not just a place to put smiles on people’s faces and give them a great day out in Skegness, it is also one of only three aquariums in the UK that offer a Dive With Sharks experience.
Don’t worry about getting hungry after seeing all the wonderful sea creatures and visiting the Aqua Theatre for their daily interactive talks, there is a Bistro overlooking some amazing sea views.
Skegness Pleasure Beach
Skegness Pleasure Beach is a fun day out. It’s a fairground for all ages and is a great place to spend the whole day. The Pleasure Beach is located between Skegness Pier and the Clock Tower Esplanade.
Skegness Pleasure Beach has carousels, dodgems, a rocking pirate boat, and a giant wheel with 18 gondolas. There is also a safari train, ten-pin bowling alley, amusement arcades, and so much more. The Pleasure Beach has rides that maybe too scary even for those braver adults.
There are so many wonderful things to do in Skegness, and the above are just a small selection.
Lincolnshire is home to many seaside resorts including Cleethorpes which is around 35 miles away from Skegness. Read our article on Things To Do in Cleethorpes.
Orchard Farm Riding Centre
If you are like horses, then you will love this. Orchard Farm Riding Centre in Skegness offer riding lessons for children and adults. As well as riding lessons they also offer riding trips on the beach for people of all abilities.
This Skegness activity is something the whole family can enjoy.
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
If you are looking for things to do near Skegness and want something a bit different then how about visiting the pride and joy of the National Trust. Gunby Estate, which is in Gunby, near Spilsby, in Lincolnshire, just ten minutes outside of Skegness is the pride and joy of the National Trust.
If you are travelling from Louth or Boston, then the chances are you will come across the Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens. Gunby Hall was built around 1700 and is a Grade II listed country house. It is a magnificent building situated at the end of a half-mile drive surrounded by beautiful grounds. Gun Hall is now run by the National Trust.
Gunby Hall isn’t just a great place to visit in Skegness, it’s also a place where you and your children can learn some history. You will be able to learn the history of the Massingberd Family who lived there from 1700 to 1967. In 1944, Lady Montgomery-Massingberd, Major Norman Leith-Hay-Clarke and Field Marshal Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd were the trustees of Gunby Hall Estate. They gave the estate to the National Trust for the many to enjoy.
You will be able to explore three floors of the house which includes walking up a 300-year old oak staircase. Gunby Hall is like walking back in time. Visitors can explore the bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, study, and library.
There is so much to see and do at Gunby Hall. That includes bird spotting, the tea-rooms, and see a performance at the open-air theatre. It truly should be on your list of activities in Skegness.
Hardy’s Animal Farm Skegness
Hardy’s Animal Farm is around a ten-minute walk from the beach at Ingoldmells. It’s one of the best things to do in Skegness for children. Visitors can get close to farm animals and see how a modern farm works.
The popular Skegness tourist attraction is set in seven acres of countryside. Children can meet a wide selection of animals. At Skegness Hardy’s Animal Farm there is also a special glass enclosure where you can see pigs being born.
During the spring and summer, you can expect to see claves, chicks, lambs, and got kids. These little farm animals will melt your heart.
Hardy’s Animal Farm is not just about the animals. They also have a large indoor play area and they also have a large outdoor playground. On sunny days children can also enjoy tractor rides.
There are lots of activities at Skegness Hardy’s Animal Farm for children and adults. It’s the perfect attraction for all the family.
The Village Church Farm
There are lots of Skegness attractions for all ages including The Village Church Farm.
The Village Church Farm, which is the only open-air farm museum in Lincolnshire is close to Skegness railway station. It’s on the site of a former farm with a collection of Lincolnshire buildings including a Grade II Listed Georgian Farmhouse. The Grade II Listed Georgian Farmhouse is decorated and furnished to a Victorian era.
The Village Church Farm offers a lot of activities including feeding the chickens, storytelling, skittles, bug hunts, and dressing up. One thing the kids will love is “Bob” the Hornsby steam engine.
Throughout the year there are lots of events on offer.
Things To Do For Children In Skegness
I have put together my top picks for things to do for children in Skegness that they will love.
Fantasy Island
One of the most popular places to visit for parents looking for things to do for children in Skegness in Fantasy Island. The popular theme park was opened in 1995 and is situated at Sea Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1RH.
Natureland Seal Sanctuary
Natureland Seal Sanctuary is the perfect place to take children in Skegness, you can spend at least four hours there seeing all the animals. Natureland, which was awarded the best Skegness Attraction in 2015 is located at North Parade.
Hardy’s Animal Farm
If you don’t fancy visiting the Seal Sanctuary or Fantasy Island and still looking for things to do in Skegness for children, then how about Hardy’s Animal Farm. The popular tourist attraction is located Anchor Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1LZ.
Skegness Aquarium
Skegness Aquarium which is located on Skegness seafront is a great place for parents looking to entertain their children. It offers a dive with sharks’ experience and provides children with a great way to get close to rays, seahorses, sharks and more.
Things to do in Skegness when it rains
Things to do in Skegness when it rains for the family. Skegness is an all-year-round resort, but we know what the typical British weather is like.
The average annual amount of sun hours for Skegness is: 1640 hours, with July have the most sun with 213 hours of sunshine. When it is sunshining there are lots of things to do in Skegness, but what do you do in Skegness when it rains. Well, we have some great ideas for you.
Catch a Film at Skegness Cinema
Everyone loves a good film. Skegness Cinema, which is located on Lumley Road, Skegness is a great option to keep children entertained when it rains in Skegness. The Tower Cinema has all the latest films available. So, if you are looking for things to do in Skegness when it rains, and you want to watch a great film and have some popcorn, then head over to the Tower Cinema. Afterwards you could pop into the many arcades available.
Skegness Aquarium
Skegness Aquarium is the perfect place to visit in Skegness when it rains. It is located on the seafront. It will allow parents to keep their children entertained until the rain stops. There are lots of things to see including rays, sharks, seahorses, and more.
Skegness Pier
For me, the best place to visit in Skegness when it rains is Skegness Pier. Some seaside resorts have sadly lost their pier, but not only do we still have our own pier, the new owners are looking to extend it.
There are lots of things to do on Skegness Pier when it rains. As well as having the normal arcade machines, you also have lots of things to do for children including laser quest and for adults there are Escape Rooms There is also a climbing wall and lots of places to eat.
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
Depending on what your children like, then one of the things to do in Skegness when it rains is a visit to Gunby Hall. If you are travelling from Boston or Louth, then you may have seen the signs for Gunby Hall.
Gunby Hall is a magnificent building filled with lots of history. If you children like history and like old buildings, then they will love Gunby Hall. When it stops raining then you can venture outside and enjoy the gardens.
Laser Quest Skegness
One of the things to do in Skegness when it rains is to take the children to Laser Quest. Kids of all ages love Laser Quest, and Skegness Laser Quest manages to turn adults into children.
The minimum age for entry is 7 years. Once inside it is like being part of an action-packed computer game.
Laser Quest in Skegness is located at The Pier. So, once you have finished having fun you can then go for drinks or for some more fun.
Read Moving To Lincolnshire Advice
Captain Kids Adventure Play
Another great place at The Pier for children is Captain Kids Adventure Play. No matter if you are looking for things to do in Skegness when it rains or just looking for some fun for children, Captain Kids Adventure Play is a great choice.
It is a large indoor adventure within The Pier. Kids really do love it, and while they are having fun, you can relax with a drink. There are two cafes for parents to chill out in.
