Skegness has always been a favourite with holidaymakers. With its golden sands, traditional pier, quirky amusements, and nature-rich coastline, it’s a joyful blend of classic charm and new discoveries. Whether you’re planning a summer holiday, a weekend escape, or a day trip with the kids, this town has everything you need for a memorable visit.
To help plan your adventure, we’ve handpicked 30 of our favourite experiences in and around Skegness for 2025 – from fish and chips on the prom to seal spotting and spectacular fireworks. For our complete guide on Skegness, check out our Skegness destination guide.
Skegness by the Sea: Classic Attractions & Timeless Fun
Skegness Pier
Built in 1881, Skegness Pier is still the beating heart of the seafront. Step inside for family-friendly arcades, indoor soft play, escape rooms, bowling, and laser quest – or simply take in the sea views from the pier deck. In 2025, new virtual reality experiences and a refreshed beach bar are set to make it even more of a must-visit.
Quick Tip: Time your visit for sunset - the views across the beach and out to the North Sea are unforgettable.
Ride the Vintage Carousel on the Promenade
Few things say ‘Skegness’ like a spin on the brightly coloured gallopers. With its hand-painted horses and carnival soundtrack, the traditional carousel is a nostalgic nod to holidays past – and a perfect photo opportunity for families.
Quick Tip: Look out for bundled ride tokens – they’re great value if you’re planning on trying a few rides!
Explore the Fairy Dell Paddling Pool
Skegness’s much-loved outdoor paddling pool is a family favourite on warm days. With shallow pools, playful fountains and landscaped gardens, the Fairy Dell is free to enter and ideal for little ones who love to make a splash.
Quick Tip: Bring towels and spare clothes - and don’t forget sunscreen, even on breezy days by the coast.
Skegness Events You Won’t Want to Miss in 2025
Skegness Continental Market - 28-31 August 2025
Take your taste buds on a journey around the world without leaving Skegness. Over four days, the Skegness Continental Market transforms the town into a bustling hub of international flavours, handcrafted treasures, and lively street entertainment. Stroll between stalls piled high with artisan cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked pastries, browse beautiful handmade goods, and enjoy the warm atmosphere that makes this late-summer event a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Soul by the Sea - 6 September 2025
Get ready for a full day of feel-good music and seaside fun at Soul By the Sea. This free-entry all-dayer brings the sounds of classic soul, Motown, and Northern soul to the Skegness coast, creating a festival vibe that’s hard to resist. Bring your dancing shoes, gather your friends, and enjoy the perfect combination of live music, sea air, and laid-back Lincolnshire charm.
REPLAY Music Through the Decades at Butlin's - 12-15 September 2025
Let the Good Times Roll: Just off the Lincolnshire coastline awaits an unforgettable escape - the Replay Weekender at Skegness, running from 12 to 15 September 2025. Think sun-kissed seaside meets non-stop festival vibes - a perfect blend of lively entertainment and laid-back holiday cheer.
Nature & Wildlife on the Lincolnshire Coast
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Just a few miles south of Skegness, Gibraltar Point is a haven of saltmarsh, dunes, and wildlife. Walk the peaceful trails, visit the eco-friendly visitor centre and look out for migrating birds and playful seals.
Quick Tip: Bring binoculars – spring and autumn are brilliant for spotting rare birds along the estuary.
Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park
Stretching from Chapel St Leonards to Sandilands, this protected stretch of coast offers wild beaches, picnic areas, bird hides and trails. It’s a peaceful contrast to the buzz of central Skegness and perfect for walkers and wildlife lovers.
Quick Tip: Pick up the England Coast Path at Huttoft Car Terrace – the views over the dunes are gorgeous.
Natureland Seal Sanctuary
This award-winning sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured seals – and gives visitors the chance to meet them up close. With penguins, meerkats, butterflies, and reptiles too, it’s an engaging and educational day out.
Quick Tip: Check feeding times before you go – the seal feeding is a highlight and always draws a crowd.
Best Food & Drink in Skegness
Fish & Chips at Trawler’s Catch
Nestled at the edge of the Pinewoods in Woodhall Spa, the Tea House in the Woods offers a charming blend of history, woodland views, and homemade comfort food classics.
Quick Tip: Book for lunch - it fills up fast on weekends.
Raff 55
A stylish, family-run bistro with a relaxed atmosphere and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Raff 55 is known for its fresh ingredients, stone-baked pizzas, and creative cocktails.
Quick Tip: Visit on a Friday or Saturday for live acoustic music - booking recommended.
The Clock Restaurant
Located in the historic Tower Gardens, this café and restaurant is a top spot for breakfast or lunch. With great coffee, hearty meals and views of the park, it’s an ideal place to pause between beach adventures.
Quick Tip: Try the Lincolnshire sausage breakfast - a local favourite!
Family Adventures & Rainy Day Winners
Skegness Aquarium
Dive into underwater worlds with sharks, rays, and shipwreck-themed displays. Skegness Aquarium is interactive, imaginative, and great for rainy days. The Pirate Experience is a hit with younger children too.
Quick Tip: Tickets are cheaper when booked online in advance - and look out for seasonal themed events.
Skegness Model Village
A delightful miniature world with intricate buildings, landscaped gardens, and tiny scenes of British life. It’s peaceful, quirky, and full of fun details to spot – from tiny pubs to a model cricket match in full swing.
Quick Tip: Kids love the fairy garden section – don’t forget to leave a wish on the tree!
Lucky Strike Arcade
It’s all about classic seaside fun at Lucky Strike. With 2p machines, teddy grabbers, virtual reality rides and even indoor golf, it’s a bright and buzzy stop whatever the weather.
Quick Tip: Collect tickets from the machines to win prizes – it’s great fun for families and groups.
Coastal Walks & Seaside Sights
Tower Gardens
This newly restored Edwardian park is a leafy escape right in the heart of town. With ornamental gardens, a duck pond and accessible pathways, it’s a relaxing place for a stroll or picnic.
Quick Tip: Look out for seasonal events here – including summer theatre, food stalls, and Easter egg hunts.
North Parade Beach
Quieter than Central Beach, North Parade is perfect for paddling, sandcastles and scenic walks. There’s easy access from the seafront road and space to spread out even on busy days.
Quick Tip: Great spot for sunrise walks – bring a flask of tea and enjoy the calm before the crowds arrive.
The Compass Gardens
This small but lovely landscaped garden features pathways shaped like a compass and is dedicated to Skegness’s historic links with the sea. A peaceful pocket near the beach.
Quick Tip: A great photo spot with creative sculptures and a nautical vibe.
Historic & Cultural Highlights
Skegness Clock Tower
An iconic landmark since 1899, the Clock Tower is at the very centre of Skegness life. It marks the perfect meeting point and photo stop – with views down Lumley Road and the Esplanade.
Quick Tip: Look up to spot the four decorative clock faces – each pointing to one of the cardinal directions.
Church Farm Museum
Step back in time at this open-air museum housed in a 1760s farmhouse. From traditional kitchens and farm equipment to a blacksmith’s forge, it’s a fascinating glimpse into rural Lincolnshire life.
Quick Tip: Don’t miss the Victorian schoolroom – kids can even try writing on slates.
Local Shops & Independent Gems
Hildreds Shopping Centre
Right in the heart of Skegness, Hildreds offers a blend of high street favourites and local independents. It’s decorated seasonally, so look out for colourful displays at Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Quick Tip: Kids will love the themed grotto during the festive period – it’s one of the best in the region.
Lumley’s Shopping Plaza
Nestled in the heart of Skegness, Lumley’s Shopping Plaza is a treasure trove for those who love a good browse. Inside you’ll find a vibrant mix of independent stalls and boutique-style outlets, offering everything from handmade gifts and home décor to quirky fashion finds. It’s the perfect spot to while away an afternoon, discovering something special to take home as a memento of your visit.
Quick tip: Arrive early to explore at a leisurely pace – and don’t forget to check out the seasonal pop-up stalls for one-off bargains.
Burgh Antiques & Collectors Centre
Just a short drive from Skegness, Burgh Antiques & Collectors Centre is a haven for treasure hunters and history lovers alike. Set over multiple rooms, it’s packed with antiques, vintage pieces, and curiosities, each with its own story to tell. Whether you’re on the lookout for a statement furniture piece or a small keepsake, you’ll find plenty to spark the imagination.
Quick tip: Bring cash as some dealers may not accept cards – and allow extra time, as it’s easy to get lost among the shelves of hidden gems.
Day Trips from Skegness
Chapel St Leonards
Just a short drive north, Chapel St Leonards is a quieter seaside spot with traditional cafés, arcades and long, peaceful beaches. Perfect for a change of pace.
Quick Tip: The café at Chapel Point offers coffee with coastal views – plus access to the North Sea Observatory.
Gunby Hall (National Trust)
Gunby Hall is an elegant country house surrounded by gardens and meadows, just 15 minutes inland from Skegness. It’s a hidden gem of Georgian architecture and tranquil walks.
Quick Tip: Free parking for NT members – bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds.
