Explore Essentials: The Definitive Guide to Skegness’ Top Attractions

“Donkey rides, penny arcades, pleasure beach fun … Skegness is every inch the classic British seaside resort. In fact, old “Skeggy” has been thrilling beachgoing Brits for over a 100 years with its vintage coastal charms. Throw in a handful of arts festivals and the odd super cute seal pup, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable break by the sea.

Skegness Beach
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The heart of the action: Skegness’ long sandy beach has everything you need for a cracking day out at the seaside. Easily accessible, it’s just under 20 minutes’ walk from the train station. There’s also a large car park at the bottom end of the beach.

Summer is your best chance of good weather, although spring often throws up a few sunny days, too. A note for dog walkers: pooches aren’t allowed between from 1 May to 30 September.Open in Google Maps

The Pier
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Classic arcades compliment ever popular escape rooms and cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) gaming at Skegness’ Pier, the resort’s all-purpose entertainment hub. With bowling, laser quest and an indoor adventure playground, it’s a great place to take the kids – especially if the weather’s feeling particularly British during your break.

For VR, laser quest and the escape rooms, advanced booking is essential, particularly during weekends and school holidays. The Pier, which is open year-round except for Christmas Day, is just 20-minutes’ walk from the train station. There’s a car park next door, too.

Opening times: From 11am Monday-Friday, from 10am Saturday-SundayNote: Times for attractions within may varyOpen in Google Maps

Natureland Seal Sanctuary
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One of Skegness’ most popular attractions, Natureland offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of seal rehabilitation and release. Aside from the seals, there are meerkats, penguins, alpacas, tropical fish and more. You’ll want at least a couple of hours to see them all properly.

Make sure to time your visit with feeding time (11am and 3pm) when the seals and penguins get their dinner. The sanctuary is at the south end of Skegness Beach and easily walkable from the town centre.

Admission prices: £7.20 for children (3-15 years), £8.78 for adults

Opening times: 10am-5pm daily

Note: These are the winter times and prices (see website for up-to-date info)

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Skegness Aquarium
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With pirate-themed crafts, underwater feeding sessions and all manner of curious sea creatures floating about, this interactive aquarium is always a hit with the kids. You’ll want at least half a day to see the best bits.

Get up close with some star fish at the wet lab touch pools (there are five sessions between 10am and 3:30pm), watch divers feed the animals at 1pm, and pop in for interactive talk with an expert diver at 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Advance booking is advised for weekends – plus you’ll save when you pay online.

Admission prices: £7.65 for children, £9.85 for adults

Opening times: 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday-Sunday

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Pleasure Beach and Funfair
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Skeggy’s vintage pleasure beach has been exciting families since the 60s. With a Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, ghost train and waltzer, it’s got all the classics you’d expect, plus bowling and an old school arcade. Rides are paid for via token (£1 per token) or wristbands, so how much you spend depends on how many you want to experience.

Located right at the centre of the beach, it’s easily accessed by train and car. It’s busiest during the school holidays (April, May and summer) and weekends.

Admission prices: £20 for an all-day wristband, £15 for an off-peak wristband

Opening times: Varies throughout the year

Note: The park is closed November-January, and for most of March, September and October

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Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
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A vast expanse of wild coastline, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is a far cry from the donkey rides and dodgems of Skegness. Managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, there’s a year-round calendar of fun events, walks and talks to get involved in, from beach cleans and bird watching to nature hikes and wildlife lectures.

You’ll find it just outside of town, a 10 or so minute drive away from the centre. There are two car parks at the visitor centre (parking costs £5 for a full day).

Opening times: 10am-4pm daily (April­-October), 10am-3pm (November-March)

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Hardy’s Animal Farm
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Slightly less wild but no less fun, Hardy’s Animal Farm is a brilliant day out with kids in tow. Set over seven acres of lush countryside, the farm hosts daily activities between 10:30am and 2pm, such as pony grooming, egg collecting and, best of all, goat kid petting.

The farm is four miles outside of Skegness in Ingoldmells and has onsite parking. Alternatively, you can take the Number 3 bus from the town centre. While not essential, online booking is advised as it’s cheaper.

Admission prices (online): £8 for children (3-15 years), £9 for adultsOpening times: 10am-5pm daily (April-September)

Note: Only open weekends and school holidays in October and closed from November

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Booking a break to Skegness? Check out our range of hotels before you go.”