Things to do in Skegness
There’s a whole bunch of things to do in Skegness besides its brilliant beach. The town has an ancient history, with nods to their Viking and earlier Roman settlements including a Roman Road and an apparent ferry across The Wash to Norfolk.
The area boasts a vibrant ecosystem too, with protected seal populations, a nature reserve and reedbeds for migrating birds. There's also plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and several amusements and entertainment venues - so there’s really no reason to be bored during your holiday, whether it’s beach weather or not.
Here’s a list of the things to do in this special seaside town.
1. Natureland Seal Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with these majestic sea mammals at this rescue and rehab centre which helps orphaned or injured seal pups. Little ones will love feeding the seal pups in the rearing room or watching these sleek and agile swimmers at play in the pool.
There's more than just seals here too – the sanctuary houses an impressive collection of tropical butterflies and a whole bunch of other exotic creatures including alpacas, meerkats and the ever-popular penguins. There’s even some fearsome beasts lurking in the tropical house, such as crocodiles, pythons and scorpions.
The sanctuary is dog-friendly, so as long as you keep your pet on the lead and under control, they don't have to miss out on the fun.
2. Skegness Aquarium
Dive under the waves and surround yourself in the local ecosystem and exotic species at Skegness Aquarium. It’s a really cool modern aquarium with plenty of real sea creatures including octopuses, clownfish, stingrays, and even a zebra shark called Nudge. There's also interactive exhibits, and something called the Shark Attack, but we won’t spoil the surprise!
Stroll through the tunnel and feel surrounded by an aquatic wonderland, and a fun creative activity called Doodle Cove, where you can see the fish you've drawn in an animated watery world. If all that saltwater makes you thirsty or hungry, there’s a bistro café and a soft play area for the little ones.
3. Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve
If you’d rather see nature in all its glory, then it’s worth a drive down to the nature reserve just south of the town, where there's four miles of walking trails amongst the trees, reedbeds and dunes. Birdwatchers, make sure to take their binoculars and notebooks – you may spot some skylarks and waders in the summer months and Brent geese, snow bunting and other overseas visitors wintering here too.
The reserve has a car park, small visitors’ centre, and toilets, as well as small cafe. If you walk through the dunes at low tide, you’ll also discover a perfectly unspoilt beach, although be careful when the tide changes - there’s a channel through the sand that fills quickly. Dogs are welcome too; keep them on the lead throughout your visit.
4. Skegness Pier
Take a walk along the pier and embrace the British coast in its full force. Walking along the pier, you get the perfect balance of views from both out to sea, and towards the coast. For a more relaxed day, why not hire one of the deckchairs on the pier, and catch some sunrays?
Built in 1881, Skegness Pier is one of the oldest still in operation on the east coast. There’s plenty to do here to keep the family happy including laser quest, ten pin bowling, escape rooms, diners, bars and so much more. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, making the Pier an easy space to relax away a whole day.
Why not try out the futuristic Hologate VR experience, where you can try out state of the art virtual reality games and activities? The Pier is open all year round and is one of the town’s main draws for visitors and locals alike.
5. Embassy Theatre
Skegness’ local theatre has a full programme of family shows including musicals, comedy, and a seasonal pantomime. You’ll see some leading lights in British comedy passing through, as well as shows such as the Michael Jackson Experience and the song and dance spectacular Stage Struck.
There are even wrestling shows and movie screenings too, so check out the programme when you arrive to avoid missing anything. Many shows are family friendly (aside from most of the comedy of course!).
6. Skegness Raceway
Ramp up the adrenalin by visiting the Skegness Raceway. From BMX stunts to monster trucks, you can experience everything here. There are wacky extravaganzas like caravan destruction derbies and banger racing (occasionally with added fireworks).
It’s explosive entertainment, a lot of fun and best of all – kids go free!
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
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Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £32,795
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 22 April 2024, price is available at Skegness only.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
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Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
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Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.