Skegness Coastline: Explore the Stunning Lincolnshire Seaside

Stretching along the east coast of England, the Skegness coastline is a classic British seaside destination that combines family fun, natural beauty and coastal heritage. Famous for its wide sandy beaches, vibrant promenade and welcoming atmosphere, Skegness has been drawing visitors to the Lincolnshire coast for over a century.

Whether you’re visiting for the day, planning a weekend by the sea, or exploring the Lincolnshire coastline more widely, Skegness offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

 

Skegness Beach

The heart of the Skegness coastline is its award-winning Skegness Beach — a vast stretch of clean, golden sand that’s ideal for families, dog walkers and anyone looking to soak up the seaside atmosphere.

Skegness Beach has consistently earned Blue Flag status, meaning the water quality, facilities and safety standards meet some of the highest benchmarks in Europe. Lifeguards patrol the main beach during the summer months, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming or paddling.

A Traditional British Seaside Experience

Skegness Beach is everything you’d hope for from a traditional English seaside resort. Colourful beach huts, donkey rides, and the famous Skegness Pier create a nostalgic charm that blends perfectly with modern amenities. You’ll find plenty of places to grab fish and chips, ice creams, or a coffee with a sea view.

The promenade runs parallel to the beach, offering easy access to amusement arcades, gift shops and attractions like Natureland Seal Sanctuary and Embassy Outdoor Swimming Pool. It’s perfect for a relaxed coastal stroll.

 

Skegness Pier and Promenade

No visit to the Skegness coastline would be complete without a walk along Skegness Pier. Originally opened in 1881, this iconic structure stretches out towards the North Sea and has become one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Lincolnshire coast.

Inside, you’ll find amusements, bowling, soft play areas and even adrenaline-fuelled attractions like Pier Beach Bar & Deck — ideal for sunsets with a view. During the summer months, the pier buzzes with families, couples and holidaymakers enjoying traditional seaside fun.

The promenade, meanwhile, connects the pier with other key attractions such as Skegness Aquarium, Tower Gardens, and the Embassy Theatre, where you can catch live performances year-round.

 

Lincolnshire Coastline

Skegness sits roughly at the centre of the Lincolnshire coastline, a 50-mile stretch of beautiful beaches, dunes and coastal nature reserves that runs from Mablethorpe in the north to Gibraltar Point and Boston in the south.

This stretch of coast is part of the Lincolnshire Coast & Marshes National Character Area, known for its unspoilt beauty, birdlife and tranquil seaside towns. Whether you want a lively resort or a quiet escape, the Lincolnshire coastline offers it all.

Mablethorpe to Skegness

Just north of Skegness, Mablethorpe offers another Blue Flag beach with a slightly quieter vibe, perfect for families and dog walkers. The scenic Coastal Country Park links Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea and Chapel St Leonards — with long sandy beaches and accessible walking and cycling routes.

The Skegness to Mablethorpe section of the coast is connected by the Lincolnshire Coastal Path, part of the long-distance England Coast Path, making it a favourite among walkers and cyclists.

 

Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve

For those looking to experience the wilder side of the Skegness coastline, head south to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve. Managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, this unspoilt reserve stretches for three miles along the coast and features saltmarsh, dunes, and lagoons teeming with wildlife.

Birdwatchers flock here year-round to see species like avocets, redshanks, and migrating geese. There’s a visitor centre and café with panoramic views over the dunes and sea — perfect for a peaceful afternoon immersed in nature.

 

Coastal Walks and Trails

Exploring the Skegness coastline on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate its beauty. The area offers a mix of seaside promenades, rural footpaths and nature trails.

Some popular walks include:

• Skegness to Gibraltar Point Walk: A 3-mile scenic route starting from the southern end of the promenade, leading through dunes and saltmarsh.

• Chapel Six Marshes to Anderby Creek: A quieter section of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park with unspoilt beaches and birdwatching hides.

• Anderby Creek Cloud Bar Trail: Features the UK’s only “Cloud Bar” — a quirky observation deck for sky-watchers!

Cyclists can also follow parts of the National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs along the Lincolnshire coast.

 

Family Attractions Along the Skegness Coastline

Beyond the beach itself, the Skegness coastline is packed with attractions for families and visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular include:

• 🎡 Fantasy Island (Ingoldmells) – A huge theme park and market, perfect for thrill-seekers and bargain hunters.

• 🐬 Natureland Seal Sanctuary – Rescuing and rehabilitating injured seals and other marine wildlife.

• 🐠 Skegness Aquarium – A family-friendly underwater adventure located right on the seafront.

• 🦋 Hardys Animal Farm – A working farm near Ingoldmells where children can meet animals and learn about rural life.

Each of these adds a different dimension to the Skegness coast — from excitement and entertainment to education and conservation.

 

Beaches Near Skegness

If you fancy exploring beyond the main beach, there are several hidden gems nearby:

• Ingoldmells Beach – A short drive north, quieter but still family-friendly, ideal for those staying near Fantasy Island.

• Chapel St Leonards Beach – Long, sandy and peaceful, with a more laid-back atmosphere.

• Anderby Creek – A local favourite known for its natural dunes and lack of crowds.

• Winthorpe Beach – A scenic spot just north of Skegness, popular with dog walkers and photographers.

Each of these beaches captures a different side of the Lincolnshire coast — from lively resort to untouched nature.

 

History of the Skegness Coastline

Skegness rose to fame in the late 19th century when the Great Northern Railway connected it to the rest of England, transforming a quiet fishing village into one of the country’s most popular seaside resorts.

The opening of Butlin’s Skegness in 1936 cemented its reputation as a fun, family-friendly destination. While much has changed, the welcoming character of Skegness remains — a seaside town that keeps its traditions alive while embracing modern tourism.

 

Where to Stay on the Skegness Coast

The Skegness coastline offers a wide range of accommodation — from traditional seaside hotels to modern holiday parks and cosy B&Bs.

• For families: Butlin’s Resort, Southview Holiday Park, and Coastfields Holiday Village.

• For couples: Boutique guesthouses near Tower Gardens or sea-view hotels on North Parade.

• For nature lovers: Secluded cottages near Gibraltar Point or campsites close to Anderby Creek.

Many properties are within walking distance of the beach, meaning you can enjoy sunrise strolls or sunset views without ever needing your car.

 

Plan Your Visit

Skegness is easily accessible by car via the A52 or A158, with regular train services to Skegness Station from Nottingham, Grantham and Lincoln. Parking is plentiful around the promenade and beach areas, and there are good bus links to nearby resorts.

Most attractions and beaches are open year-round, but the summer season (May–September) offers the full range of seaside entertainment, from donkey rides to live events.

 

Final Thoughts

The Skegness coastline perfectly captures the charm of the British seaside — golden sands, family attractions, and peaceful nature all rolled into one. Whether you’re here for a classic day out, a walking holiday or simply to unwind by the waves, the Lincolnshire coast is one of England’s most underrated gems.

So pack your bucket and spade, bring your camera, and come discover why the Skegness coastline continues to capture hearts year after year.