Skegness Hotels

Beaches

Whether you plan to make sandcastles with the kids, take a swim in the sea or simply bask in sunshine on the shore, Skegness' award-winning beaches are the perfect place to spend the summer months. The Blue Flag-awarded Skegness Beach is a sprawling sandy area to enjoy throughout the year and there are a number of other beaches within easy driving distance of the town, including Ingoldmells Beach and Anderby Beach.

Dogs are banned from the busiest sections of the beach over the peak period from May to September, but they can be taken for walks in nearby Ingoldmells in Glebe Park, Queen Elizabeth Playing Field and Ingoldmells Churchyard. Skegness Beach is now also accessible to wheelchair-users thanks to a project that provides large-wheel beach-friendly wheelchairs for a small deposit.

Amusement parks

One of the most popular attractions in Skegness is Fantasy Island, a theme park with a range of different rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. A perfect choice if you're travelling with the family in tow, Fantasy Island has everything from large rollercoasters such as The Odyssey and The Millennium to rides for younger kids such as The Monkey Jump and The Jellikins.

Another big amusement centre in the area is Bell Leisure, an entertainment complex that spans three floors and a range of attractions including indoor mini-golf, a milkshake bar and ten-pin bowling. If you'd rather unwind with a film, Skegness Tower Cinema is a two-screen cinema in the heart of Skegness. Of course no trip to Skegness would be complete without walking along the length of Skegness Pier. The pier stretches out 562m from the shore and features a variety of arcades and attractions for kids.

Wildlife

Animal lovers will want to pay a visit to the Natureland Seal Sanctuary, a wildlife centre on the North Parade of Skegness. As well as seals, visitors can get up close to African penguins, crocodiles, goats, tarantulas, snakes, terrapins and scorpions. If you'd rather see animals in their natural habitat, the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve is to the south of Skegness and contains a rich variety of birdlife, from wildfowl to waders.

Food and drink

Skegness has an enormous selection of restaurants offering British and international cuisine. Traditional English fish and chips in a must if you're visiting the town, but you'll also find everything from Chinese banquets to mouthwatering Italian pasta within easy reach of the waterfront. When it comes to nightlife Skegness is home to a vibrant bar scene and there are plenty of watering holes to choose from here, from cosy pubs to pumping clubs.

Further afield

Travel outside of Skegness and you'll find historical cities and beautiful countryside. A short distance to the northwest of the town is Lincolnshire Wolds, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Journey further inland and you'll reach Lincoln, an ancient city that's home to Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral.

Best places to stay in Skegness

The heart of Skegness is where you’ll find the main attractions and everything you’d expect from a seaside town. There are plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants, while the famous Embassy Theatre puts on shows for all the family, including pantomimes during the festive season.

Golf lovers might want to stay a little out of town near the North Shore club, while further north still lies the village of Ingoldmells, home to both Butlin’s and Fantasy Island. If you’re keen to explore the Lincolnshire Wolds inland, the southern tip of this area of natural beauty is just 15 minutes from Skegness by car – consider towns like Spilsby and Burgh le Marsh.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Skegness

Skegness proper is very compact, so you’re practically guaranteed a good location here. To be right in the thick of the action, look for a hotel by Skegness Beach, a Blue Flag expanse of golden sand backed by dunes. Here you’ll find the famous Pleasure Beach amusement park and the landmark pier, which dates back to 1881.

Animal lovers are spoilt for choice with Skegness Aquarium and Natureland Seal Sanctuary just a short walk apart – why not do both? When it comes to nightlife, the best pubs and bars are clustered around Lumley Road and the Clock Tower roundabout, where you’ll also find more fish and chip shops than you can shake a stick at.

Where to stay with your family in Skegness

If staying right in the heart of Skegness doesn’t appeal, why not consider neighbouring Ingoldmells, which has more than enough to keep the whole family entertained. As well as a lovely stretch of golden sand, it’s also home to Fantasy Island amusement park, which boasts over 30 rides for all ages as well as an enormous market open seven days a week. It wouldn’t be a classic British seaside resort without a Butlin’s, and Ingoldmells’ has a claim to fame as the first ever. Grab yourself a day pass and enjoy rides, water slides, live shows and much more.

Where to find cheap hotels in Skegness

There are a whole host of Skegness hotels and guest houses offering comfortable rooms at excellent prices. The Travellers Rest in Ingoldmells has family rooms with flat-screen TVs and free wifi, plus on-site parking. If you’d rather be right in the heart of Skegness, try The Monsell Hotel less than half a mile from the beach. Extra beds are available on request for little ones, and the hotel has a cosy snack bar/deli. Philmar Guest House is just a stone’s throw from the seafront and serves up a tasty breakfast for a small additional charge. Last but not least, Ivydene Guest House has glowing reviews – perhaps something to do with the complimentary breakfast they throw in for under £100 a night.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The Gingerlily Restaurant at The Vine Hotel offers a relaxed yet sophisticated fine dining experience. In addition to classics such as fish & chips, fish pie, pork belly, and chicken wrapped in pancetta, the menu features vegetarian dishes, burgers, and steaks, so there really is something for everyone. The hotel also has two cosy bars, one showing live sports, and private garden pods that can be booked out by groups of up to 12 for a secluded dining experience.

Spa hotels

Situated in Southview Leisure Park just a 5-minute drive from the beach at Skegness, the well-rated Springs 46 by Vilija offers comfortable caravan accommodation with everything you need for a pleasant stay. It isn’t a back-to-basics holiday at Southview – the park’s facilities are top-notch, including a sauna, steam room, indoor pool and fully equipped gym. Kids will love it too, with a playground, pirate-crazy golf, high ropes courses and bungee trampolines to keep them occupied all day long.