Top 5 Hidden Gems To Discover During Skegness Holidays
With its expansive beaches and bustling amusement parks, the seaside town of Skegness isn’t above the typical holiday traveler’s bucket list.
Author:Liam JonesReviewer:Sophia HarperNov 04, 20251.7K Shares48.7K Views
With its expansive beaches and bustling amusement parks, the seaside town of Skegness isn’t above the typical holiday traveler’s bucket list. Few towns can only claim to have their roots in tourism, which makes Skegness—a tourist town since the late 1700s—all the more a must-visit for locals and foreigners alike.
But you’re probably reading this for a different reason. Sure, the beaches and amusement parks are a must-visit in their own right, but you may be on the hunt for Skegness’s hidden or largely undiscovered attractions. There’s bound to be a handful in any family holiday getaway, and Skegness is no exception.
1. Outlying Beaches
The Lincolnshire coast is over 50 miles or 80.5 km long (according to the county’s official website), with a tiny fraction located within Skegness. The wide beach in front of town can get crowded, given that it’s next to family-oriented aquariums and amusement arcades. Fortunately, you still have quiet beach options outside of the bustling town center.
One is Anderby Creek Beach, an unspoiled patch of sandy beach often devoid of large beachgoing crowds. The downside is that it’s a 20-minute drive from Skegness, but the uninterrupted sand and sea view compensates for it.
After a stroll along the sands, don’t forget to drop by the Cloud Bar. While not a traditional bar, it’s the perfect place to go cloud spotting. The mirrors facing upward reduce the need for cloud watchers to sharply tilt their heads or look directly at the sun.
For those seeking a workout, consider including Huttoft Beach in your itinerary. This quiet patch of coastline is a popular destination for biking, fishing, swimming, and surfing (and it’s pet-friendly, too). Vehicles can park next to the beach, making it also a popular getaway for motorhome owners (provided the motorhome is no longer than six meters).
Keep in mind that some of these quiet beaches have few lodgings nearby, so getting one in town for your Skegness holidaysis still a good idea. Settle into a static caravan rental that has everything you need for your vacation, from a heated indoor pool to a bar and grill serving local favorites. If you’re bringing a dog, ask for a dog-friendly accommodation.
2. The Village Church Farm
Before becoming a tourist destination, Skegness was primarily an agricultural village like most remote towns at the time. In fact, its past location was much closer to the Lincolnshire coastline, facilitating its then-main industries of fishing and salt production.
Amid the drastic shift, Skegness has never forgotten its agricultural roots. Proof of this is The Village Church Farm, a farmhouse built in the mid-1700s that was later converted into a museum with the Lincolnshire County Council’s help.
Entrance is free, but the museum encourages donations to keep it alive (volunteers run it). Check out the mud-and-stud cottages that once dotted Lincolnshire County. The museum also maintains a fully operational Richard Hornsby steam-powered traction engine named Bob, which it takes out for field demonstrations.
As of this writing, the museum has two upcoming events scheduled. The first is a Christmas market on December 7, where you can enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and other festive treats. The second is an oil engine display on New Year’s Day in cooperation with the Lincolnshire Oil Engine Club. If you happen to be in Skegness at those dates, these events are worth checking out.
3. Fairy Dell Paddling Pool
Fairy Dell is one of three paddling pools managed by the East Lindsey District Council and the only one in Skegness. It’s only open during the summer months (May to September), but entrance is free. Also, no advanced booking is required.
As the name suggests, the paddling pool is less than a foot deep and designed for children. However, it has a couple of fountains that spray water from above, helping kids and adults beat the summer heat. The site is situated next to the Skegness Boating Lake, where you can rent a 20-minute paddle boat ride. Just mind the geese.
Despite the Fairy Dell paddling pool being touted as a hidden gem, some locals say they’re surprised it isn’t well-known by now. It has been around for some 40 years, and parents take their children here just as their parents did when they were children. As such, there’s the nostalgia factor working for the paddling pool.
4. Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
This 1,100-acre nature reserve, situated south of Skegness, features several lesser-known attractions, including the pillbox shown above. According to Heritage Gateway, it was part of an anti-tank artillery training range likely established after the Blitz. Other sources stated that it was used as an air raid shelter and observation post during the Blitz.
If World War II history isn’t your thing, there are other reasons to visit Gibraltar Point. If you time your visit right, you may witness flocks of migratory birds resting and replenishing just before continuing their journey. Visitors, especially avid birdwatchers, can witness several bird species like little terns, waders, Brent geese, and wheatears.
With the completion of the Easington-Bridlington pathin the north, Gibraltar Point is now linked to the King Charles III England Coast Path up to the Scottish border. This 2,700-mile project aims to build a continuous path along England’s coastline. Not a distance a typical person would walk unless they hunger for adventure.
Gibraltar Point is only open for two seasons: summer (April 1 to October 31) and winter (November 1 to March 31). Dogs are allowed entry inside the reserve but aren’t allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 1 to preserve the ecosystem. Entry into the reserve is free, although parking is subject to a fee.
5. Lusso By Lanzetta
Cicchetti is Venice’s take on Spanish tapas, bread slices topped with a variety of cheeses, fish, meats, or spreads. While traditionally served as an appetizer, it can also be enjoyed as a snack with fine tea or wine.
Unless you happen to be close to Italy, you don’t have to travel far for cicchetti. Lusso by Lanzetta, located along Lumley Road, offers a slice of Venice with its specialty cicchetti, alongside other food & drink options.
The café is also known for serving Colchester rock oysters, which are available all day long due to their year-round availability. Pair the creaminess and fresh sweetness of the oysters with a glass of white wine for the best experience. If you feel like spending a fortune, you can purchase a tin of Exmoor caviar to take away (starting at GBP£25.00).
Explore Skegness’s Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something different for your vacation, consider stepping out of town to search for hidden gems. The area around Skegness may have a handful of such travel sites that can make for an unforgettable experience.
Liam Jones
Author
Liam Jones has made it his mission to prove that adventure doesn’t need a hefty budget. Having traveled to over 40 countries, he specializes in finding affordable ways to experience the world, from the best street food in Bangkok to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Liam’s travel tips have reached thousands of readers, empowering them to see the world on a shoestring budget without sacrificing quality. With a deep passion for local cultures, he continues to share his travel hacks, ensuring adventure remains accessible to all.
Sophia Harper
Reviewer
Sophia Harper’s photography acts as a portal to the soul of the places she visits. Drawn to South America’s landscapes and cultures, she has spent years capturing everything from the majesty of ancient ruins to the vibrancy of urban streets.
Sophia’s work isn’t just about documenting moments; it’s about evoking the emotions and stories behind them. A dedicated photographer, she has worked with local communities across South America to capture their rich cultural narratives through her lens.
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