Skegness doesn’t try to be something it isn’t. It’s a proper British seaside town. Beach, amusements, fish and chips, fresh air — and for families with kids in tow, that’s often exactly what’s needed. There’s more to fill a few days than most people expect, and if you’re staying in our family cottages in Skegness, you’ll have everything on your doorstep.
The beach is the main event
Skegness beach is wide, flat, and genuinely good. At low tide the sand stretches far enough that it never feels crowded, even in August. For small kids it’s straightforward: easy to walk on, safe to run around, and the sea comes in gently enough that paddling is never a drama. Bring a windbreak, accept that everyone will come back covered in sand, and don’t overthink it! If you want a quieter beach experience, you can head to Skegness North Beach (aim for North Shore Hotel and beyond), or you can head to South Beach. If you use Princes Parade Car-Park, you are just on the edge of town and can head further South to uncover beautiful, grassy sand dunes to the back of the soft, sandy beaches. Just be mindful that amenities are limited the further North or South you wander.
Natureland Seal Sanctuary
One of the better-kept secrets on the Lincolnshire coast. Natureland is a working seal rescue centre that takes in injured seals and releases them back to sea. It’s small enough to do in an hour and a half, which is about right for most children under ten. There’s also a small zoo section with penguins, meerkats, and a tropical house. It won’t blow anyone’s budget, and kids tend to remember it long after they’ve forgotten the amusements.
The Pier and the seafront
Skegness Pier is the oldest seaside pier still standing on the Lincolnshire coast. The seafront strip that runs alongside it — rides, arcades and Botton’s Funfair in season, is classic British seaside, done without apology. It’s loud and colourful and children love it. Set a budget before you walk in, accept you’ll probably go slightly over it, and enjoy it for what it is. The fish and chips from the seafront are as good as you’d expect.
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
About three miles south of Skegness and worth the short drive. Gibraltar Point is a stretch of sand dunes, saltmarsh, and beach managed as a nature reserve. Big open skies, long walks, and very few people compared to the town beach. It’s a good option for an afternoon when you want a different kind of space. There’s a visitor centre with basic facilities and some gentle trails that work fine for older kids and adults alike.
Something new: Skegness Padel
Skegness recently got its first dedicated padel centre, and it’s worth knowing about. Skegness Padel has two premium indoor courts available to hire seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm, with coaching available for beginners and those wanting to improve. The sport is easy to pick up, the courts are undercover so weather isn’t a factor, and there’s a social area with drinks and snacks on site. It’s a good option for older kids or teens who might want something more active, or for parents who fancy a game while younger ones are occupied elsewhere. You can book through the Playtomic app.
Skegness Aquarium
Skegness Aquarium takes families from the shoreline to the tropics in one visit. Sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, and a touch pool where kids can actually handle sea creatures. Included in the main ticket is Jurassic Falls, an outdoor dinosaur park with over 25 animatronic species, plus a soft play area for younger ones. It’s a solid two to three hours for most families and one of the better options on the coast when the weather turns. For older kids who want to push it further, the aquarium is also one of only three in the UK to offer a dive-with-sharks experience.
The Embassy Theatre and other indoor options
For wet afternoons without a plan, the Embassy Theatre in town runs family shows and events around school holidays. There are also soft play options in and around Skegness worth a quick search before you travel. Knowing your fallbacks before you arrive saves a lot of standing in the rain deciding, even if the town is nicknamed Sunny Skeg Vegas!
Where to stay in Skegness with the family
Self-catering makes a family break considerably easier. You’re not negotiating meal times around a restaurant, there’s space to spread out, and the kids can decompress at the end of the day without the pressure of keeping quiet in a hotel corridor. Our Skegness holiday cottages will be ready in Summer 2026! They are walking distance from the town centre, finished to a high standard throughout, and all come with hot tubs, which, in our experience, is about 40% of why guests book in the first place. Families are well catered for, and the location means the beach, the seafront, and Natureland are all within easy reach without needing to get in the car.
If you’d prefer something quieter, or you’re travelling with a dog, our dog friendly cottages in Wainfleet are just five miles inland and a different kind of break entirely.
