Skegness Beach

Skegness Beach is a broad, gently shelving sweep of golden sand running for several miles along the Lincolnshire coast. Backed by the promenade, Compass Gardens and the Jolly Fisherman statue, it is one of the largest and most popular beaches in the East Midlands and has held a Blue Flag award in recognition of its water quality and facilities. At low tide the sands stretch out a long way, offering huge open space for sandcastles, kite flying and beach cricket.

The central section, between the pier and the Clock Tower, is the busiest, with deckchairs, donkey rides in summer, ice-cream kiosks and easy access to the amusements and fish and chip shops on Grand Parade. Walk north towards Princes Parade and the beach grows quieter, while heading south the coastline gives way to the dunes and saltmarsh of Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, a haven for migrating birds and seals.

The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the main summer season and is within a short, level walk of Skegness railway station, making it a straightforward day out by public transport. Tides come in quickly across the flat sands, so it is worth checking tide times before settling in.