For the past three years, Bamburgh has been consistently recognized as the best seaside town in the UK by Which?, achieving an impressive score of 88 percent in this year’s survey. On the other end of the spectrum, Skegness has found itself at the bottom of the rankings for the past four years, tying this year for last place with Clacton-on-Sea, with a disappointing score of 48 percent. But what sets the best apart from the worst? And is the worst really as bad as it seems? To uncover the truth, I embarked on a holiday to both Bamburgh and Skegness, accompanied by a friend.
In the charming village of Bamburgh, one can expect breathtaking views and an exquisite beach, although prices may come as a surprise. On the other hand, Skegness offers the allure of shots of Jagermeister in the morning and the abundance of amusement options, but also cigarette butts scattered about. Read on to discover more about my experiences in these two seaside resorts.
SKEGNESS
Ailbhe MacMahon sets out on a journey to both Skegness and Bamburgh to investigate the differences between the best and worst seaside destinations. Enjoy the above image of Ailbhe on Skegness’s Blue Flag beach.
BEACHES AND SEAFRONTS
Skegness boasts a vast, sandy Blue Flag beach that families find particularly appealing. Plenty of space is available for families to spread out and enjoy picnics, build sandcastles, and have a wonderful time. As we explore, we spot a pair of detectorists searching for treasures in the sand, a paraglider soaring overhead, and children joyfully bodyboarding in the sea. Although there are a few cups and crushed McDonald’s packaging scattered around on Saturday afternoon, the beach is promptly cleaned up by Sunday morning, leaving it perfectly spotless.
The historic pier, which dates back to 1881, adds to the picturesque charm of Skegness. Adorned with fairy lights and featuring ‘Skegness’ spelled out in old-fashioned lettering, it is set for an ambitious makeover. Plans unveiled on a noticeboard suggest transforming it into an educational visitor attraction with stylish glass dome shelters and pockets of greenery.
FOOD AND DRINK
Our culinary adventure in Skegness leads us to Tarantino Restaurant, an Italian eatery that receives an ‘excellent’ rating for its delectable dishes. Despite a packed crowd on Saturday evening, we manage to secure a table for a delightful dinner. We indulge in truffle arancini and calamari to share, followed by tricolore salad as our main course, accompanied by a lovely bottle of Sicilian Miral Nero d’Avola. Overall, a truly satisfying experience.
ACCOMMODATION
For our stay, we select the Savoy hotel on North Parade, conveniently located just minutes away from the seafront. Booking through Booking.com costs us £99, and upon arrival, the welcoming staff graciously allows us to check in early. Though the room may not be lavish, it is clean and comfortable, providing us with a pleasant stay.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Exploring the town, we encounter a partially torn map in the center, promising the arrival of a new map soon. The torn map doesn’t hinder our exploration, as Skegness proves to be bustling with attractions. Endless arcades, bingo halls, mini-golf courses, pedalos for rent, and the Altitude44 climbing course, claiming to be the UK’s tallest urban ropes course, all vie for visitors’ attention. At the heart of the seafront lies the Skegness Pleasure Beach theme park, a paradise for children with its candy-colored dodgems, Ferris wheel, and ghost train. Our visit also coincides with the SO Festival, an annual event showcasing open-air plays and street performers.
Skegness also offers glimpses into its Victorian heritage through a few historical sites, including the neo-Gothic clocktower and the fountain adorned with the town’s iconic mascot, the ‘Jolly Fisherman.’ This mascot famously starred in a 1908 advert that coined the now well-known slogan ‘Skegness is SO bracing.’
On the subject of evening entertainment, opinions may differ. When I inquire about recommendations for a Saturday night out, a bartender guides me to a bar called ‘Busters.’ When I ask for her opinion on its quality, she nonchalantly responds, “It is what it is, it’s Skeggie.”
SCENERY
While not the most aesthetically pleasing, the town of Skegness possesses a unique charm with its blend of Victorian heritage and vibrant shops selling an array of colorful products, from bucket hats to vapes. Sitting on the beach, one’s gaze captures the Lincs Offshore Wind Farm, situated 8km (five miles) off the coast. Though some may find the wind turbines unattractive, the beach signage proudly declares that they meet the annual electricity needs of more than 300,000 households.
The beach truly comes alive when one wanders towards the serene Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, leaving behind the noise of fairground rides. Here, visitors can bask in the tranquility and spot skylarks, waders, and brent geese, depending on the season.
SHOPPING
Those seeking bargains will find delight in the numerous charity shops and stalls selling trinkets and seaside essentials. I find myself tempted by a feather-trimmed cowboy hat in one shop, while another catches my attention with hyper-realistic dolls that seem to captivate passersby.
PEACE AND QUIET
Our journey to Skegness starts with witnessing a stag party indulging in Jagermeister shots at 9:30 in the morning on our train. To add to the excitement, a hen party is also present, convincing the bride-to-be to join them in a shot. They casually inform everyone to steer clear of the train toilet due to a rather unpleasant incident. This unexpected start may have seemed discouraging, but upon arrival in the town, the hen and stag parties retreat to the bars, leaving the streets occupied by families and retirees. While bustling during the day, Saturday night in Skegness is surprisingly peaceful and tranquil. Sunday morning brings about an even greater sense of peace as the town empties, allowing for quiet exploration.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Skegness proves to be an excellent choice for a budget-friendly beach getaway. Affordable pints for just £3.50 and lunch options under a fiver, such as haddock and chips for £4.50 or egg baps for £2.20, make it a desirable destination. Indulging in a 99 ice cream with all the toppings will only set you back around £2. Furthermore, pricing in Skegness caters to a diverse range of visitors, including special deals for senior citizens and affordable kids’ meals.
TRANSPORT
Getting to Skegness by train is hassle-free, with LNER offering a comfortable journey from London’s King’s Cross station to Grantham. From there, it’s a convenient transfer to one of the frequent East Midlands Railway trains that take you directly to Skegness. Enjoy picturesque views from the window seat as you approach the coast, passing by the captivating green fields of Lincolnshire and the charming Heckington Windmill.
OVERALL VERDICT
Despite critics knocking Skegness, I discovered that the town possesses its own unique charm and can be quite lovely, as confirmed by the locals. With its impressive array of attractions, scenic beach, budget-friendly options, and peaceful ambiance, Skegness proves to be an excellent choice for a seaside holiday.
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