Coach holidays to Skegness
Skegness - an Introduction
Apparently Skegness is located on the 'drier side of Britain' but with the UK weather known for its unpredictability, you can't always guarantee that the sun will be shining on a coach holiday to Skegness. Skegness is a small seaside resort located in Lincolnshire that became famous in 1936 when Billy Butlin chose to open his first holiday camp here. A friendly atmosphere circles this popular seaside resort and you will be swept up in its beauty when you embark on coach trips here.
Until the first rail link was constructed in the mid-1870s, Skegness was just a small village home to approximately 400 people, most of whom earned a living as fishermen or farm labourers. The trains helped to bring life into Skegness making it the successful seaside holiday resort that it is today. Skegness also has connections with the Romans and if you take a walk along the beach, you are likely to come across some Roman pottery – it makes a change from seashells and colourful pebbles!
Skegness is a perfect coach holiday destination for visitors of all ages with its award-winning beaches that stretch out for miles and the fabulous amusements to be found on the resort's famous pier. Everything you could wish for can be found on coach breaks to Skegness; clean sand and sea to paddle in as well as a multitude of activities and other facilities provided along the promenade and seafront. If you love wildlife then a visit to Natureland Seal Sanctuary and the Animal Centre should feature high on your Skegness 'things to do' list. For a spot of wilderness, travel just two miles outside of Skegness and you'll come across the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, home to 1,000 acres of saltmarshes, sand-dunes, seashore and freshwater habitats – bring your binoculars to see which wildlife you can spot during your day out.
It's not just Blackpool that has the Illuminations; you will also find some spectacular displays in Skegness and they too have a celebrity to turn the lights on. The SO Festival is another special event held each year in Skegness which you should see during your coach holiday as the resort is transformed into an international arts venue (28th June to 7th July 2013) with a variety of music, street theatre, dance and thrilling new shows to keep the crowds entertained. In 2012, over 70, 000 people descended upon Skegness for the SO Festival and 250 of those who came to the Festival would not otherwise consider the resort as a destination to visit.
Coach tours to Skegness include return coach travel, accommodation in a quality hotel (unless it's a day trip), meals and excursions.
Tourist office:
To find out more about visiting Skegness, check out the official tourism website here
Find out more
Things to do
There's a lot to see and Skegness on a coach holiday; we've rounded up our pick of the top spots:
Skegness Pier
Located at the centre of the seafront, Skegness pier offers a great selection of games for the whole family. Play some Ten Pin Bowling in a full sized bowling alley or perhaps a round of Laserquest and then tuck into a delicious ice-cream. Pay a visit to the arcade where you can play the latest video games – this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Central Beach
Is a popular seaside resort which caters for families. The beach is long and clean and was awarded the Blue Flag Award in 2012. Swimming is also great in Skegness and when the wind is up there is a good swell for surfing and body-boarding. You can also access the pier which is another firm family favourite.
Natureland Seal Sanctuary
Well known for rescuing injured and orphaned young seals that become stranded on the beaches of Lincolnshire, Natureland rehabilitates the seals and returns them to the wild where possible. Hear about the rescues and the progress of the seal pups who are in the centre. When you visit you can also see penguins, butterflies, reptiles, goats and tropical fish – it's a great place for a day out!
Fantasy Island
This themed family resort is a great day out for all the everyone. Buckle up and hold on tight for a number of white knuckle rides. With a selection of rides for all ages Fantasy Island promises to be a great day out for everybody. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Market which is inside the theme park – you might be able to pick up a souvenir of the fun you've had in Skegness!
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in England, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.