Skegness

Skegness is perhaps best known as the location of the first Butlins holiday resort, built in 1936, which remains within the area to this day.

In the summer the town’s population swells dramatically. Holiday makers flock to the award winning golden beaches for a traditional bucket-and-spade seaside holiday. The beaches have seen their fair share of drama and in August 1642, a consignment of arms and money, probably raised by Queen Henrietta Maria, in the Netherlands for the support of King Charles I’s campaign in the Civil War, was forced into Skegness by the ships of the Parliamentarian Earl of Warwick. The drama continues today with a varied programme of entertainment at the Embassy Centre.

Skegness was primarily a fishing village and small port until the arrival of the railway in 1875. In 1908, Great Northern Railways commissioned a poster to advertise excursions to the resort. The ‘Skegness is so Bracing’ poster and featuring The Jolly Fisherman helped to put Skegness on the map and is now world famous. The poster was drawn by John Hassall (illustrator) for a sum of 12 guineas. Paradoxically, Mr Hassall had never visited the resort until 1936.

Always check train times before travelling. Call National Rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or check their website.

Train Operator:

East Midlands Trains
Ticket sales by ‘phone: 08457 125 678

Tourist Information Centre:

Tower Gardens, Grand Parade, 01754 899887