Living in Skegness

Community life in Skegness is shaped by its coastal setting and tourism-driven economy, with a welcoming blend of locals and visitors. There is a strong sense of civic pride, evident in the upkeep of green spaces such as the award-winning Tower Gardens and the numerous flower-lined avenues. Local voluntary groups organise regular events, including the Skegness Carnival, seasonal fairs, and market days, further reinforcing the town’s community spirit.

The Skegness Community Centre hosts clubs, classes, and support services, serving as a social hub for residents of all ages. Outdoor activities are a major feature of life in the area, from beach walks and cycling along the coastal path to sea fishing and wildlife-watching in the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve just south of the town. For families and sporting enthusiasts, there are leisure centres, skate parks, and sports clubs catering to most interests.

Safety in Skegness is a key consideration for locals and visitors alike. Like many tourist destinations, Skegness can see increased levels of petty crime, particularly in the busy summer season, but serious crime rates remain relatively moderate compared to urban centres. Lincolnshire Police actively patrol the town, focusing on community engagement and high-visibility presence along the seafront and in major tourist areas.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes operate throughout the residential parts of Skegness, contributing to crime prevention and a wider sense of local vigilance. The town also participates in regional safety initiatives, with the local authority and police undertaking campaigns particularly around anti-social behaviour related to seasonal activity. Many residents describe their neighbourhoods as peaceful and family-friendly, while the busy central areas around the promenade and amusement parks tend to see most reported incidents.

Parking in Skegness is generally straightforward, though demand rises significantly during school holidays and weekends due to tourism. The town centre and seafront have several large pay-and-display car parks, and limited on-street parking is available near residential and commercial districts. Resident parking permits are issued for some central areas, particularly around busy attractions and the train station.

The A52 and A158 are the main routes to and from Skegness, leading to larger towns and cities in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Road access around the town itself is usually uncongested outside of peak visitor periods, but traffic can become heavy on the seafront approach and main arterial roads at the height of summer. There are no major motorways directly serving Skegness, so travel to and from the area is primarily via A-roads.

Nearby towns and cities by road:

• Boston – approx. 40 minutes via A52 (23 miles)
• Lincoln – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes via A158 (43 miles)
• Nottingham – approx. 2 hours via A52 and A46 (83 miles)
• Grantham – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes via A52 (64 miles)

Skegness is renowned for its classic British seaside fare, with an array of fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, and traditional cafés lining the seafront. Popular local eateries include famous fish and chip restaurants, family-run Italian bistros, and modern brasseries. In the town centre, a growing choice of international cuisine, including Indian, Chinese, and Thai, reflects the area’s appeal to varied tastes.

Pubs in Skegness range from family-friendly establishments near the beach to traditional inns and contemporary bars. Nightlife tends to be vibrant, particularly during the summer, with late-opening venues, amusement arcades, live music pubs, and several nightclubs clustered around the promenade. The Embassy Theatre provides live shows, comedy, and touring productions, contributing to the cultural side of Skegness’s night scene. For those seeking quieter evenings, the town also offers cosy tearooms and relaxed waterfront bars.

School Quality: Skegness offers a choice of primary and secondary schools, with both academies and comprehensive state schools supporting a broad curriculum. Some schools, such as the Beacon Primary Academy, are recognised for high standards.

Parks and Green Space: The town is home to well-kept parks, children’s play areas, and the popular seafront spaces for relaxation and recreation. Tower Gardens and the nearby nature reserves provide outdoor amenities year-round.

Childcare: A selection of nurseries, pre-schools, and childminder services operate throughout Skegness, supporting working parents and families new to the area.

Safety: Skegness maintains a family-friendly atmosphere, particularly in residential neighbourhoods, with active policing and community safety initiatives.

Family Activities: Attractions such as the Skegness Aquarium, Fantasy Island, Natureland Seal Sanctuary, and amusement parks offer a wide variety of options for families, while seasonal events and the sandy beach ensure plenty to do outside classroom hours.

Pet-friendly living in Skegness is supported by a choice of open spaces, beaches, and local facilities. Many sections of Skegness Beach are open to dogs outside of the summer season, with designated restrictions during peak months. The nearby Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve and coastal walking trails provide varied routes for exercising dogs.

There are several local veterinary practices and pet supply shops in the town, catering to the needs of pet owners. Some cafés and pubs offer dog-friendly policies, and rental property options occasionally accommodate pets. Overall, Skegness is a popular choice for pet owners seeking coastal walks and countryside access.

Skegness is served by a single terminus railway station, Skegness railway station, which provides regular direct train services to key Lincolnshire towns and the regional hub of Nottingham. Connecting services allow travel to major cities such as Lincoln and Sheffield. The station is centrally located and easily accessible from much of the town.

Local and regional bus services link Skegness with coastal villages along the Lincolnshire coast such as Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards, as well as inland market towns. Road access features the A52 and A158, which link Skegness to the county’s wider road network. The nearest major airport is East Midlands Airport, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by car, accessible principally via Nottingham and the A1(M).

Key commute times from Skegness:

• Lincoln – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car (43 miles), around 1 hour 40 minutes by train (with change at Sleaford)
• Nottingham – approx. 2 hours by train (direct), 2 hours by car (83 miles)
• Boston – approx. 40 minutes by car (23 miles), 35 minutes by train (direct)

The town centre is walkable but there are taxi services and local community transport schemes as well. During the summer, additional bus services operate to support the influx of seasonal visitors.

Skegness provides a range of educational options, catering to families living both in the town itself and surrounding areas.

Primary Schools in Skegness
The Skegness Infant Academy is a popular choice for early years learning. Skegness Junior Academy and Seathorne Primary Academy provide education to slightly older pupils. The Beacon Primary Academy, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in January 2020, is another reputable choice.

Secondary Schools in Skegness
Skegness Academy, serving pupils from 11 to 18, is a large secondary school at the heart of the town. The Giles Academy, based in nearby Old Leake, is also an option and offers transport links for students in Skegness. King Edward VI Academy in Spilsby, a short drive away, is another frequently chosen secondary institution.

Colleges and Further Education
For further education, Skegness TEC (part of the TEC Partnership) offers a range of vocational courses and apprenticeships, supporting the town's young people and workforce development. Boston College also has a campus in Skegness, providing post-16 education and adult learning opportunities.

Universities
Although there is no university in Skegness itself, the University of Lincoln offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses within reasonable commuting distance. Transport links connect Skegness to a variety of higher education institutions in the region.