Between Norwich And Hull Is A Charming Coastal Resort Town With Sandy Beaches, Cute Shops, And Fresh Seafood

Many of Great Britain's coastal towns became a focus of domestic tourism with the advent of resorts and spa town holidays in the 1700s. The north of England is especially rife with such seaside towns, most popularized when Queen Victoria was on the throne: from Morecambe just north of Manchester to Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast, often considered Britain's "first seaside resort." Shifting the compass to Lincolnshire — located further south on the same coast, between Yorkshire's Humber region and Norfolk – is the vibrant coastal town of Skegness. Ideal for a family-friendly holiday or a day trip to the seaside, Skegness has access to plenty of sandy beaches with modern amenities. The town also has a wide variety of eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes, as well as places to shop, including an indoor mall, plenty of one-of-a-kind independent shops, and a nearby market that's among Europe's largest.

Skegness has collected all sorts of nicknames over the years, from "Skeggy" to "Skeg Vegas" – a nod to its colorful funfair rides and arcades lining the beach promenade. Indeed, while new nightlife hotspots have proliferated, and shops big and small have joined its high street, at heart, Skegness is still one of Britain's typical seaside towns: a place that holidaymakers have flocked to for centuries and continue to do so today.

Skegness' position between Norwich and Hull makes it easy to reach from either; it takes about two hours driving from Norwich (96 miles), an hour and a half from Hull (70 miles), and as little as 40 minutes from Grimsby (38 miles), another Lincolnshire gem with markets, local eateries, and historic attractions.

Skegness has several beaches within close proximity to the town center. Skegness Beach is the main stretch, and one of the region's top beaches by both size and popularity. It runs for about a mile and a half, from the "ruins" of Skegness castle in the north to Skegness Aquarium at its southern end. The beach's golden, pillowy sands and Blue Flag status (awarded to the best quality waters) make it an ideal spot for swimming in the summertime, when it is supervised by lifeguards. It is also great for leisurely walks year-round, especially in winter when the crowds have left. In addition to that, the vast array of amenities and activities makes Skegness Beach a top pick for families – think amusement rides, crazy golf, and escape rooms, among others.

If you are looking for a quieter alternative to Skegness Beach, you can find Ingoldmells Beach a few miles further north. Though less equipped than Skegness Beach, Ingoldmells still has plenty of amenities – including a large car park, a dedicated dog-friendly section accessible year-round, and mobility support and aids (available in summer). Because some European beaches can get packed in summer, it's always good to have a few top alternatives to visit if you want to escape the crowds.

The stretch of coast between Ingoldmells and Skegness beaches is also where many of the caravan parks and RV hook-ups are located, including Kingfisher Caravan Park and Laver Leisure parks. Ingoldmells Beach is not an outlier: the wider region is beloved by caravan travelers who want to pitch up by quaint coastal gems, like neighboring Sutton-on-Sea, a charming town with award-winning beaches, tasty food, and camping galore.

When picturing a quintessentially English dish, many think of fish and chips. That association applies especially well to places like Skegness, where coastal flavors are the main focus, and fresh seafood is never too far away. For classic fish and chips, head to Trawler's Catch on Grand Parade. Together with the usual choice of cod or haddock, the menu includes classic sides like battered sausages and mushy peas.

If, instead of a "chippy" supper, you are after fresh seafood and catch of the day, head to Seafood Cafe on the seafront. This casual spot serves fresh dressed crab, tuna sandwiches, and a house special seafood platter alongside lighter dishes and salads. Another option is Atlantic Fish and Bar, which serves both fish and chips and more casual dishes like jacket potatoes and burgers. It's worth noting that the fish comes fresh from neighboring areas, rather than being caught locally in Skegness.

Skegness has plenty of shopping options. The town's main mall is Hildreds Shopping Centre, where visitors can find national chains and a handful of locally owned businesses like The Cottage Loaf Cafe, good for a coffee break. On the high street, you can find one-of-a-kind shops like womenswear boutique So Peachy and 2Wild Retro for vintage clothing. For quirky and cute souvenirs, head to Allsorts Gift Shop. Just a few miles north of Skegness, in Ingoldmells, travelers can visit the largest seven-day market in Europe. Home to more than 300 stalls, Fantasy Island Market is free to enter and is right next to the amusement park by the same name. Alongside traditional brick-and-mortar boutique shops, there are also food stalls. You can get there by driving 10 minutes (3.5 miles) from Skeggy's town center or, in summer, by public bus.