Why Is Skegness ''So Bracing''? What Is There To Do In Skegness?
Skegness (nicknamed ‘Skeggy’ by some) is a seaside town in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. It has a resident population of around 20,000 people and has been a premier holiday destination for millions for over one hundred years. The reputation of Skegness as a holiday destination was built primarily by the Great Northern Railway, who commissioned a poster to advertise the town in 1908. The poster featured ‘The Jolly Fisherman’ and slogan ‘Skegness is SO bracing’. The poster became synonymous with Skegness and a statue of the Jolly Fisherman can still be found at Skegness railway station today.
The main attractions in Skegness for holiday goers include the Butlins holiday camp and Skegness beach. Butlins was started by Sir Billy Butlin in 1936. Butlins caters to family breaks, where there a number of activities for both adults and children. A swimming pool, archery centres and the fact that the camp was in close proximity to the beach brought in thousands of tourists a year. Indeed, the beach is equally as famous as Butlin’s resort. The spacious sandy beach is home to a 118 meter longs pier. The current pier was built after a severe gale irreparably damaged the original 562 meter pier constructed on the beach in 1881. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag beach award for cleanliness on multiple occasions. It also features a boating club and its very own donkeys. In the last 10 years Skegness beach has hosted an Amateur Motor Cycle Association (AMCA) race weekend. Obstacles such as hairpin turns and jumps are crafted from the sand and riders are invited to participate, with cash prizes on offer for the winners.
Skegness offers plenty of other attractions elsewhere in town. Well known for the arcades, prize and cash bingo, amusement park with a big wheel, go karts and more. Not to mention the fish and chips restaurants and take-away.
With even more to find, for example the Skegness stadium, located on the outskirts of the town, hosts regular stock car races. Skegness also has its own football, rugby and cricket teams. If you are visiting Skegness during the autumn months you may be lucky enough to catch the annual Skegness switch on, during which a large parade marches to a staging area, where families are entertained all night. Attractions include a brass band, fireworks and, of course, the switch on itself. If you are in Skegness for a winter break, be sure to check out their Christmas market, held annually in front of Hildreds shopping centre.
Around the same time of year as the switch on, Skegness hosts a vibrant carnival. Years gone by the carnival has included a parade, a street art contest, a skateboard and rollerblade contest and fancy dress contest. For those who want to avoid the bustle of the carnival, Skegness offers plenty of option to relax. The Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, which runs for three miles from Skegness to The Wash. It is the perfect place to unwind, get some exercise, fresh sea air, and take in the diverse wildlife. It has four education centres were children can learn about the environment and the negative effects of pollutions and littering, as well as the importance of looking after threatened species.
