SKEGNESS

In 1871 the entire population of Skegness was just under 350 people but the opening of the railway in 1873 changed the entire outlook of the small town of Skegness for ever. The 9th Earl of Scarborough began his dream to build a new town and a pier was opened in 1881. The following summer, 230,000 visitors arrived in the town by train and each year the facilities in Skegness were enhanced, making it one of the country's most famous seaside resorts it is today. The famous Jubilee Clock Tower, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, was opened in 1899 - the result of money collected from local people to provide a permanent memorial to the Queen.

Realising the possibilities of the town, Sir Billy Butlin opened the country's first holiday camp which catered for the working man and woman in 1936. Success was immediate but short lived since during 1939 the camp was requisitioned, renamed HMS Royal Arthur, and for the entire war, served as a training camp for the navy. The camp was returned to Sir Billy Butlin at the end of the war, and the mixture of plain food, family entertainment and reasonable prices enabled the growth and success of the holiday camps. Butlins still remains a popular choice for holiday makers today.Skegness now boasts sea front pleasure gardens, winning sandy beaches (along with traditional donkey rides), bowling greens, crazy golf, an outdoor swimming pool, a cycle path and of course, bracing sea air.

The Embassy Centre Theatre caters for all tastes, with famous popular entertainers and shows on a regular basis.The tranquil National Nature Reserve at Gibraltar Point holds many opportunities for cyclists and walkers, offering the chance to view many species of wildlife including foxes, badgers, etc., and a chance to see a wide variety of birds living within the environment. A gift shop is also on hand for souvenirs.Skegness town boasts a wide variety of modern, popular retail shops along with traditional gift shops and many places to enjoy a meal. Towards the beach, souvenir stalls can be found, along with the traditional seaside fish and chip shops and shellfish vendors.

In the pleasure gardens a statue of the "Jolly Fisherman" - symbol of Skegness, can be seen in all his glory.Natureland at Skegness is the place to visit to see animals ranging from foxes and owls to sea lions and penguins in their habitats. Feeding time is not to be missed!Church Farm Museum in Church Road South is an open-air farm museum providing an insight into life from the 18th century to modern times. Suitable for visitors of all ages.