Why Skegness is perfect for a dog-friendly holiday

In short, all the beaches in the vicinity are dog-friendly, except for the stretch of the Central Beach between the pier and lifeguard station during the summer months. There are still plenty of places to exercise your pet beyond the lifeguard tower and along the stretch of small beaches that extends north as far as Mablethorpe. The pier itself is also accessible to dogs but do keep them on their lead. 

The quietest beaches, where dogs can run free chasing balls or romping in the sea, include Anderby Creek, with its windswept dunes, and Ingoldmells' large expanses of gently sloping sand.  

If you visit the Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve to the south of the town, you’re welcome to bring your dog, but they must be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing the wildlife too much!

The Sea View 

As its name suggests, you’ll have a lovely view of the North Sea while you sup and dine with your pooch at the Sea View. Dogs are welcome inside too (just not on the furniture!) 

Seathorne Arms 

Further up the coastal road, the Seathorne Arms is popular for its large patio, great choice of real ales and dog friendly attitude. They aren’t currently doing meals, so pop in for a pint after a walk on the beach. 

The Lookout Public House 

One of the best coastal views are offered by this beachfront venue, in which dogs are welcome. Food scores highly here too, and it’s right by the beach, which is so convenient! 

The Vine Hotel 

A short walk or drive south of Haven Skegness is the quiet Vine Hotel, with its picturesque beer garden, where dogs can sit in the shade, take a drink, or perhaps even beg a tasty scrap or two. This is another great place to eat and to get away from the summer frenzy of the beach. 

We’ve only highlighted four venues here, but in fact most Skegness pubs and bars are dog friendly because it’s understood how popular the town is as a holiday draw for families with pets. If in doubt, simply ask. 

Aside from the beaches, there are other trails and parks where you can exercise your animals. Popular with walkers and nature enthusiasts is the Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, where there’s a four-mile loop you can enjoy with your dog on a lead. 

If you want to stay close to the beach, we’d recommend a circuit of the boating lake and lagoon, slightly over a mile in circumference. For something a bit more epic, there’s a 9.5-mile Poacher Line Railway walk, which begins at the Skegness Railway Station and heads via a system of backstreets and footpaths to Burgh-le-Marsh, at around four miles, then on to Wainfleet. 

The town council has produced handy guides to this and other local walks, which you can pick up from the foyer of the Embassy Theatre.

The Skegness seal sanctuary, Natureland, perhaps surprisingly is dog-friendly, so long as you keep your pets on the lead and under control. 

Your pooch may enjoy meeting these whiskered cousins, as well as meerkats, alpacas and other birds, beasts, and insects in what is one of the town’s greatest family attractions.