Dog Walks in Skegness

Dog Walking in Skegness

Skegness is Lincolnshire's best-known seaside resort, famous for its wide, sandy beaches and bracing North Sea air. For dog owners, the town offers something that many coastal destinations cannot match - miles of broad, flat beach stretching in both directions, with large sections available for dogs year-round. Beyond the beach, the surrounding countryside of marshes, dunes, and quiet farmland provides further walking options that make Skegness worth visiting in every season, not just the traditional summer holiday period.

Key Walks and Green Spaces

• Skegness Beach - The main beach is extensive and sandy, perfect for dogs who love to run and splash. During summer months (typically May to September), dogs are restricted from the central beach area near the pier, but the stretches to the north and south remain open year-round and are rarely crowded outside of peak season.
• Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve - Located at the southern end of Skegness, this coastal reserve covers over 1,000 acres of sand dunes, salt marshes, and freshwater habitats. Dogs are welcome on leads along the main trails, and the reserve offers some of the finest coastal walking in Lincolnshire with outstanding birdwatching opportunities.
• The Coastal Path - Walking north from Skegness along the beach and dunes towards Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards provides miles of uninterrupted coastal walking. The sand is firm near the waterline and the route can be extended as far as energy allows.
• Vine Park and Tower Gardens - Within the town itself, these parks provide green space for a shorter walk or a break from the beach.

Dog-Friendly Venues

Skegness has a good selection of dog-friendly establishments, particularly along the seafront and in the quieter streets behind the main promenade. Several of the seafront cafes have outdoor seating areas where dogs are welcome, and the fish-and-chip shops along the front are happy for you to eat outside with your dog. Away from the seafront, the pubs in the surrounding villages such as Burgh le Marsh and Wainfleet are welcoming to dog walkers and offer a quieter alternative to the resort atmosphere.

Practical Information

Skegness has ample parking, including several large car parks near the seafront. Charges vary seasonally, with higher rates during summer and lower rates or free parking in the winter months. For Gibraltar Point, there is a dedicated car park at the reserve entrance with modest charges. The beach is accessed via several ramps and slipways along the promenade, all suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Be aware that the tide goes out a very long way at Skegness - check tide times before a beach walk to avoid being caught out by incoming water filling channels in the sand. Wind chill can be significant on the coast, so pack layers even on days that look warm inland.