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Metro
26-04-2025
- Metro
Can a £23,000,000 train upgrade save Britain's 'SkegVegas?'
Salty cones of chips, the smell of the sea, children laughing and screaming in the water, the tinny music from the merry-go-round. These are core elements of any trip to a British seaside resort, and the town of Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast is no exception. It's also no exception to the trend of decline over decades, as air travel became more accessible and holidaymakers started going abroad instead of staying at home. More recently, the tourism industry was hit by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns, followed not long after by the cost of living crisis and rising inflation. Despite that, staycations are having a bit of a moment, and coastal towns like Skegness will no doubt want to make the most of it – but years of decline have taken a toll on Britain's seaside hotspots. Millions of pounds have been pledged to fund various developments in the town, the latest of which is a £23 million project by East Midlands Railway to improve its trains. These new Class 170 trains should provide a more comfortable way to travel to and from Skegness – but will holidaymakers enjoy what they find once they arrive? Justin Tai moved to Skegness not long after the Covid-19 lockdown, and currently works as an entertainer at the town's aquarium. Before that he worked at Disneyland Paris for 20 years, meaning he knows a thing or two about keeping the kids happy while on holiday. While he hasn't lived in the area long enough to have witnessed long-term changes, he said there are 'lots of little projects' on the go right now which are improving the town. A new Travelodge is being built right by the aquarium, and the Embassy Theatre, which has been open since 1926, is getting a major makeover due to be completed this month. Justin, 43, told Metro: 'Skegness definitely needs a lot more trains bringing people in, and the train station is quite small, so we definitely want more people coming in. 'A lot of the accommodation needs to be a bit better. There are some lovely places, the Savoy is very nice, but I think we need nice places for people to stay in.' One of the major drawbacks for Skegness is that it is very seasonal, with most of its businesses and attractions winding down considerably or closing completely outside of the summer months. 'Living here is very difficult off-season, wages go down but rents are going up,' Justin said. 'If only there were enough going on during the rest of the year to keep it open – people here are astonished when I tell them Disneyland Paris doesn't close for winter, it's open every day of the year. 'Maybe the people who have lived here for so long think that's the way to do things and they won't change, but I think more people coming in and more stuff going on would improve things. 'I think it's on the up because they're doing work towards making things better. A lot of places struggled after Covid but there seems to be a positive attitude.' One thing Justin would like to see in Skegness is a gay bar, after the area's first pride event, East Coast Pride, was held last year – and would prefer to see more live entertainment over arcades. It doesn't help that Skegness has a bit of a rubbish reputation, being ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of Britain's seaside resorts. The town was given low scores for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food and drink, shopping and attractions. But there is now more for families to do along the seafront, with the Fairy Dell paddling pool providing a safe place for young children to explore the water, for example. It's free to visit and was refurbished last year, Justin said. Other free attractions include The Village Church Farm, which is Lincolnshire's only open air museum and takes visitors back in time to see agricultural life through the ages. The water quality at Skegness is classified by the Environment Agency as excellent, the highest possible rating, and has been since 2021 – if you're brave enough to get in the chilly English sea. But what does Justin really think of Skegness – and what would he say to convince someone to visit? More Trending 'I honestly think it's a lovely seaside town,' he said. 'It's got a very lovely sandy beach, there's lots of stuff to do even if it's raining, and there are lots of places to visit like the nature reserve for walks. 'There are plenty of nice drinking holes with live music and entertainment. 'I would say give it a go and have some cocktails in Olivia's with me.' Growing up in the middle of rural Lincolnshire there weren't many options for entertainment, so as soon as I was old enough I would take the rickety train to Skegness with friends. The ticket was cheap, and I've always loved the seaside, even if I'd never swim in the sea – too cold for me! I have fond, sweaty memories of being crammed onto the train, standing room early, on one of the rare British summer days where we actually had sunshine. It would be so busy the ticket inspector couldn't make their rounds through the carriages – let's hope I'm no longer on the hook for fare evasion. But while Skegvegas offered a change of scenery, there wasn't actually all that much to do if you were a skint teenager. We'd hang out on the beach and play tinny music on our phones, yes, spending our meagre cash on dinky doughnuts or a cone of chips. But I never had the money to go to the amusement arcades or theme parks – although I do have fond memories of visiting the seal sanctuary many times. I understand I wasn't the target market for Skeg back then – they were focusing on families with young kids, or older nostalgia-driven day-trippers, with a bit more cash in their pockets. But I could clearly see that the town was looking rough around the edges back in the late 2000s and early 2010s. I fear things haven't got much better since then. Getting people to Skegness on a more pleasant train journey will no doubt be a boost for the local economy – but if cash isn't spent bringing the town up to date, visitors will have no reason to return. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Huge lorry fire forces major motorway to close before weekend rush MORE: Jet2 slashes £100 off trips to European 'paradise' after UK travel company folds MORE: Major UK travel company forced to shut immediately with all future holidays cancelled
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's seaside town branded 'hellhole' set for £23m overhaul to bring tourists back
A Lincolnshire town is confirmed for a multi-million pound renovation, predicted to bring in a flurry of tourists after locals declare the coastal town a 'hellhole' This seaside town previously been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea', has now confirmed plans for a £23 million investment. Skegness, in the East Lindsey District of Lincolnshire is splashing the cash in the hope of attracting tourists again. In the 19th century, Skegness was a seaside hotspot that drew visitors from all over the country. Still, in recent years, a severe lack of investment and infrastructure development has deterred new visitors. In 2023, Skegness was ranked last in Which? Magazine 's British seaside resort ranking. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its overwhelmingly low scores in multiple categories, Skegness consistently performed well in one area. Most visitors were impressed with the parking availability. The Editor of Which? Travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: "Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe." Rory added: "That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want." However, he concluded with a call to action for the town, saying: "Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts." However, things are now set to change for this coastal town, as East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced an impressive £23 million investment in the tramlines leading into Skegness. On April 15, Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, officially unveiled the new EMR Class 170 train at an event at Derby station. These improvements and refurbishment projects are set to increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via the Grantham line. The journey, which will take just under two hours, will cost merely £4.05 if booked in advance. The new and improved trains feature comfortable seats, refurbished toilets, and new flooring. Each carriage is also equipped with power sockets, USB charging sockets, and a bike storage area. The Class 170 fleet of 44 is to undergo these makeovers. The next train in the programme is scheduled to be refurbished next month. Following that, a newly renovated unit is expected to join the expanding railway network each month. Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: "This refurbishment is more than just a lick of paint, it's a complete transformation that puts our customers first.' Rogers continues: "We've focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it's just the beginning. Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network."
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The multi-million pound upgrade that locals hope will breathe new life into Britain's 'worst' seaside town
A seaside town, once named the worst in the country, is set for an exciting multi-million pound revamp. Skegness, on the Lincolnshire coast, picked up the unwanted accolade in the 2023 Which? Travel seaside resort survey where it was described as a 'vulgar hellhole with brown sea'. In 2024, it ranked fifth from bottom with tourists awarding it just one star for scenery and noise levels. But things could be looking up for 'Skeggy'. The town's railway station is currently undergoing a £3.3m overhaul, part of a project designed to make Skegness a 'spectacular gateway' to the Lincolnshire coast. Skegness' main station building, known as the old Red Star, is getting a 'full renovation' under the plans. The historic Red Star building 'fell into disuse' in the 1990s and the project is aiming to 'preserve the historic station building and bring it back into modern-day use'. The Connected Coast team behind the project has said that the station's internal concourse and taxi rank/drop off area will also be 'improved'. Exciting new facilities at the station will include a community cafe with an outdoor seating area, a community space which can be booked by the public and commercial units for businesses and offices. Passengers will also benefit from new toilet facilities and refurbished waiting rooms. Connected Coast explained that the station will also have an upgraded security system, WIFI and 'digital customer information'. Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: 'This is a really exciting project for the community and holidaymakers alike. We're incredibly fortunate in Skegness to have received this funding. 'One of the major projects is the revitalisation of the railway station, bringing it up to the 21st century. 'The current plain brick facade (at the station) will be redesigned to bring in natural light, with new facilites such as a waiting room, cafe space and left luggage area. 'It's fantastic to see these improvements, but we're also focusing on the needs of the community by creating rentable office spaces, offering local business owners a place to establish and grow their ventures. 'An essential part of the Connected Coast initiative is the installation of a Changing Places toilet, ensuring that disabled people have a fully accessible and appropriate facility upon arrival in Skegness.' The Connected Coast team behind the project has said that the station's internal concourse and taxi rank/drop off area will also be 'improved'. Pictured above is Skegness station in 2024 In another exciting development, East Midlands Railway recently unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train. The upgrades are set to enhance and increase to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line. The refurbished trains have a range of modern features, including brand-new seating, updated flooring and toilets. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, has said that the upgrades are 'just the beginning' with more improvements to come. Ever wondered what Skegness used to look like? Dive into the resort's history with this collection of fascinating photos which date back as far as 1900.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Major £23 million upgrade coming to Britain's seaside town
A Lincolnshire town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists. Skegness, which has been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea,' ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of seaside resorts in Britain. The following year, the once-popular holiday destination placed fifth in the survey which featured 120 UK seaside towns. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its low scores in a number of categories, one area where Skegness consistently rated well was parking - an unlikely silver lining for visiting drivers. The town once thrived in the 19th century when railways first made it a popular escape for working-class families - but in recent decades, a lack of investment in tourism services and infrastructure has seen its appeal decline. However, the town's luck might be about to change, as a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR) is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area. On April 15, EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider £60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World. These upgrades are set to enhance and increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line - a journey that takes just under two hours and can cost as little as £4.05 if booked in advance. The refurbished trains come with a range of modern features, including brand-new seating, updated flooring and refurbished toilets. Each carriage also includes a mix of 230V power sockets, Type-C and dual USB charging points, plus a dedicated bike storage area. The interiors have been redesigned to match the sleek aesthetic of EMR's upcoming Aurora trains, which are expected to enter service later this year. The Class 170 trains were formerly operated by West Midlands Railway and are now managed by the UK's leading rolling stock financier, Porterbrook. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, called the upgrades 'just the beginning,' adding that visitors should expect to see more noticeable improvements across the network over the coming year. In addition to the new trains, the town's own railway station is receiving a £3.3 million redevelopment, due to be completed by May 25. Editor of Which? travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: 'Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe.' 'That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want. Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts.' In 2023, locals in Skegness defended their hometown , although families said a day out had rocketed in price.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Britain's 'worst' seaside town getting £23 million upgrade
A Lincolnshire town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists. Skegness, which has been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea,' ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of seaside resorts in Britain. The following year, the once-popular holiday destination placed fifth in the survey which featured 120 UK seaside towns. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its low scores in a number of categories, one area where Skegness consistently rated well was parking - an unlikely silver lining for visiting drivers. The town once thrived in the 19th century when railways first made it a popular escape for working-class families - but in recent decades, a lack of investment in tourism services and infrastructure has seen its appeal decline. However, the town's luck might be about to change, as a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR) is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area. On April 15, EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider £60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions These upgrades are set to enhance and increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line - a journey that takes just under two hours and can cost as little as £4.05 if booked in advance. The refurbished trains come with a range of modern features, including brand-new seating, updated flooring and refurbished toilets. Each carriage also includes a mix of 230V power sockets, Type-C and dual USB charging points, plus a dedicated bike storage area. The interiors have been redesigned to match the sleek aesthetic of EMR's upcoming Aurora trains, which are expected to enter service later this year. The Class 170 trains were formerly operated by West Midlands Railway and are now managed by the UK's leading rolling stock financier, Porterbrook. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, called the upgrades 'just the beginning,' adding that visitors should expect to see more noticeable improvements across the network over the coming year. In addition to the new trains, the town's own railway station is receiving a £3.3 million redevelopment, due to be completed by May 25. Editor of Which? travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: 'Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe. 'That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want. 'Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts.' In 2023, locals in Skegness defended their hometown, although families said a day out had rocketed in price.
