Planning a summer getaway in the UK is always a bit of a gamble. You hope for sunshine, ice creams on the beach, and warm evenings sitting outside the caravan. In July 2025, we decided to head over to the East Coast to stay at the North Shore Holiday Centre in Skegness. We weren’t alone for this trip; we were joined by our grandchildren, Faith, who is 17, and Kieran, who is 12. Having teenagers (or nearly teenagers) in tow changes the dynamic of a caravan holiday quite a bit, suddenly, the quality of the local activities and the "vibe" of the site matter much more than just having a clean shower block.
We were away for four nights in our Bailey caravan, as we hadn’t received our Coachman Acadia yet at that point; that didn’t happen until November 2025. We also packed a small porch awning, thinking it would give us just enough extra space for boots and chairs without being a massive hassle to put up. While we always try to look for the positives in every trip we take for Caravan Adventuring, we’ve always promised to be 100% honest with our readers. Not every trip is a winner, and unfortunately, Skegness and North Shore didn't quite hit the mark for us.
The Setup and Arrival at North Shore
Arrival at North Shore Holiday Centre was straightforward enough. The site is located on the northern edge of Skegness, which in theory is a great spot because you’re away from the absolute madness of the main pier area but still close enough to walk in. We pulled in with the Bailey and found the check-in process to be efficient, if a little impersonal.
Our pitch was a standard hardstanding with electric hookup. We managed to get the Bailey leveled and the small awning up in record time, which was a relief because the clouds were already looking a bit ominous. The pitches themselves are a decent size, and there was enough room for the car and the awning without feeling like we were on top of our neighbors. However, the overall atmosphere of the touring area felt a bit "tired." It lacked that welcoming, cared-for feeling we’ve experienced at many of the other sites we’ve reviewed in our campsite reviews section.
Assessing the Facilities
Once we were settled, we took a walk around to see what North Shore had to offer. For a large holiday centre, the facilities felt a bit dated. The toilet and shower blocks were clean, I’ll give them that, but they were definitely showing their age. In July, when the site is busy, you really notice when a facility block hasn't had a refurb in a decade or two. There was a lack of natural light, and the decor was very much stuck in the late 90s.
For the kids, there was a small play area and the usual on-site shop for essentials, but not much else to keep a 17-year-old and a 12-year-old occupied on-site. There is a bar and restaurant area, which we popped into once, but it felt a bit lackluster. It’s the kind of place that’s fine if you just want a quick pint or a basket of chips, but it didn't tempt us back for a second visit.
The "Great British Summer" Strikes Again
We had one day during our four-night stay that was, frankly, miserable. It was incredibly wet and surprisingly cold for mid-July. This is the reality of caravanning in the UK, and usually, we make the best of it with board games and a good book. However, when you have two grandkids in a Bailey caravan with only a small porch awning for extra space, a wet day feels very long.
Condensation on the windows, damp coats hanging in the shower, and the sound of rain drumming on the roof, it’s atmospheric for about an hour, then it just becomes a bit claustrophobic. We spent most of that day huddled inside, wishing the site had a bit more in the way of indoor entertainment that wasn't just an arcade or a pub. It really highlighted the importance of choosing a site with good indoor facilities if you’re traveling with older kids during an unpredictable British summer.
Keeping the Kids Entertained: Pool and Climbing
Thankfully, the weather wasn't bad every day, and we made sure Faith and Kieran got out to burn off some energy. Skegness does have some decent attractions if you’re willing to head off-site.
Skegness Outdoor Pool
One of the highlights for the grandkids was the Skegness Outdoor Pool (Magna Vitae). Even though the air wasn't exactly tropical, the pool is a classic seaside feature and something a bit different from the usual indoor leisure centres. Faith and Kieran both really enjoyed their session there. It’s a large pool with plenty of space, and there’s something quite nostalgic about swimming outdoors by the coast.
It was one of the few times during the trip where they both seemed genuinely happy with the location. If you are visiting Skegness, the outdoor pool is probably one of the better ways to spend an afternoon, assuming the sun makes at least a brief appearance.
Reaching New Heights at the Climbing Centre
Another success was the climbing centre. We took them to Altitude 44, which is a massive high-ropes course right near the seafront. This was perfect for their ages. Kieran, at 12, was old enough to handle the challenges, and Faith, at 17, found it enough of a thrill to keep her interested.
They spent a couple of hours navigating the different levels, and it was great to see them doing something active and challenging. The views from the top are supposed to be great, although they mostly reported back on how windy it was! It’s a modern facility and felt like one of the few "premium" experiences available in the town.
Our Honest Thoughts on Skegness Town
Now, this is where we have to be brutally honest. We’ve visited many seaside towns across the UK and Europe, from the quiet coves of Cornwall to the busy promenades of France, and Skegness just didn't do it for us.
The town felt very dated and, in parts, quite rundown. While some people love the "traditional" British seaside vibe with the endless arcades, chip shops, and neon lights, we found it a bit overwhelming and lacking in character. It felt like a place that had its heyday fifty years ago and hasn't quite decided what it wants to be in the 21st century.
The beach is vast, which is a plus, but the surrounding areas felt tired. We struggled to find a nice spot for a quiet meal that wasn't a chain or a standard "greasy spoon." For a four-night stay, we felt like we’d seen everything Skegness had to offer within the first 24 hours.
Why We Won't Be Returning
As we packed up the Bailey and took down the small awning on our final morning, we had a chat about whether we’d come back. The answer from all four of us was a resounding "no."
North Shore Holiday Centre is functional, but it lacks the charm and modern touch that we look for in a campsite. When you’re paying peak July prices, you expect a bit more than just "functional." The dated shower blocks and the general "tired" feel of the park meant it just didn't stand out among the many wonderful places we’ve stayed.
As for Skegness itself, it just isn't our cup of tea. We prefer locations with a bit more natural beauty or a wider variety of modern amenities. While the pool and the climbing centre were great for Faith and Kieran, they weren't enough to make us want to endure the rest of the town again.
Caravanning is all about the experience and the memories you make. While we made some good memories with the grandkids: mostly laughing at how cold we were on that wet Tuesday: the location didn't add anything positive to the trip. We’re glad we went, if only to know that it’s not for us, but next time we’ll be heading elsewhere.
If you're looking for more travel inspiration or want to see where we're heading next (hopefully somewhere a bit sunnier!), be sure to check out our latest blog posts. Every trip is an adventure, but some are definitely better than others!
