Embassy Swimming Pool (Outdoor)

The outdoor pool at Embassy is one of those proper old-school seaside attractions that's been keeping Skegness families happy for decades. It's a straightforward affair - open-air swimming with changing facilities and the kind of no-frills charm you either love or find a bit tired, depending on your outlook. On a decent summer's day with the sun out, it's perfectly pleasant. When the wind picks up off the North Sea, less so.

You're looking at a solid hour or two here if you've got kids who actually want to swim rather than paddle about. Adults after serious lengths might find it a touch small, but for families staying at Butlins or Haven - both practically on the doorstep - it's a handy backup when the holiday centre pools are rammed. The nearby holiday parks mean you won't struggle for somewhere to stay, and it slots neatly into a seaside day that might include a stroll along the beach or fish and chips from one of the seafront cafes.

Timing matters. Early morning tends quieter. Mid-afternoon on school holidays gets rammed. Bring a towel and expect basic facilities rather than a spa-type experience. It's genuinely free or next to nothing, which counts for something when you're budgeting a family week. The pool itself is fine - nothing remarkable, but it does what it says on the tin. Worth a visit if you're in the area, though it's not worth planning a trip around.