Skegness Boating Lake

The lake sits right in the heart of Skegness town, a proper focal point if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Skegness Seaview or Butlins. It's a straightforward spot - a boating lake where you can rent pedalos or rowing boats for an hour or two, the kind of thing that keeps kids occupied on a drizzly afternoon without breaking the bank.

What you get is essentially a gentle paddle around a small lake with views back towards the seafront. On a decent day it's pleasant enough; on a grey one it feels a bit thin. The water's calm, which means it's suitable for families with younger children who fancy a go at steering their own boat. Don't expect drama or scenery - this is functional seaside entertainment, not a lakeland vista.

The real value comes if you're based nearby for a week. It fills a gap on your activity list alongside the beach, the amusement arcades and whatever's on at the local attractions. Give it an hour maximum unless someone's particularly keen on boats. It's free to walk around and watch, though boat hire will cost you. Go mid-week if you want a quieter experience - weekends get rammed with family groups.

If you're doing a Skegness holiday, combine it with a stroll along the seafront and the Pleasure Beach. On its own, though, it's a bit of a "well, we're here" rather than a reason to visit Skegness specifically.