St. Mary

Gothic stonework catches your eye the moment you spot this medieval church rising from Skegness's quieter streets. St. Mary's feels properly ancient - the sort of place where you can actually sense centuries of prayer and community life soaked into the walls. The tower dominates the local skyline, and inside you'll find some lovely carved details that survived the Reformation's enthusiasm for destruction.

Walking around takes maybe twenty minutes if you're keen on architecture, though most families will be done in half that time. Children might enjoy spotting the different stone faces carved into the capitals, but this isn't really a place that'll hold young attention for long. History enthusiasts, however, will appreciate the medieval craftsmanship and the sense of continuity in a town better known for its funfair and beach.

The church sits well within walking distance of central Skegness, making it an easy diversion if you're staying at Butlins or any of the holiday parks dotted around town. It's particularly worth a look if the weather's turned and you need somewhere dry to duck into. The contrast between this ancient building and the seaside resort's more modern attractions is quite striking - a reminder that Skegness existed long before the first holidaymaker arrived.