A seaside town dubbed a “vulgar hellhole with brown sea” and the worst in the UK is set to undergo a major £23 million revamp. Once a thriving holiday destination Skegness has dropped in popularity since its heyday in the 19th century.

Time hasn’t been kind to the now forgotten beach town, which has gained an unfavourable reputation for being run-down and generally a bit tired. The coastal Lincolnshire town ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of seaside resorts in Britain and the UK's fifth worst in 2024. The survey ranked around 120 UK seaside towns, comparing factors such as the seafront, noise levels, food and drink and shopping. Skegness scored just one star for its scenery and noise levels for both years, but achieved a slightly higher two stars for its food and drink, shopping and tourist attractions in 2024.

The Lincolnshire town was even labelled “the dirtiest place in England” and a “terrible place”. One reviewer even gave a two-word warning to simply "run away". 

Another reviewer said: "Horribly smelly. The sea has a brown froth on the top. The streets are dirty. The roads are potholed."

In 2024 The Guardian asked if it was indeed a "vulgar hellhole" or not after it was given then "worst" ranking.

However, Skegness’ luck might be able to change with sunnier days on the horizon as the Lincolnshire town is to receive a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR)which is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area. 

East Midlands Railway has invested £23 million into upgrading trains in the area, including a line which runs between Nottingham and Skegness

Since April 15 passengers have been able to travel in comfort after EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider £60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World. 

The refurbished trains include brand new seats and tables, updated flooring, refurbished seats as well as modern power and charging facilities so travellers never have to worry about their phone going flat.

Each carriage also includes a dedicated bike storage area. 

These upgrades will enhance and increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line - this journey takes just under two hours and can cost as little as £4.05 if booked in advance with everyday prices averaging around £12.40.

The interiors have been redesigned to echo the sleek aesthetic of EMR's upcoming Aurora trains, which are set to enter service later this year.  

And it seems Skegness’ makeover does not end there as Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, called the upgrades ”'just the beginning”.

Visitors heading to the seaside town should expect to see even more improvements across the network over the next year. 

Skegness’ very own railway station is receiving a £3.3 million redevelopment, due to be completed by May 25. 

"We’ve focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it’s just the beginning," said Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway.

"Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network."