Fairy Pools
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Fairy Dell Paddling Pool

4.6
·301 reviews·, United Kingdom

A free, shallow paddling pool in Skegness, perfect for young children to splash and play in a safe, fun environment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for little ones

CrowdLow
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Fairy Pools

Fairy Dell Paddling Pool

Best Time

Sunny weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for little ones

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, shallow paddling pool in Skegness, perfect for young children to splash and play in a safe, fun environment.

4.6
(301 reviews)

"A fabulous facility for kiddies and totally free, highly recommended."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Family Fun! :money_with_wings:

This paddling pool is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for kids.

Arrive Early for Spots :timer_clock:

It gets busy quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive early to snag a good spot for your family.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Paddling Pool

The Paddling Pool

Sunken area near the boating lake

A shallow, free paddling pool perfect for young children to splash and play in the sunshine.

Shaded Seating

Shaded Seating

Around the perimeter

Benches are available, often sheltered by rocks, offering a comfortable spot to watch the fun.

Proximity to Attractions

Proximity to Attractions

Near boating lake and promenade

Conveniently located near other family-friendly activities and an ice cream van.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

This free paddling pool is a hit with families, especially on sunny days. Arrive early, particularly during school holidays, to secure a good spot and avoid disappointment. Weekdays outside of peak season are generally quieter.

What to Bring

Pack swimwear, towels, and sun protection. Consider bringing snacks and drinks as facilities are limited. Water shoes can be helpful for little feet on the pool floor. Don't forget a change of clothes for the journey home!

Best Times

When
Sunny weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for little ones
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon on weekdays
Why
Still warm, but crowds may build
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends & School Holidays
Why
Very busy, arrive early
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝔽𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕪 𝔻𝕖𝕝𝕝, 𝕊𝕜𝕖𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕃𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕠𝕝𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕖 We went to Skegness with friends last weekend and we found this little gem tucked away. Brilliant for the children…it’s totally free and a fantastic find for this weather ☀️ Located behind the boating lake near the main central car park #daysoutwiththekids #daysoutwithkids #daysoutinlincolnshire #skegness #skegness_official #skegnessbeach #mummybloggeruk #mummybl...
days_out_with_the_angels
147 likes • 0 views

Free Family Fun! :money_with_wings:

This paddling pool is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for kids. Instagram

Arrive Early for Spots :timer_clock:

It gets busy quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive early to snag a good spot for your family. Reddit

• 𝕄𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕙 • Ahhh this dudes little happy face living his best life paddling it up in the sunshine 💙☀️ . . . #noahbemment
allaboutthebemments
42 likes • 0 views
The Fairy Dell 💙 (reopening day 5/6/21) #thefairydell #paddlingpool #skegness
amieocpoole
42 likes • 0 views

Pack for Sun & Splash :sun_with_face:

Don't forget swimwear, towels, sun cream, and hats. Water shoes are a good idea. Instagram

Snacks & Drinks Recommended :apple:

While an ice cream van is nearby, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. Reddit

Viva la Fairy Dell ❤️ #fairydellforever #favouriteplaces #sunnyskeggy
amieocpoole
32 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Family Fun! :money_with_wings:

This paddling pool is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for kids. Instagram

Arrive Early for Spots :timer_clock:

It gets busy quickly on sunny days. Aim to arrive early to snag a good spot for your family. Reddit

Pack for Sun & Splash :sun_with_face:

Don't forget swimwear, towels, sun cream, and hats. Water shoes are a good idea. Instagram

Snacks & Drinks Recommended :apple:

While an ice cream van is nearby, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. Reddit

Clean & Safe Water :droplet:

Reviews mention the water is clean and the pool is safe for children, with active repairs noted. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(301 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Fairy Dell Paddling Pool as a fantastic, free family-friendly spot in Skegness. Its clean, shallow waters and convenient location near other attractions make it a hit, though it can get very busy during peak times. Some mention it's showing its age, but the joy it brings to children remains its strongest asset.

"Used this place for years and never lets us down is showing its age a bit but still water is clean and is safe for children can see active repairs have been done our last visit it started to rain but the kids we’re having that much fun they still didn’t want to leave beautiful location for a free trip out in Skegness"

Steven Matts

"We visited with our 6 year old grandaughter on Wednesday on a day trip from Leicester, the area and pools were really clean and kids were having a fantastic time, my granddaughter was having so much fun after a couple of hours we tried to entice her out with a trip for fish and chips only for her to say " Grandad can go and bring some here". A fabulous facility for kiddies and totally free, highly recommended."

Kevin Edmondston

"Finally seen the "Fairy Dell Paddling Pool". It's always been hidden with lots of overgrown trees around it..."

LJ

What People Like

Free entry
Safe for kids
Clean water

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Showing its age

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fairy Dell Paddling Pool is located behind the boating lake, near the main central car park in Skegness. It's often described as being tucked away. Instagram Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot from the promenade. Reddit

Yes, there is a main central car park nearby, which is convenient for accessing the paddling pool. Instagram

Absolutely! The paddling pool is situated near the promenade, making it a pleasant walk from the main tourist areas. Reddit

While the area around the pool has benches, it's in a sunken area. Access might be a bit tricky with pushchairs, but many families manage. Reddit

Look for the boating lake; the paddling pool is located behind it. Asking locals or checking a map app on your phone should also help guide you. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The best part? Fairy Dell Paddling Pool is completely free to enter and use! It's a fantastic option for a budget-friendly family day out. InstagramReddit

As an outdoor public facility, there are no set opening hours. It's generally accessible during daylight hours when the weather is suitable for paddling. Instagram

No booking is required. Fairy Dell is a public amenity, so you can just turn up and enjoy the fun, especially on a sunny day. Instagram

The paddling pool is typically operational during the warmer months, usually from late spring through to early autumn, when the weather permits. Instagram

There are no official age restrictions, but it's primarily designed for young children and toddlers due to its shallow depth. Instagram+1

🎫 🛟 Onsite Experience

Facilities are basic, focusing on the paddling experience. There are benches around the perimeter for seating, and an ice cream van is often nearby. Reddit Changing facilities are not typically available. Reddit

Reviews generally indicate that the water is clean and well-maintained. Active repairs have been noted, suggesting ongoing efforts to keep it in good condition. Reddit

Yes, it's considered safe for children due to its shallow depth. Parents often mention their children having a fantastic time without worry. InstagramReddit

Typically, dogs are not allowed in paddling pool areas to maintain hygiene and safety for children. It's best to leave pets at home. Reddit

It's a cheerful and lively spot, especially on sunny days, with children laughing and playing. It's often described as a 'sun trap' and a magical place. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture candid shots of children splashing and enjoying the water. The unique sunken design and surrounding rocks offer interesting backdrops. Instagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, avoiding harsh midday sun. However, the pool is most vibrant when filled with happy children. Instagram

The 'rock' shelters around the pool and the general playful atmosphere are great subjects. Look for reflections in the water for creative shots. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in public parks and recreational areas to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

A waterproof phone or camera is ideal for capturing water play. A wide-angle lens can help capture the whole scene, while a zoom is good for candid shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Fairy Dell Paddling Pool is a dream destination for families with toddlers and young children. Its shallow, safe waters mean little ones can splash and play to their heart's content without the risks associated with deeper water. InstagramReddit The free entry makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for a fun-filled outing. Parents can relax on the surrounding benches, keeping a close eye on their children while enjoying the sunshine. Reddit

To make the most of it, arrive early, especially during school holidays, to secure a good spot. Pack all the essentials: swimwear, towels, sun cream, hats, and water shoes for comfort. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea. The proximity to the boating lake and promenade means you can easily extend your day with other nearby activities. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers looking for affordable fun, Fairy Dell Paddling Pool is an absolute winner. It's completely free to access, offering hours of entertainment for children without costing a penny. Instagram This makes it a standout attraction for families or individuals on a tight budget visiting Skegness. Reddit

Combine your visit with a packed lunch and enjoy the simple pleasure of playing in the water. The nearby central car park offers convenient parking, and the pool's location means you can easily explore other free attractions in Skegness, such as the beach or parks, without significant expense. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Hidden Gem for Families

Fairy Dell Paddling Pool is a beloved, free attraction in Skegness that consistently delights families. Tucked away behind the boating lake, this sunken pool offers a safe and fun environment for young children to cool off and play during warmer months. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings to its visitors, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. InstagramReddit

The pool itself is shallow, ensuring peace of mind for parents supervising toddlers and younger kids. The surrounding area features benches, often nestled behind rock features, providing a comfortable vantage point for guardians. While it's a free facility, reviews highlight that the water is kept clean and that active repairs are undertaken, showing a commitment to maintaining the amenity. Reddit It's a place that has been cherished for years, with some visitors recalling bringing their own children and even grandchildren to enjoy its waters. Instagram

Its location is also a significant plus. Being close to the boating lake and the main promenade means visitors can easily combine a visit to Fairy Dell with other Skegness attractions, such as grabbing an ice cream from a nearby van or enjoying a stroll along the seafront. Reddit This makes it an ideal stop for a day trip or a longer holiday, offering a refreshing break from the beach or other activities. Instagram

Making the Most of Your Visit

To truly enjoy Fairy Dell Paddling Pool, planning is key, especially if you're visiting during peak times. As a free and popular spot, it can get crowded quickly on sunny days. Arriving early, particularly on weekdays outside of school holidays, is highly recommended to secure a good spot and ensure your children have ample space to play. InstagramReddit

Packing the right essentials will significantly enhance your experience. Don't forget swimwear, towels, and plenty of sun protection like hats and high-SPF sunscreen, as it's often described as a 'sun trap'. Instagram Water shoes can be beneficial for little ones navigating the pool floor. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also a wise move, as while an ice cream van is usually present, having your own provisions ensures you're covered. Reddit

Consider the time of day for photography. While the pool is most lively when filled with children, softer light in the early morning or late afternoon can be ideal for capturing memorable photos. Instagram+1 Remember that facilities are basic, so focus on the simple joy of the experience and the happy memories you'll create. Reddit

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