Skegness Town Twinning Partnership

Partnership Towns

Skegness, England

Where classic seaside charm meets modern day fun!

Perched on the beautiful Lincolnshire coast, Skegness is one of England’s best-loved seaside towns. Known for its golden beaches, sea air, and cheerful spirit, Skegness is the perfect mix of traditional charm and fresh coastal energy.

Jolly Fisherman and the Clock Tower

Skegness Pier

Skegness Ice Cream

Hands up if you LOVE Skegness

Heads Up, Skegness

Sunrise in Skegness

Visit Skegness

SO Festival, Skegness

A Little History

Skegness began life as a small fishing and farming village. Its name comes from Old Norse, meaning Skeggi’s headland, and the coastline has been shaped by the sea for centuries. After the arrival of the railway in 1873, the town began to transform into a popular Victorian holiday resort. Streets were planned, gardens created, and a magnificent pier was built to welcome visitors from across the country.

The famous “Jolly Fisherman” poster, created in 1908, helped make Skegness a household name with the slogan “Skegness is so bracing” — words that still perfectly capture the town’s refreshing seaside character today.

Skegness Today

Modern Skegness has kept all the best parts of a classic British seaside holiday while adding plenty of new attractions. Its award-winning Blue Flag beach offers miles of soft sand, perfect for family fun, relaxing walks, and watching the waves roll in. The Skegness Pier, first opened in 1881, remains a proud symbol of the town, now home to adventure zones, dining spots, and entertainment for all ages.

There’s plenty to see and do — from the lively Pleasure Beach and Natureland Seal Sanctuary, to the aquarium, boating lake, and a wide variety of cafés, bars, and traditional fish and chip shops. Skegness also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Lincolnshire coast and countryside.

Why Visit Skegness?

Skegness is a place that makes you smile. It’s a town that’s proud of its history, but never stuck in it. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, making new memories with family, or simply craving the peace of the open sea and sky, Skegness has something for you.

Come and experience Skegness - a destination where the past and present meet — and where every visit leaves you feeling just a little more “braced” by the sea air.

Bad Gandersheim, Germany

A Spa Town where history and culture meet!

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Lower Saxony, Bad Gandersheim is a town full of charm, heritage and warmth. Famous for its beautiful half-timbered houses, relaxing spa tradition, and rich cultural life, it’s a place where history and modern life blend perfectly.

Roswita - Bad Gandersheim

Visit Bad Gandersheim

Visit Harzhorn (BG)

A Glimpse Into History

Bad Gandersheim traces its origins back to the 9th century, when Duke Liudolf of Saxony and his wife Oda founded the Gandersheim Abbey in 852. The abbey quickly became one of the most important religious and cultural centres in medieval Germany. It was here that Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim, one of Europe’s earliest known female writers, created her pioneering works.

Centuries later, in the 19th century, the town’s healing mineral springs were discovered, marking the beginning of its spa tradition. The “Bad” in its name – meaning “bath” – was officially added to recognise its status as a spa town devoted to relaxation and wellbeing.

Bad Gandersheim Today

Today, Bad Gandersheim combines the elegance of its past with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Its old town is a delight to explore, filled with colourful half-timbered buildings, charming squares, and the impressive collegiate church that still stands as a symbol of its heritage.

Each summer, the town comes alive with the Gandersheimer Domfestspiele, one of Germany’s largest and most celebrated open-air theatre festivals, held in front of the historic abbey church. The event draws thousands of visitors and adds a vibrant touch to the town’s cultural calendar.

Bad Gandersheim also enjoys a close friendship with its twin town Skegness in England, strengthened through art and cultural exchange. British artist John Byford has created a number of collaborative projects here, celebrating the connection between the two communities and bringing people together through creativity and shared heritage.

Surrounded by gentle hills, rivers, and woodlands, Bad Gandersheim also offers beautiful walking and cycling routes, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers and those looking to unwind.

Why Visit Bad Gandersheim?

Bad Gandersheim boasts a rich heritage, with centuries of history reflected in its architecture, abbey, and cultural traditions. A spa town at heart, it offers visitors a sense of relaxation and wellbeing, providing peace, comfort, and space to breathe. The town also has a vibrant cultural scene, hosting the famous open-air theatre festival and creative collaborations with artists like John Byford. With its warm hospitality, Bad Gandersheim is a place where visitors quickly feel like friends.

Come and discover Bad Gandersheim – where you can step into history, enjoy the present, and leave refreshed and inspired.