Skegness Summer: EMR releases heat map and top tips to help customers as hot weather returns this week
- EMR has shared a seat availability guide to help customers plan their journey to Skegness this summer.
- The guide highlights the times of day to avoid for those seeking a quieter service.
- Top tips are also included, such as advice on travelling light and luggage size limits.
With the hot weather returning this week, East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is operated by Transport UK, has shared its seat availability guide and top tips for customers travelling to Skegness this summer.
Skegness remains a firm favourite with holidaymakers, and with another busy summer expected, EMR is here to help you travel smoothly.
From choosing the best time to travel to packing smarter, our top tips are designed to make your journey and stay as enjoyable as possible.
Use EMR's seat availability guide to travel at the best time
Our easy-to-read seat availability guide helps you identify the quieter times to travel. The heat map breaks the day into four time slots and highlights when services are expected to be busier throughout the week.
Quietest time to travel
17:30–22:00 (Monday to Sunday)
This is consistently the quietest time of day to travel and a great choice if you don't mind arriving later.
Busiest time to travel
Friday to Sunday, 07:30–15:00
This period is expected to be particularly busy. To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise booking in advance to guarantee your place on board.
Top tips for travelling to Skegness this summer
- Book ahead – Reserve your tickets up to 12 weeks in advance to secure the best fares, guarantee your place on the train, and benefit from priority boarding where available. Queuing systems will be in place at Nottingham and Skegness, however customers with pre-booked tickets will be able to join the fast track queue.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure – Skegness services are popular, so arriving early gives you plenty of time to board, particularly if queuing systems are in place.
- Pack light – The less you bring, the easier your journey. You can take one large item of luggage (up to 90 × 70 × 30cm) plus one small bag or cabin-sized case. Smaller bags (up to 55 × 40 × 20cm) fit in the overhead racks, while larger cases should go in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage. If you are in a group, consider consolidating your luggage into fewer suitcases where possible - it makes boarding easier and helps create more space for everyone on board.
- Don't overpack food and supplies – Skegness station is just a short walk from supermarkets, making it easy to buy essentials when you arrive instead of carrying them on the train.
- Stay cool in hot weather – Bring a refillable water bottle, wear light clothing. Staying hydrated before and during your journey will help make your trip more comfortable.
- Pack a few drinks – Summer services can be busy, so having refreshments with you is a great way to stay comfortable, especially if you're travelling with children.
- Travelling with children? – Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult, making a family day out even better value.
- Fold pushchairs before boarding – This helps everyone board more quickly and keeps aisles and doorways clear.