The pier was officially opened on 4 June 1881, by the then Duke of Edinburgh, following a nationwide design competition. Typical of designs for the era, it was extended to 1,817 ft long with a deck width of 25ft.

Following many years of evolution, Skegness Pier today comprises a three-deck structure situated on the mainland, together with an external pier deck running out over the beach.

During the summer months the attraction plays host to a variety of traditional seaside attractions such as Hook-A-Duck and children's Carousel, the Big Slide, Helter Skelter and Bungee Trampoline. Inside, the three landward decks house three large interconnected family amusement centres, two adult gaming centres, children’s soft play, ten Qubica AMF Bowling Lanes with a themed Hollywood Bar & Diner, an amusement machine area, Laser Quest, four recently installed Escape roms, a Beach Bar with an indoor and outdoor stage for live performances as well as various food outlets  and ice cream kiosks.

Leisure property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell the pier, which has been in the same family ownership since 1976.

“Skegness Pier is a fundamental part of the town’s appeal, situated between the resort’s Clock Tower and a Premier Inn opened in 2019 and flanked by the Pleasure Beach fairground. Given the comparatively small number of piers in the UK, with many in council or long-time family ownership, they are something of a rarity. As such, we envisage that Skegness Pier will appeal to a variety of leisure operators and investors from both the UK and potentially further afield,” said Jon Patrick, head of leisure & development at Christie & Co, who is overseeing the sale process.