Holidaymakers ditching Europe for Skegness

Coventry holidaymakers are ditching holidays in Europe - to revive a long standing love-affair with the British seaside in Skegness! Rising fuel prices and the strength of the Euro has made people look closer to home for a break – and city travel firm, Harry Shaw City Cruiser, has had a rush of enquiries about travel to the east coast resort.

Skegness was a favourite destination of Coventrians during the 1970s and 1980s, with thousands of people making the trip. At the height of its popularity, Harry Shaw City Cruiser filled 20 coach loads a week.

Interest started to die off during the 1990s and a regular service to the home of the Jolly Fisherman was eventually cut. But the service is being resumed after a 15 year break, in order to meet demand.

“There has always been a soft spot in Coventry for Skegness,” Robert Shaw, director of Harry Shaw City Cruiser, said.

“During the 1970s, a lot of people invested in holiday homes there and would travel up several times a year. Many others would travel up every summer for a family holiday.

“In recent years, it has become more of a day-trip destination but it has not lost its quality as a holiday resort. It’s always been a great place to go and I’m glad there has been so much interest in it.

“We’re going to start out by running a regular service on Saturdays and we’ve already sold a majority of tickets for the first travel dates.”

Robert says the current financial climate is helping the British holiday make a comeback.

“Fuel prices and the Euro are making British holidays very popular again,” he said.

“It makes financial sense to travel by coach because it is cheaper and easier than the car. Flights are getting very expensive too.

“People are feeling the pinch – but they still deserve a break, and Skeggy is one of the best places to go in the UK which won’t break the bank.”

Tickets to Skegness are priced at £19.95 for adults, £18.95 for senior citizens and £15.95 for 3-14 year olds.

Trips will start from Saturday, July 26 and will run from Coventry, Bedworth and Nuneaton.