'Mainly cost of living!' Seaside donkey attraction suffers 'worst season' for 15-years ahead of 'long winter'

John Nutall, whose family’s operated Nutall’s Donkeys on the Lincolnshire coastline since the First World War, claimed the season “caved in around us.”

“We can’t work in the rain and we can’t work in high winds,” he said.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “UK summer so far has been slightly cooler and drier than average, though these figures mask much regional variation.”

“Areas to the north and west have tended to be slightly wetter than average, with those further south generally drier than average.”

“It has also been a slightly duller summer than average.”

Cost pressures also dampened the spending of families visiting the seaside resort.

John Nutall said: “There’s not that much money going around. Everyone’s trying to be careful.”

The businessman, who runs the nostalgic seaside attraction in both Skegness and Cleethorpes, has been operating smaller pitches with fewer animals to reduce staff and fuel costs.

“It’s a long winter to get through”, said Nutall.

In a survey taken by the National Coastal Tourism Academy in early summer, 53 per cent of businesses said turnover in 2024 was worse than 2023.

It also found visitors were seeking deals closer to holidays and booking shorter trips.

Bob Walker, Chair of the Hotelier’s Association in Skegness, said: “Being British we don’t really bother too much about the weather, we carry on.”

“It’s mainly the cost of living," he continued.

"Yes the people have been here but they’re not necessarily spending as much as they usually do.”

Louisa Knight, visiting from Nottingham with her young family, said: “We do have to try and save the pocket money because things have jumped up in price.”

“We limit what we do. The beach is free” she added.

Cheryl Smith from Lincoln, 46, also said: “What’s the point staying at home with your children watching the box when we can do that all winter?”

“It’s cheap here, that’s what we like about Skeg.”