Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Little terns and skylarks in summer, big wader flocks on autumn high tides, brent geese and hen harriers in winter. The visitor centre has a café.
Full details · 01754 898057
Wildlife and nature reserves on the Lincolnshire coast
Between the resorts, the Lincolnshire coast is one of the best places in England for wildlife: dunes, saltmarsh and wetlands that change with every season. Two rescue centres also look after seals found injured on these beaches.
Bring binoculars if you have them, keep dogs on short leads where asked, and check the tide times if you're going for the wader flocks.
Updated October 2026. Every place listed has been checked by hand.
Nature reserves
Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve
Look for natterjack toads, orchids and sea lavender in summer. The easy-access trail at Rimac suits wheelchairs and buggies.
Full details · 0300 060 3900
Sandilands
The National Trust's newest reserve, opened in September 2026 on a former golf course. Boardwalks pass pools used by lapwing and snipe.
Full details · 01754 890102
Chapel Pit Nature Reserve
Fifteen kinds of duck have been recorded here, and thousands of swallows and martins roost in late summer.
Full details · 01507 526667
Seals and rescued animals
Skegness Natureland
A working seal hospital that has cared for rescued pups from this coast for decades, alongside meerkats and a tropical house.
Full details · 01754 764345
Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary & Wildlife Centre
A beachfront rescue centre for injured grey seals, with over 60 other species and keeper talks through the day.
Full details · 01507 473346
Northcote Heavy Horse Centre
A sanctuary for Shires and other heavy horse breeds, free to visit on summer weekday afternoons.
Full details · 07899 815960
Easy wildlife stops
North Sea Observatory
Borrow binoculars from the Seascape café counter and scan the sea and dunes from inside.
Full details · 01754 873840
The Cloud Bar
Not wildlife, but the sky counts: a free platform for spotting cloud types above the dunes.
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