Gibraltar Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE24 4SU
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
8.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.1South of Skegness, Gibraltar Point opens into a broad coastal landscape of dunes, saltmarsh, freshwater pools and beach, with views from a visitor centre designed to face the dunes and sea.
This is a substantial, varied stretch of Lincolnshire coast rather than a single viewpoint: dunes, marsh, pools and beach support a rich wildlife experience, while paths, hides and the visitor centre’s rooftop deck give visitors several ways to take it in.
Wild · Big-sky · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapGibraltar Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE24 4SU
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The experience
Explore the coastal habitats on foot, pause at the birdwatching hides and take in the reserve from the Visitor Centre’s viewing deck. The reserve is open at all times, but the car park closes at dusk and visitor-centre hours vary seasonally.
Things to do
Explore the coastal habitat mosaic
Walk among the reserve’s dunes, saltmarsh, freshwater pools and beach. Check current path information before choosing a route.
Watch for birds from a hide
Use the reserve’s birdwatching hides to look for wildlife. The supplied source describes rich birdlife, including migrating waders and wintering wildfowl; sightings vary.
Take in the view from the rooftop deck
The Visitor Centre’s rooftop viewing deck is designed to make the most of views across the dunes and sea. The deck is not currently accessible for wheelchair users.
Visit the Old Coastguard Station
The Old Coastguard Station houses the Nature Centre, with information, nature quizzes and volunteers to talk to; check current availability.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick coastal introduction
- 01
Begin at the Visitor Centre and check current reserve information and route conditions.
- 02
Choose a suitable path and explore a section of the reserve’s coastal habitats.
- 03
Pause at a birdwatching hide, then take in the view from the Visitor Centre’s rooftop deck if accessible to you.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the coast
- 01
Allow time to explore more than one of the reserve’s habitats: dunes, saltmarsh, freshwater pools and beach.
- 02
Use the paths and birdwatching hides for a slower wildlife-focused visit.
- 03
Return to the Visitor Centre for its views and, if open, the café; consider the Old Coastguard Station next door for visitor information.
Hidden details
The viewing deck is not wheelchair accessible — Although the Visitor Centre and café are described as fully accessible for wheelchair users, the rooftop viewing deck is not currently accessible for wheelchair users.
A route closure affects the coast path south of the reserve — Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reports that the King Charles III England Coast Path is not open south of Gibraltar Point on the section towards Boston, pending construction of a bridge over the River Steeping. Check the current trail update before planning a through-walk.
When to go
· Check current wildlife information and visitor-centre hours before choosing a time. The reserve is open at all times; the car park closes at dusk.
The reserve’s landscapes and wildlife vary through the year. The supplied research specifically notes wintering wildfowl and recommends visiting in different seasons; it does not establish precise peak months.
Coastal conditions can change. Check the forecast and current reserve information before visiting; the car park closes at dusk.
Worth pairing with
Old Coastguard Station Nature Centre
Next door to the Visitor Centre, the Nature Centre offers information, nature quizzes and the chance to speak with volunteers. Check current availability.
What to look for
- 01
Notice the changes between dunes, saltmarsh, freshwater pools and beach. Look for birds from the hides and compare the wide coastal view from the Visitor Centre’s rooftop deck
- 02
wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Best time to go
Different seasons reveal different aspects of the reserve. Winter is noted for wintering wildfowl; check locally for current wildlife and seasonal events.
The reserve is worth visiting in different seasons. Winter is specifically noted for wintering wildfowl. Check local updates for wildlife activity, centre hours and events.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-4pm
- Tuesday: 10am-4pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4pm
- Thursday: 10am-4pm
- Friday: 10am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-4pm
- Sunday: 10am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The reserve is open at all times. The car park closes at dusk; check current visitor-centre and café hours before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Two car parks are listed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. The car park closes at dusk; parking charges and precise entrance details: Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed at the Visitor Centre and Old Coastguard Station; an accessible toilet is also listed.
Food & drink
The Visitor Centre has a café serving hot food and snacks, with a children’s menu. Hours may vary and the kitchen closes before the centre; check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads. Check current reserve guidance and signage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The Visitor Centre and café are described as wheelchair accessible, and accessible routes are listed. The rooftop viewing deck is not currently accessible for wheelchair users. Check route conditions and current access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea, marsh and freshwater pools. Swimming or paddling permission is not established; do not assume these activities are permitted.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
