Donna Nook Nature Reserve

Donna Nook Nature Reserve on the Lincolnshire coast is the place to see grey seals in autumn and through until winter. It is one of 10 places to see seals and it is a seal-watching paradise. We normally spend at least two hours there walking up and down the pathway and stopping to look at the seals and their pups. Most years there are around 3,000+ seals on the beach.

When and How to see the seals at Donna Nook Nature Reserve

The cows visit the beach to give birth to their pups and the bulls go there to try their luck again. The sound of the seals as you cross the dunes is like nothing you have ever heard before. You might even see a cow seal giving birth.

The young pups are very inquisitive and although you aren’t allowed to walk amongst them you will often see some right up by the fence. We prefer to visit in early November when the pups are smaller and fluffier.

If you’re interested in bird spotting Donna Nook is also a great spot for this. There have been over 250 different species spotted at this nature reserve. During the winter you will be able to spot large numbers of starlings, fieldfare and redwing. You can visit at other times of the year as the reserve is open all year round.

Important Information

Is there food and drink available?

During the pupping season, they have a trailer selling hot and cold drinks and snacks.

What are the main things to do?

Nature reserve with seals that visit to have their pups in the autumn/early winter.

What are the ticket prices?

The reserve is free to visit

Is there parking?

There is a charge to park.

When are they open?

Donna Nook Nature Reserve is open all year round. The large car park is open during the main season which runs from late October until the end of December.

Dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome but not when the seals are there with their pups.

Are they accessible?

There is easy access to the viewing area from the Stonebridge car park which is signposted as blue badge holders only during busy weekends over seal season.