A Guide to Donna Nook Nature Reserve: The Best Place to See Seals in Lincolnshire
If you’re looking for a wild, windswept, utterly unforgettable UK nature experience, Donna Nook Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire is one of those rare places that feels like a secret, despite being world-famous among wildlife lovers. It’s beautiful year-round, but from November to December, the reserve transforms into something extraordinary. Thousands of grey seals return to the dunes to give birth, turning the coast into a natural nursery.
I feel very lucky to live just a few miles down the coast from this magical place. Over the years, Mark and I visited many times. I returned this week to see some of the 189 seal pups that have been born so far this season.
Whether you're planning a day trip or weaving this into a slow-travel journey along the Lincolnshire coast, here’s everything you need to know.
Where Is Donna Nook?
Donna Nook lies on the eastern coast of Lincolnshire, between Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe. It forms part of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s protected coastline, a stretch of salt marshes, mudflats, dunes, and wide beaches that feel wonderfully untouched.
The seal-viewing area is well-managed, easily accessible, and perfect for families, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful and bracing walk by the sea.
Why Donna Nook Is So Special
Grey seals spend most of the year out at sea, returning to land only to give birth and mate. Donna Nook’s colony is one of the most accessible in the UK, with viewing fences set up just metres from where seals gather. You don’t need binoculars, although they do add to the experience. You can often see pups close enough to hear their squeaks and cries.
The colony is huge. Over 2,000 pups are born here each season, and their fluffy white coats make them easily visible amongst the dunes.
The Best Time to Visit
📅 November to December: Peak Seal Season
This is when all the magic happens. The first pups typically arrive in early November, with numbers peaking towards the end of the month and continuing into early December. By Christmas, most pups are weaned, and the colony starts dispersing again.
If you want to see:
Newborn pups → go early–mid November
Hundreds of families at once → mid–late November
Plump, weaned pups preparing to head to sea → early December
The reserve is open year-round, but seal season is absolutely the time to visit.
Visiting at Other Times of the Year
Spring and summer bring nesting birds, migrating waders, wildflowers in the dunes, and endless walks along wild coastal paths. It’s a completely different atmosphere. It's quiet, windswept, and brilliant for long, meditative walks. It's a great slow-travel stop if you're exploring the coast by car, bike, or on foot.
Practical Information for Your Trip
🅿️ Parking
There is dedicated seal-season parking near the viewing area, run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and local landowners. It is free to use, but donations to help support conservation work are encouraged.
🚶♀️ Accessibility
The viewing area is flat, fenced, and easy to navigate. Paths can get muddy, so waterproof footwear is useful.
📸 Photography
Long lenses are helpful, but not essential
Early mornings offer the softest light
Please stay behind the viewing fence. Disturbance can cause mothers to abandon their pups
🐶 Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in the seal viewing area during pupping season for the safety of both seals and pets.
🎒 What to Bring
Warm layers (the wind can be icy!)
Waterproof boots
Camera or binoculars
A flask of something warm
Patience—the seals are endlessly entertaining
Seal-Safety Guidelines
The reserve has clear signage, but these are the essentials:
Keep to the viewing paths at all times
Never touch or approach a pup
Stay quiet and give seals space
Respect the fence - it protects the colony and keeps visitors safe
This photo shows a mum and her newborn pup. I just missed the birth, but I was able to video the immediate aftermath. What a privilege!
I'll leave you with a more professional video than mine. Please enjoy the next few minutes 😊.
A Year-Round Lincolnshire Gem
Donna Nook is one of those rare places where the natural world unfolds right in front of you, no expensive tours or long hikes required. It’s humbling, peaceful, and surprisingly emotional—especially when you see a brand-new pup take its first wobbly movements on the sand.
If your travel style leans toward soulful, meaningful experiences, and especially if you love observing wildlife in its natural habitat, this belongs on your seasonal must-visit list.
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