Matthew Roberts
Gibraltar Point
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Gibraltar Point is a dynamic stretch of unspoilt coastline running southwards from the edge of Skegness to the mouth of the Wash.
Known for its impressive views and sheer scale and diversity of wildlife, Gibraltar Point is worth visiting in different seasons to fully appreciate its landscape.
PLEASE NOTE: The King Charles III England Coast Path is not open to the south of Gibraltar Point. This section of the route to Boston will be closed until a bridge is constructed over the River Steeping.
Matthew Roberts
Visitor information
Know before you go
Facilities
- Visitor Centre
- Nature Centre (find it in the Old Coastguard Station)
- Cafe
- Shop
- Toilets
- Disabled toilet
- Baby changing facilities
Please note, ticket machines are cash only.
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times, including on the beach and foreshore between September and March. No dogs permitted on the beach or foreshore between 1 April to 1 September. Dogs are allowed on the outside veranda of the Visitor Centre, but only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted inside the Visitor Centre. Please note there are grazing livestock present.
Access
Most paths around the reserve are accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. Download the Countryside for All map under 'Walks and trails' below for details on path surfaces, gradients and facilities.
Cycling
A cycle track runs alongside Gibraltar Road to the Visitor Centre where there are cycle racks; there is no cycling within the reserve.
Opening times
Reserve open at all times. Please note, the car park is closed at dusk.
The Visitor Centre and Cafe:
- Winter opening times (1 November to 31 March): open 7 days a week, 10am to 3pm.
- Summer opening times (1 April to 31 October): open 7 days a week, 10am to 4pm.
The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing time. - The Visitor Centre will be closed on 24, 25 and 26 December 2024 (the toilets at the Old Coastguard Station will be open).
Please note these times are variable - the Visitor Centre and cafe may close early during bad weather.
Visitor Centre and cafe
The spectacular Visitor Centre has been designed to make the most of the nature reserve's stunning views, with expansive windows facing the dunes and sea, plus a rooftop viewing deck.
The cafe offers delicious hot food and snacks plus a kid's menu. Look out for regular specials and events such as High Tide Breakfasts and Sunset Dinners. Follow us on Facebook so you don't miss out on announcements.
Both cafe and Visitor Centre are fully accessible for wheelchairs. The rooftop deck is not currently accessible for wheelchair users.
The shop stocks a range of wildlife themed homewares and gifts, as well as Opticron binoculars who have produced a range of five Wildlife Trust binoculars, helping to enhance your enjoyment of wildlife.
After your visit, why not pop in to the Old Coastguard Station next door for information, nature quizzes and to chat to our friendly volunteers.
Accessibility
Most paths around the reserve are accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. The Visitor Centre is also fully accessible for wheelchairs apart from the upper rooftop deck which is only accessible by stairs.
Our Visitor Centre staff are also part of the Sunflower Scheme which enables support for people with hidden disabilities.
Watch our video introduction to accessibility at Gibraltar Point below, created as part of the Dynamic Dunescapes project, or for more details on path surfaces, gradients and facilities download the Countryside for All map.
Gibraltar Point Accessibility (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqrpNSjtJp0)
Dynamic Dunescapes
Group visits
Any organised groups wishing to visit the reserve must fill in a Group Visit Form well in advance (at least 2 months) of their visit. Bookings are restricted to one group per day so that we can manage the reserve and it's facilities, including toilets and car parking, appropriately to make your visit more enjoyable.
To submit a request for a Group Visit Form or for more information, please email gibnnr@lincstrust.co.uk or call 01754 898079.
Alternatively if you are looking to bring a school group, visit our Education Centre page for information.
Car park
There are two car parks at Gibraltar Point - North Car Park and the larger Visitor Centre Car Park. There is a charge of £2 for 2 hours or £5 for the day which covers both car parks.
Ticket machines are cash only.
A combined car parking season ticket for Gibraltar Point and Snipe Dales is available for £15 for 12 months. The season ticket is available at the Snipe Dales Office, Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre or by post from:
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
LN9 5HF
Please make cheques payable to "Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust". Mark your envelope CPST and enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Location and contact details
Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Gibraltar Road
Skegness
Lincolnshire
PE24 4SU
Please note, this postcode is for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.
OS Map Reference: TF 556 581
What3Words: ///lengthen.desktop.bribing
Visitor Centre and cafe:
01754 898057
gibvc@lincstrust.co.uk
Reserve and wildlife enquiries:
01754 898057
gibnnr@lincstrust.co.uk
Education enquiries:
01754 762763
gibeducation@lincstrust.co.uk
Matthew Roberts
Educational services
The education provision offered at Gibraltar Point takes place in a variety of different ecosystems around the nature reserve. From coastal activities along the sand dunes to freshwater sampling and woodland activities, we have something to suit your needs.
Habitats and species
Gibraltar Point impresses by its sheer scale and diversity of wildlife but to appreciate it fully you need to see it in different seasons.
In spring, the first of the migrants stop off to refuel or establish territories. In summer, little terns may be seen fishing in the shallows and skylarks are in full song above the purple haze of the saltmarshes. In autumn, huge whirling flocks of waders can be seen on the high tides. And in winter, brent geese, shorelark and snow bunting can be seen as well as flocks of redwing and fieldfare.
Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
John Creedy
Amy Lewis
Matthew Roberts
Margaret Holland
Richard Doan
Barrie Wilkinson
Barrie Wilkinson
Tom Marshall
Don Davis
Barrie Wilkinson
Jade Oliver
Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Bird Observatory
There are 19 official Bird Observatories throughout Britain, of which Gibraltar Point was one of the earliest starting up in 1949. These observatories allow long-term monitoring of bird populations and migration to be recorded from a defined area.
The work of the observatory is carried out voluntarily by local and visiting ornithologists. The observatory also fulfils a valuable training role in bird ringing, with residential training courses held almost every year.
Thanks to the work from these volunteers, we have been able to collect valuable information about the movements, condition and population of visiting birds, all essential for framing and implementing measures for conservation.
Gary Mantle
Bird Observatory blog
Written by the Bird Observatory Team, read the latest bird sightings and bird ringings, along with news of other wildlife spotted on the reserve.
Walks and trails
There a number of accessible paths through Gibraltar Point. The Lincolnshire County Council Countryside for All leaflet details path surfaces, gradients, cross-slopes as well as the location of seats, steps and gates.
Download the maps below to plan your next visit.
- Gibraltar Point reserve map (https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-01/Gib%20Point%202021%20-%20map%20for%20web.pdf)
- Countryside For All - Gibraltar Point (https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/countryside-for-all-gibraltar-point.pdf)
- Gibraltar Point Heritage Trail (https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-04/gib_history_trail_-_all_time_use_0.pdf)
Emma Bradshaw
Wild Weekends
There's plenty to do around Gibraltar Point, whether it's long coastal walks and open scenery you're after, or a seaside getaway with the kids.
Why not turn your visit wild, and make a weekend of it!
Keep in touch
Follow the Gibraltar Point team on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, search for an upcoming event, or take a look at the most recent sightings on the Bird Observatory blog.
Terry Whittaker/2020VISION