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Gibraltar Point
Gibraltar Point is a coastal nature reserve south of Skegness, where dunes, saltmarsh, freshwater wetlands and the edge of the Wash meet. It offers a spacious coastal outing with birdwatching paths and a visitor centre.
This is a landscape to explore slowly. Choose a waymarked walk, stop at a hide and leave time to watch the changing shore. Beach access and dog rules vary through the year, and the onward coast path south towards Boston is currently closed.
Gibraltar Point at a glance
Where
Lincolnshire
Your visit
Choose a short outing or a longer walk using the route information below.
Before you arrive
Check current opening times, route conditions and local notices.
Why visit Gibraltar Point?
The attraction is the variety within one outing. A walk can bring contrasting views of open coast, sheltered water and dune vegetation. You do not need to identify every bird to enjoy how the reserve changes with wind, tide and season.
The visitor centre gives a useful starting point for orientation and refreshments. Look at the reserve map before leaving, choose a realistic circuit and ask about recent path conditions. An exposed coast can feel much colder than the town, so an extra layer is worthwhile even on a bright day.
Walks and places to explore
Waymarked reserve routes
Several waymarked routes link the reserve’s habitats and birdwatching viewpoints. Choose from the official map rather than inventing a shortcut through dunes or marsh. Add time for pauses: a short circuit with patient wildlife watching can be more satisfying than covering every path.
Accessible paths and hides
The Trust’s Countryside for All map gives details of surfaces, gradients and facilities. Most paths are level and well surfaced, though some can become muddy. Choose the route that suits your needs and check which hides are accessible before committing to a longer walk.
South coast path closure
As checked on 5 October 2026, the King Charles III England Coast Path is not open south of Gibraltar Point towards Boston. The Trust says this section will remain closed until a bridge is built over the River Steeping. Do not plan a continuous onward walk through that gap.
Accessibility and easier visits
The visitor centre and café are wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet and disabled parking. Most reserve paths can accommodate wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters; use the detailed access map for individual routes.
The rooftop viewing deck is reached by stairs and is not currently wheelchair accessible. Wet weather can affect path conditions, so contact the centre before travelling if a particular viewpoint or route is important to your visit.
Plan your visit
Getting there
Follow Gibraltar Road south from Skegness and the brown tourist signs to the reserve, PE24 4SU. Skegness has the nearest railway and bus stations. The Trust mentions CallConnect as a possible transport option; check its current booking arrangements rather than assuming a scheduled bus reaches the centre.
Parking and cost
Two car parks serve the reserve. Published charges are £2 for two hours or £5 for the day, covering both car parks. North Car Park accepts card payments; the Visitor Centre Car Park accepts card or cash. Car parks close at dusk, so check the gate information on arrival.
Opening and admission
The reserve is open at all times, subject to local restrictions. The visitor centre and café normally open daily 10am–4pm from 1 April to 31 October, and 10am–3pm from 1 November to 31 March. The kitchen closes 30 minutes earlier. Bad weather can lead to early closure.
Toilets and refreshments
Facilities include a visitor centre, café, shop, picnic area, bird hides, accessible toilet and baby changing. Toilets are listed at the visitor centre and Old Coastguard Station. Bring what you need for the walk if visiting outside building hours; do not assume every facility remains available.
Dogs and responsible visits
Dogs must stay on a short lead throughout the reserve. Dogs are excluded from the beach and foreshore from 1 April to 1 September; check current signs around the seasonal boundary. Dogs can use the centre’s outside veranda, while only guide and assistance dogs are permitted inside.
Wildlife and changing seasons
Spring and summer
Migrating birds use the reserve in spring, and little terns may fish in the shallows in summer. Look carefully at dune and saltmarsh plants from the paths. Keep clear of nesting areas and fenced sections, even when a bird is difficult to see.
Autumn and winter
Autumn high tides can concentrate groups of waders. Winter visitors include brent geese, shelduck, wigeon and teal, with birds of prey also possible. Timing and weather change the experience; bring binoculars and enjoy what is present rather than expecting a particular species.
Make the most of your day
Stay on marked paths, respect shorebird protection areas and keep away from unstable or flooded edges. Do not enter tidal channels or try to bypass the closed southward coast path. Keep dogs clear of grazing livestock, carry litter home and leave plants and beach wildlife undisturbed.
Official visitor information
Official Gibraltar Point visitor information · Reserve habitats, wildlife and location · Lincolnshire council visitor information
Visitor details checked 5 October 2026. Opening times, charges and access can change; check the official sources before travelling.