Seal watching at Donna Nook
Donna Nook, Lincolnshire
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
Donna Nook is a coastal nature reserve on the Lincolnshire coast, where thousands of grey seals haul out on the sand dunes each autumn to give birth. From about November to mid-December, fluffy white pups can be seen just metres from the viewing fence. It is one of the best seal spectacles in Britain, though it can be very busy, and the site is run by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
Tips before you go
- Visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends are crowded.
- Stay behind the fence, and do not feed or touch the seals.
- Wrap up warmly, as the dunes are windy and cold.
Book or plan it
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Where to base yourself
What to pack
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Related activities
Blakeney Point is a long sand and shingle spit on the north Norfolk coast, and a nature reserve with large colonies of grey and common seals.
Farne Islands puffin tripSeahouses, NorthumberlandThe Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including puffins that nest between roughly April and July.
Gower seal watchingGower coast, SwanseaGrey seals live around the Gower coast, and can often be seen from the clifftops near Worm's Head and Rhossili, or bobbing in the water offshore.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see seal pups?
Usually from early November to early December, when pups are newly born and white-coated.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.