Donna Nook Seal Colony

Every November and December, grey seals come ashore at Donna Nook National Nature Reserve to give birth near the sand dunes. More than 2,000 pups have been born there in some recent seasons. A path runs along the foot of the dunes behind a fence, and mothers and pups often lie just a few metres away. It is one of the best wildlife sights in the country, and it is only a short drive down the coast from Cleethorpes.

The reserve is run by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. You don't need to book, and the viewing area is open from dawn to dusk during seal season.

When to go: seals start arriving in late October and pups are born through November and December. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, when traffic management operates on the narrow lanes. Check the Trust's weekly seal count before you set off.

Parking: Stonebridge car park is the closest to the viewing area, with ramp access but limited spaces. On busy weekends it is for Blue Badge holders only. The main field car park is privately owned and opens only in seal season, when demand is high. It has charged £5 per car, and it has portaloos and seasonal catering. Don't rely on sat nav. Follow the signs for RAF Donna Nook, then the seal signs. LN11 7PD is only the nearest registered address.

Please remember: no dogs in the viewing area, no flash photography, and never feed or touch the seals. Stay behind the fence. Part of the reserve is an active RAF bombing range, so never enter the range when red flags are flying.

Read our full guide to visiting the seals for more tips.