Glebe Park

Glebe Park is a proper slice of Lincolnshire nature tucked just inland from Skegness. It's a working nature reserve rather than a manicured tourist attraction, which means you get the genuine article - wetlands, grassland, and the sort of wildlife that thrives when humans step back a bit.

You'll spend your time here walking marked trails, binoculars in hand if you're keen on birds. The reserve attracts passage migrants and overwintering species, so timing matters. Spring and autumn bring the most activity, though winter has its own appeal if you don't mind the cold. Summer's quieter for birdwatching but the light is lovely across the water meadows.

This is absolutely one for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Serious twitchers will find it worthwhile; families with young kids might find the pace too slow unless they're already into spotting things. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're doing it properly. There's something rather meditative about moving slowly through a reserve rather than powering round a tourist route.

The location works well if you're based at one of the holiday parks around Skegness - Skegness Seaview Caravan Park or Haven Skegness are the closest options. It gives you a counterpoint to the seaside hustle and bustle. Skegness itself is only a few miles away if you need ice creams and amusement arcades to balance the birding.

Check ahead for access details and whether there are any seasonal closures, as nature reserves sometimes restrict routes during breeding season. It's the sort of place that rewards a bit of forward planning.