Discover North Somercotes: Nature, Walking Trails and History

Nature watching, walking trails and local history come together as distinct themes for a stay in North Somercotes. Donna Nook National Nature Reserve is known for its dune and tidal landscapes and its winter grey seal colony. Several walking trails explore other landscape and historical themes; fishing is also one of the activities around the village.

Nature and Donna Nook

Access to Donna Nook National Nature Reserve is from Marsh Lane in North Somercotes. The reserve includes dunes and dune valleys as well as tidal areas, mudflats, salt marshes and salt flats. These different landscape types meet here: dunes and dune valleys sit alongside areas shaped by the tides.

In winter, the reserve is home to a breeding colony of grey seals, with more than 2,000 pups each year; the number varies from year to year. A viewing area helps reduce disturbance to the seals. The colony is a seasonal highlight: if it is a deciding factor for your trip, take winter into account when planning. Check the latest information on signage and access before your visit.

Walking trails around North Somercotes

The North Somercotes 500 Acres Walk starts at the Village Hall on Keeling Street. It leads to the Stonebridge car park; from there, there are access points to the beach and Donna Nook National Nature Reserve. If you choose this trail for the access from the car park, check the information on range closures before setting out.

The North Somercotes Church Walk follows paths beside roads, quiet streets and field paths. This route includes a stretch to the Church of St. Mary that is about 100 m longer. If you would like to visit the church, check the access information in advance. The font dates from the 15th century. One of its panels depicts Christ rising from the tomb.

Landscape history and distinctive views

The North Somercotes Village Walk passes a cemetery that opened in 1880. Its two chapels are listed as Grade II buildings. The North Somercotes Mill Field Walk One passes undulating fields that preserve the remains of early salt pans, which were created around Mare Haven. Mare Haven silted up around 1200.

While Mill Field Walk One focuses on the remains of the salt pans and Mare Haven, Mill Field Walk Two offers other historical and landscape connections. Depending on conditions, the rear of Locksley Hall may be visible in the distance. The building is often associated with the Locksley Hall in Tennyson’s poem. From the trail, the Forest in the Warren can also be seen in the distance to the left; it was established in the 1960s, shortly after the 1953 East Coast Floods.

Oasis Lakes is also among the fishing waters around North Somercotes, offering good opportunities for anglers. For visitors interested in fishing, it provides another activity alongside the nature and history explored on the walking trails.

Discover more destinations: Rippingale, Sutton On Sea, Colsterworth, Gainsborough, Alford, Kirton, Holbeach, Laceby

For the wider travel overview: Lincolnshire.