Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve stretches from the edge of Skegness down towards The Wash, offering dunes, saltmarsh, meadows and huge skies for dogs who need something bigger and wilder than a promenade shuffle. It feels properly unspoilt, which makes it ideal for longer wanders, birdwatching detours and those outings where everyone comes back feeling a bit windswept and pleased with themselves. The reserve is open at all times, with the visitor centre and cafe open daily (summer 10am-4pm, winter 10am-3pm), and pay-and-display parking available.

Dogs are allowed throughout the reserve on lead because of the wildlife and grazing animals, though they're not permitted on the beach or foreshore between 1 April and 1 September to protect nesting birds. That still leaves plenty of room for a proper explore during those months, with paths winding through different habitats and enough variety to keep sniffing duties interesting. Dogs can join you on the outside veranda at the visitor centre, though only assistance dogs are allowed inside the building itself.

It is the sort of place that makes Skegness feel less arcades-and-donuts and more big coastal landscape with serious leg-stretching credentials, perfect for a dog-friendly day out when the forecast calls for fresh air and wide open space.