North Sea Observatory
The Lincolnshire coast has a new attraction and guests staying at Elms Farm Cottages will enjoy a visit to the North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point. This brand new building is the first purpose built marine observatory in the UK and it stands proudly above the concrete sea defences at Chapel St Leonards.
It is an impressive vantage point to watch the birds and animals which live along this coastline and houses the Seascape Café and public toilets as well as an art space which will host exhibitions, meetings and shows by local artists and groups. The observatory and cafe are both dog friendly and accessible to wheelchair users.
The floor to ceiling windows offer 180 degree views of the beach, dunes and sea. It also includes a new base for the National Coast Watch Station which is manned by volunteers. The public have a viewing window into their observation room as they look out to see to communicate any emergencies to the RNLI at Skegness or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The observatory is the southern gateway to the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park which presently extends as far as Sandilands. In the future the park will hopefully expand further north to include Donna Nook.
There are plenty of information boards on the area’s rich natural history and a wall mounted model container ship which gives clues to the cargoes of the sea-going vessels which can be seen from the shore.
The North Sea Observatory has a pay car-park with a ramp or steps to the observatory. Toilet facilities including accessible toilet at the Seascape Cafe.
Postcode for Sat Nav. is PE24 5XA
To find out more visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nso