Once you have overcome the hurdle of leaving the house a few times and realised the magic of the natural world is out there just waiting for you, you will soon find yourself organising your week around nature visits. You will be walking back from work via the park or getting up earlier on a Sunday to venture out before the teenagers emerge. The impact of seeing animals in the wild can be very emotional and can be a very overwhelming experience.
You don’t need to be a wildlife fanatic, up-at-dawn every day for days on end, either. It is certainly possible to combine your wildlife watching holidays with other activities, adventurous and cultural, but ultimately, we want to help give you an experience of a lifetime. Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or you looking for a unique holiday experience, this wildlife travel guide is your exclusive companion for planning a memorable nature-filled adventure in the UK.
Plan the perfect wildlife travel guided adventure in the UK:
Wildlife in the UK is not limited to zoos or safari parks, most of it thrives in protected areas such as national parks, nature reserves, as well as marine conservation zones.
Step 1: Identify your wildlife interests:
Your journey begins with understanding what kind of wildlife experience you will have? Different regions of the UK offer different animal encounters, and your itinerary will vary depending on your focus, so it will be your wildlife travel guide.
- Bird watching:
The UK is a bird watching paradise, with hundreds of resident and migratory species.
Top birds to spot: Puffins, gannets, hen harriers, ospreys, and nightjars.
Key locations:
- Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire: Puffins and gannets.
- Minsmere Reserve, Suffolk: A haven for wetland birds.
- Isles of Scilly: Spring and autumn migrant hotspots.
- Marine life watching:
With thousands of miles of coastline, the UK offers spectacular marine life viewing.
Species to see: Dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, seals, and even orcas.
Where to go:
- Moray Firth, Scotland: Bottlenose dolphins.
- Cardigan Bay, Wales: Harbour porpoises and grey seals.
- Cornish Coast: Basking sharks in summer.
- Land mammals:
While larger land mammals are rarer in the UK, there are still wonderful native species to observe.
Notable species: Red deer, roe deer, otters, badgers, red squirrels.
Top spots:
- Scottish Highlands: Red deer and pine martens.
- New Forest: Free-roaming ponies and fallow deer.
- Lake District: Red squirrels and badgers.
- Insects and plants:
Insects, wildflowers, and fungi offer another layer to wildlife travel.
Focus areas:
- Norfolk Broads: Dragonflies and swallowtail butterflies.
- Sherwood Forest: Ancient oaks and rare fungi.
- South Downs: Chalk grassland butterflies and orchids.
Step 2: Know the best times to go:
Timing is everything in wildlife watching. Knowing when animals are most active or when certain phenomena occur can make or break your trip.
Season highlights:
- Spring: Bluebells Bloom, bird nesting, hares boxing.
- Summer: Seabirds nesting, basking sharks, butterflies.
- Autumn: Red deer rutting, bird migrations, fungi season.
- Winter: Seal pup born, starling murmurations, arctic birds.
Make sure to check local wildlife calendars or speak to reserve rangers to confirm peak activity periods.
Step 3: Choose your destinations:
Now that you know what you’re looking for and when to go, here’s your wildlife travel guide to top destinations around the UK:
- Scottish Highlands:
- Why go: One of the most untouched parts of the UK, ideal for spotting red deer, eagles, and even wildcats.
- Must-sees: Cairngorms National Park, Isle of Mull, Glen Affric.
- Tip: Visit in autumn for rutting season or summer for osprey nesting.
- Northumberland & Farne Islands:
- Why go: Seabird paradise and one of the best places to see puffins.
- Best time: May–July.
- Also spot: Seals, razorbills, shags.
- Pembrokeshire, Wales:
- Why go: Marine mammals, wild coastal cliffs, and remote islands.
- Top locations: Skomer Island (puffins, Manx shearwaters), Ramsey Island (seals).
- Adventure tip: Try a wildlife sea safari by boat.
- New forest national park:
- Why go: Ancient woodland filled with free-roaming ponies, deer, and birds.
- Activities: Guided night walks, wild camping, and foraging tours.
- Lake district:
- Why go: beautiful Mountains, lakes, and one of the few homes of the red squirrel.
- Don’t miss: Red squirrel reserves, osprey nest platforms, woodland trails.
- Cornwall & devon:
- Why go: Warm climate, unique coastal flora, and rich marine biodiversity.
- Species to look For: Choughs, dolphins, Cornish heath plants.
- Unique activity: Rock pooling and tide pool safaris.
Step 4: Accommodation and transport:
- Eco-friendly stays:
- Eco lodges: Stay in off-grid cabins or treehouses near reserves.
- Farm stays: Experience rural life while supporting conservation.
- Wildlife hotels: Some offer in-house naturalists and guided tours.
- Getting around:
- Public transport: Many reserves are accessible by train and bus.
- Car hire: Ideal for more remote areas, like the Highlands or Exmoor.
- Cycling routes: Perfect for slow travel and wildlife photography.
Step 5: Choose between guided tours and independent exploration:
Guided tours:
Benefits: Expert knowledge, wildlife travel guide help you to access to hidden spots, support conservation.
Options:
- Birding holidays with the RSPB.
- Marine wildlife tours with certified wildlife travel guides.
- Bush craft and tracking experiences.
Solo adventures:
Prep: Learn species identification, pack binoculars, and use nature apps.
Tools:
- INaturalist: Log and ID sightings.
- EBird: Bird watching reports and hotspots.
- OS Maps: For navigation in rural areas.
Step 6: Wildlife watching ethics & safety:
Wildlife watching should never come at the cost of disturbing the animals or their habitats. Here are key ethical principles:
- Observe from a distance: Use a long lens or scope.
- Stick to paths: Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.
- Never feed wild animals: It alters their natural behaviour.
- Be quiet: Sudden noises can scare wildlife away.
- Respect signage: Heed warnings and seasonal closures.
Safety tips:
- Always carry a map and compass.
- Dress appropriately, waterproof gear is essential in the UK.
- Be aware of tides on coastal paths and islands.
Step 7: Capture and share your experience:
Taking photos, writing notes, or sketching wildlife can help preserve the memories of your trip and encourage others to engage with nature.
Tips for wildlife photography:
- Use burst mode: Capture fast movements.
- Be patient: Great shots often take hours of waiting.
- Focus on the eyes: For more emotive shots.
- Respect nature: Avoid chasing or luring animals.
Conclusion:A wildlife travel adventure in the UK is more than just a holiday, it is a journey into the living heart of Britain’s natural heritage. Whether you are scanning lochs for otters or sitting quietly in a forest at dusk, the rewards of wildlife watching are immense. With this wildlife travel guide, you now have the tools, insights, and inspiration to create a journey which will unforgettable as well as respectful of nature. So pack your gear, grab your wildlife travel guide, and let the wild side of UK wildlife welcome you.