Top 10 Wonderful Wildlife Watching Spots In The UK
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The UK’s Wonderful Wildlife
The UK may not have the exotic species you may find in places such as Africa or Australia, but it does have a wide variety of fascinating and beautiful wildlife we can enjoy.
I’m sure any British birder or naturalist will already have a deep appreciation for the amazing nature we can find right on our doorstep. But what if you don’t know about the wonderful species to be found here. Not to worry! I’m here to help you out
Despite the UK’s small size, there is a large variety of creatures here in many different locations. From marine wildlife, such as dolphins and seals, to amazing birds of prey, there are so many different things to see.
From New Forest ponies that trot through town centres to the elusive otter or Scottish wildcat, there are many common and less common animals to enjoy.
Luckily most of these locations have a variety of species that are easier to spot or more challenging, so you are almost always guaranteed to see something of interest. Wildlife photography opportunities abound in the UK’s diverse wildlife habitats and wildlife reserves.
So, if you’re thinking of planning your next wildlife viewing trip or aren’t sure where to start, read on to discover what the UK has to offer in terms of wildlife diversity, wildlife spectacles, and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Cardigan Bay
Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in the whole of the UK to see marine wildlife. It is located along a long stretch of the west coast of Wales.
The best place to head is probably New Quay. This is the top spot in the UK to head to if you want to see bottlenose dolphins.
You are also often able to spot grey seals and harbour seals. On a lucky day you will even see bottlenose dolphins with their young.
Additionally, there are a number of marine birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Make sure to take your binoculars so you can get a good view far out to see.
If you want to get close up and personal, you are able to book a dolphin-spotting boat trip to increase your chances of a sighting and enjoy some coastal wildlife.
If you want to read more about Cardigan Bay, click here to read my comprehensive post.
Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are a group of islands just off the coast of Northumberland, and they are great for wildlife watching. Their concentration of wildlife is so strong that Sir David Attenborough has declared it one of his favourite places to see wildlife.
How much more endorsement do you need! These islands are a dream for fans of marine birds. They are particularly notable for their puffin population.
From May – July over 37,000 pairs of puffins breed on these islands. There are over 20 other species of marine birds that live here, including Eider ducks and Arctic terns.
Furthermore, you are able to spot grey seals and there pups on this island.
In fact, it is England’s largest breeding population. It is best to head there between October – December if you want to see the seal pups.
Wildlife protection efforts have helped maintain the thriving wildlife populations on the Farne Islands.
Have A Sneak Peak At The Farne Islands
Check out this amazing National Trust video to learn all about the puffins on the Farne Islands.
Brownsea Island
A wildlife watching hub, Brownsea Island can be found just off the coast of Dorset, on the south coast of England. There is an impressive range of wildlife to be found here.
First of all, there is a thriving population of red squirrels here, similar to the red squirrels on the Isle of Wight, amonst the other great Isle of Wight wildlife.
This is due to the isolated nature of Brownsea Island, meaning the grey squirrel has never been able to make it over.
It is also a great spot to head for birdwatchers. In spring, the woodland wildlife is rife with woodland birds.
In the winter, the lagoon is home to a number of wetland birds including spoonbills, avocets, shelducks and oystercatchers.
If you do decide to head over in the summer, Shakespeare plays are often put on at the Open Air Theatre and you should definitely check this out.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is one of the parks mentioned in my Ultimate Guide To London. It is somewhat out of the city, in a slightly more peaceful area.
However, it is close enough that you are able to combine a visit with your stay in the country’s capital. It is best known for its free-roaming population of red and fallow deer.
These are very easy to spot as you wander through the park. It’s a great spot for entomologists due to its large insect population, including a high number of stag beetles.
There is also a number of stunning ring necked parakeets living here. I’ve mentioned these further in my Ultimate Guide To London too, so make sure to go and have a read to find out more about this unexpected species.
Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is home to over a quarter of the UK’s rare wildlife. There are a number of rare birds to see, making it perfect for bird watching.
Notably, the marsh harrier has made a return in recent years, and this is one of the only places in the whole country to spot them.
There are tons of insects too, and it’s an especially wonderful place to spot butterflies. Britain’s largest butterfly, names the Swallowtail, can be spotted here.
You can also see the Norfolk hawker dragonfly – an especially rare and local species. If you’re very lucky and know how best to spot them, you may even be able to spot an otter on the river banks.
The best time of year to see otters in the UK is early morning from late spring to early fall. A great spot for wildlife watching if you want to see a range of species.
TOP TIP: If you are in Norfolk for an extended stay, head up to north Norfolk to Blakeney Point. This is one of the country’s hotspots for seal watching. Head between June and August to see common seal pups, and between November and January to see grey seal pups.
Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands are one of the top spots in the entire UK for its impressive, rare and amazing wildlife in Scotland. Especially considering how much of it there is in such a small area!
Shetland is so far north it’s culture is a unique one with heavy Norse influence due to it’s history as part of these countries. Due to its northerly location, there are opportunities here to see Scottish wildlife animals that don’t tend to venture quite as far south.
These include the orca and the impressive minke whale. There is also an increased chance of seeing otters here, as they have adapted to emerge in the daytime.
You may also see seals, dolphins, porpoise, puffins and a number of other types of northern bird species.
You will also be able to see wild Shetland ponies – so named due to their origin on the islands. This is a great spot for wildlife tours to see some really unique and impressive creatures.
New Forest
The New Forest ponies are the biggest draw for wildlife watching in this location. They are one of the only native pony species in the British Isles, and are free to roam the New Forest.
They are so used to living alongside humans it won’t take you long to spot them. Sometimes, they can even be found in the town centres! If you visit in spring, you may have the opportunity to see one of the adorable foals.
Make sure not to approach any of these foals, or the mares that mother them. That would simply be asking for trouble. Other than the ponies, you will also be able to see free-roaming donkeys, pigs, and cattle.
Another highlight are the extensive deer species that reside here, including fallow deer, red deer, roe deer, sika deer and muntjacs.
They can be harder to spot, but if you visit the dedicated viewing stations around the area then you will have more of a chance. Wildlife watching here can really give a unique insight into the UK’s countryside.
Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands
The Cairngorms are found way up in the Highlands. Visiting is a great way to see some of the wildlife in Scotland, as well as some of the more endangered of the UK’s species.
This is another of the spots where there is a large population of beautiful red squirrels. Another favourite that naturalists love to spot is the pine martin – currently going through a wildlife reintroduction process in other parts of the UK.
For the birdwatchers, the highlights must be the golden eagle and the osprey. Only found in the most northerly parts of the UK, these are a stunning height to behold. Other more rare birds to spot are the ptarmigan and capercaillie.
You may even have the rare opportunity to see one of the endangered Scottish wildcat that is local to the area. For wildlife watching rarities and specific Scottish treasures, this is a wonderful place to head.
The Cairngorms are a great place for an otter experience in Scotland. In Scotland, otters live along the rivers, as well as the rivers and lochs, meaning there are many places you can spot them across the land.
The best time of year to see otters UK is during the summer months.
Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is one of the top wildlife hotspots in the UK, particularly for birds of prey. The location consistently features on the popular BBC show Springwatch to showcase some of its impressive bird population.
Bird Watching magazine even called it ‘Eagle Island’. Some of the birds you can see here include golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, kestrels, short-eared owls, puffins, as well as various warblers, songbirds and crossbills.
The Isle of Mull is one of the best places to see water birds in Scotland.
Many people’s biggest question is where to see golden eagles on Mull. The best place to see wildlife on Mull is around Loch Na Keal, where you can see golden eagles. Surely, a birders paradise!
You can also see otters, seals, red deer, and dolphins. Minke whales can also be seen here. A particular highlight are the basking sharks which can often be seen towards the end of summer.
The best time to visit Mull for wildlife is spring and early summer.
See What A Week In The Isle Of Mull Can Look Like
Our Wild Horizons has made an amazing video to show you the wonderful things you can do if you visit the Isle of Mull for one week.
Isle of Arran
Another great, exciting natural hub in Scotland is the Isle of Arran Wildlife. When it comes to what to do on Isle of Arran, you are able to explore Scottish history and see more marine wildlife and birds of prey.
These include golden eagles, seals, otters, red deer, and red squirrels. While not as popular as the Isle of Mull, it is a great place to visit.
Make sure to check the tide times, Arran, before you go so you don’t get caught out!
Make sure to check out the beautiful beaches on Arran, too. The best beaches on Arran include Brodick Bay and Lamlash Beach. You may be able to spot some Arran marine wildlife from here, too.
As you can see, wildlife watching Scotland can make for some of the best adventurers experiences that anyone could imagine.
Lands End
Lands End is another classic location for wildlife watching. Due to it’s far more southern location, you get a fairly different selection to some of the other places on this list.
Make sure to bring your binoculars so you can look out to see and spot the birds from the dramatic cliffs that drop off into the ocean.
Gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes and shags are some of the birds you can commonly see here.
The once-extinct Cornish Cough can also be seen here – a real treat to see a local bird making its long overdue return.
Marine wildlife is also a highlight in this location. Seals are commonly seen in this area, as are dolphins.
This is also another spot where you may be lucky enough to spot a basking shark.
How To Get The Most Out Of Wildlife Watching
There are plenty of ways you can make the most out of a wildlife-watching trip. Part of that is to have the right wildlife-watching supplies.
Wildlife-watching binoculars are one of the most crucial pieces of equipment you can have. Binoculars for wildlife watching can range from basic to extremely advanced.
Some of them even have night vision for wildlife watching. Investing in good binoculars for wildlife watching can really improve your wildlife-watching experience.
Another great piece of wildlife-watching equipment is a wildlife watching camera. This will enable you to capture your special memories as it happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch wildlife in the UK?
Some of the best places to watch wildlife in the UK include the Cairngorms, the Isle of Mull, the Faroe Islands, Cardigan Bay and the New Forest. Even Ricmond Park near London is a wonderful place to see wildlife.
Where can I photograph wildlife in the UK?
The Cairngorms and Brownsea Island are some of the top places to photograph wildlife. Richmond Park is also a fantastic place to get up close and personal to photograph natre.
How can I see foxes in the UK?
Foxes can be seen in all habitats across the UK, and are most often seen in the evening and into the night. Urban foxes can be seen across city centres and suburbs, although an allotmand it a great place to keep an eye out for them. In the countryside, they can often be seen across farm and common land, as well as in the woods.
What is the biggest wild predator in the UK?
Badgers are the biggest wild predator in the UK.
What is the rarest animal to see in the UK?
The Scottish Wildcat is the rarest animal to see in the UK. As a critically endangered species, this is a truly unique and spectacular animal to see out in the wild.
Conclusion
Who knew there was so much to be seen, eh? No matter the type of wildlife the excites you, I really feel there is something for everyone on these lists.
I really do believe the nature to be found in the UK is one of the most absolutely special things about this country and needs to be appreciated more.
How wonderful, for us Brits to have such an amazing array of wildlife on our doorstep. And, to my horror, most people don’t even know how near these species are to them!
But now you do. So, spread the word, grab a friend and go and enjoy the surprisingly stunning range of nature this small island has to offer.
Wildlife conservation efforts have helped preserve the UK’s incredible wildlife ecology and enable amazing wildlife migration and wildlife encounters.
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Ta-ta for now! x
