Wildlife & Nature

The UK has an abundance of wildlife because of its diverse landscape and the beautiful greenery that can be found all over. Even the most urban of areas have their own naturally occurring wildlife and are home to parks and green spaces where nature can and does thrive.

Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

There are wide areas of the UK that have been named as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you will find rolling fields, undisturbed woodlands and miles of beautiful beaches. You can find accommodation options and top attractions located in these areas as well as places that are accessible for those in wheelchairs and needing other accessible facilities. In addition, there are nature reserves, reservoirs, disabled friendly animal parks and safari parks which are accessible all over the country, this is as well as zoos and small holdings where wildlife conservation plays a big role.

The UK also has a number of sites that are designated as sites of special scientific interest and these areas are often home to a number of unusual plants, birds and animals. It is possible to see everything from deer, hares, otters, foxes, stoats, weasels, wild horses, wild boar, snakes, badgers and more in the wild at various places around the UK. You’ll also find animals in the more rural settings, such as squirrels and ducks as well as unusual creatures, such as newts, frogs and more. The sites of scientific interest and national parks are home to several interesting species of insect, such as rare butterflies and more that are being monitored for conservation reasons. Many of these animals will shy away from humans unless you’re in one of the many animal attractions where they are used to people coming and going, but there are certain parts of the country where you can go specifically to catch them in the wild. Head to the moors to see wild ponies and horses, or to rural Wales and Scotland to see puffins or the south coast to try and spot dolphins and whales. You can see red squirrels in the wild if you go to Scotland and even pelicans if you head to St James’ Park in London.

Britain is a haven for bird lovers, as well as the more usual specimens such as sparrows and crows, you’ll find birds of prey, from eagles in the Scottish Highlands, Red Kites in the east of the UK and buzzards and hawks in the various rural areas. Pheasants are regularly seen in the rural areas and you might even be lucky enough to spot a peacock or jay on your travels. Head to Somerset in the winter months to see starling murmurations or stop by a garden or park during the summer to see smaller birds, such as blue tits and sparrows jumping among the hedge rows. If you head to the coast, you’ll even spot dolphins, porpoises and other marine animals that you wouldn’t necessarily think would live in the UK. There are even rumours of big cats and a giant monster that lives in Loch Ness in Scotland, so keep your eyes peeled and you might just see something exciting!

Animal attraction

If you want to guarantee seeing a certain type of animal, heading to a farm attraction or animal park would be a good shout. These include zoos, safari parks and smaller conservation centres that host a wide range of wildlife, from those indigenous to Britain and also some species from further afield. These places have accessible facilities, such as level entrances, audio guides and large print maps and signs, so you know what wildlife can be found in the area.

Things To Do Highlights

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out. The multi…

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Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Address

Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR

Telephone
01395 233200

fun@crealy.co.uk

Exeter

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out.
The multi award-winning family attraction is located just minutes from junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter and has over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions…

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Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Address

Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Telephone
01929 462537

apes@monkeyworld.org

Wareham

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre is home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates, including Europe’s only orangutan crèche! Visitors can see a number of primate infants playing and growing up together with their foster families at the purpose…

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Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Address

Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH166EU

Telephone
01202 622 022

shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk

Poole

There's a FARM-FUL of family fun at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

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Isle of Wight Zoo

Address

Yaverland Road, Sandown, Isle Of Wight, PO36 8QB

Telephone
01983 403883

Enquiries@isleofwightzoo.com

Sandown

THE ISLE OF WIGHT ZOO occupies a very special location, right on a beautiful sandy beach in Sandown Bay, on the east coast of the island.

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West Midland Safari Park

Address

Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF

Telephone
01299 402114

info@wmsp.co.uk

Bewdley

West Midland Safari Park is an award-winning visitor attraction, located in Worcestershire in the heart of England. It is home to a variety of all-weather attractions, including four miles of drive-through safari, the largest animatronic dinosaur…

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Longleat

Address

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Telephone
01985 844400

enquiries@longleat.co.uk

Warminster

Longleat Safari Park, nestled within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, is home to the UK’s original Safari Park, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture, and an abundance of exciting attractions including Jungle…

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Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Address

Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, Somerset, BS48 1PG

Telephone
01275 852606

info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Bristol

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.
The zoo has recently…

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Fairytale Farm

Address

Southcombe, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QH

Telephone
01608 238014

info@fairytalefarm.co.uk

Chipping Norton

Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. With our exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to…

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Woburn Safari Park

Address

Crawley Road, Woburn, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK17 9QN

Telephone
01525 290407

info@woburnsafari.co.uk

Bedford

Woburn Safari Park offers an escape to the wild plains, jungles and savannahs of Africa without leaving the country.

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World of Country Life

Address

Westdown Lane, Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BY

Telephone
01395 264126

debbie@wocl.co.uk

Exmouth

Where else can you hand feed deer and llama, watch an exhilarating birds of prey flying display, take a walk down a Victorian Street, wonder at all the memorabilia from the war and times gone by, wander around the Hall of Transport (where you’ll…

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Forest of Marston Vale

Address

off Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR

Telephone
01234 762600

reception@marstonvale.org

Marston Moretaine

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park is a perfect day out for the family. 18km of level, surfaced paths wind around the lakes and woodlands of the Park, with the Tower Hide and Woodland Walkway (as well as our other hides) in the Wetlands…

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Haven Falconry Bird of Prey Centre

Address

Station Road, HAVENSTREET, Isle Of Wight, PO33 4DS

Telephone
01983 716556 / 01983 884023

havenfalconry@yahoo.co.uk

HAVENSTREET

The friendly team at Haven Falconry are dedicated and skilled falconers who have a passion for birds of prey with experience back over 45yrs! Our ethos is education through fun!

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The Lake District Wildlife Park

Address

Coalbeck Farm, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RD

Telephone
017687 76239

info@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com

Keswick

Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.

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New Forest Reptile Centre

Address

Grid Reference: SU271071, Near Lyndhurst, SO43 7GR

Telephone
023 8028 3141

Near Lyndhurst

A Date with Nature based at the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst is open seven days a week. Come and learn about the native animals of the Forest and see some of them in our 'pods'. Everyone is welcome - open March - September.

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Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

Address

Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Telephone
0872 435 7091

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon's Butterfly Farm is the UK's largest tropical butterfly paradise! Rain or shine, discover many of the world's most beautiful butterflies in an exotic environment.

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Merrist Wood

Address

Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, GUILDFORD, Surrey, GU3 3PE

mwevents@guildford.ac.uk

GUILDFORD

Merrist Wood College has recently been granted a zoo license, allowing it to share its collection of exotic animals, some of which are of conservation importance, with visitors.

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Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

Address

Thrigby Hall, Filby, Norfolk, NR29 3DR

Telephone
01493 369477

mail@thrigbyhall.co.uk

Filby

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, near Great Yarmouth has a 250-year-old landscaped garden, a play area and a wide selection of Asian mammals, birds and reptiles including tigers, crocodiles and storks.

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Birdworld

Address

Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD

Telephone
01420 22140

bookings@birdworld.co.uk

Farnham

Birdworld offers a great family day out, where you can meet a huge range of birds, take a trip to Jenny Wren's Farm, or a magical journey into Underwater World.

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The Donkey Sanctuary

Address

Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU

Telephone
01395 578222

enquiries@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Sidmouth

Set along the historic Jurassic Coast and nestled in the tranquil East Devon countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is The Donkey Sanctuary; an award-winning visitor attraction home to donkeys, mules and hinnies - large and small.

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Tamar Otter & Wildlife Centre

Address

North Petherwin, LAUNCESTON, Cornwall, PL15 8GW

Telephone
+44 01566 785646

info@tamarotters.co.uk

North Petherwin, LAUNCESTON

British and Asian short clawed otters in natural enclosures. Woodland walk where you will see owls, deer and wallabies and two lakes with a selection of waterfowl. Award winning Tea Rooms. A lovely day out for all ages!

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