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.

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. In addition, there are nature reserves, reservoirs, animal parks and safari parks all over the country, 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!

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

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is home to over 260 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes and are proudly...

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Colchester Zoo

Address

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Telephone
01206 331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Colchester

Colchester Zoo is home to over 260 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes and are proudly listed as in the top 2 zoos in the UK as part of the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Attractions.

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Ashton Court Estate

Address

Ashton Court, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Telephone
+44 (0)117 9633 438

brlscas@bristol.gov.uk

Long Ashton, Bristol

Historic 850-acre parkland with mansion, two pitch-and-putt golf courses, deer park, miniature railway, orienteering and nature trails

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Amazona Zoo

Address

Hall Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9JG

Telephone
01263 510741

imogen@amazonazoo.co.uk

Cromer

Amazona Zoo, Cromer, is home to over 200 tropical animals and birds. There is also a large, well-equipped indoor and outdoor play area, a cafe and a shop. New for the month of August 2017 is www.cromercamping.com.

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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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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 infants Mimi, Bulu Mata, and Rieke playing and growing up together with their foster family, at the...

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Exmoor Zoological Park

Address

South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, North Devon, EX31 4SG

Telephone
01598 763352

exmoorzoo@btconnect.com

Bratton Fleming

Twelve acres of landscaped gardens with tropical and exotic birds, animals, waterfowl and penguins. Covered picnic area and playground.

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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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Marwell Zoo

Address

Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

Telephone
01962 777407

marwell@marwell.org.uk

Winchester

Marwell Wildlife, set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire parkland, has an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.

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All Things Wild

Address

Station Road, Honeybourne, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ

Telephone
01386 833083

info@allthingswild.co.uk

Evesham

An all-weather family attraction with amazing animals, our ‘Step through Time’ dinosaur experience, Go Karts, barefoot walk, soft play and more!

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Hawk Conservancy Trust

Address

Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

Telephone
01264 773850

info@hawkconservancy.org

Weyhill, Andover

Set in 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, see over 150 Birds of Prey - plus spectacular flying displays, view our bird hospital and hold a British Bird of Prey. Special events include Owls by Moonlight, adult and junior Experience Days.

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Manor Wildlife Park

Address

St Florence, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 8RJ

Telephone
01646 651201

gate@manorwildlifepark.co.uk

Tenby

Wales’s only walking safari, Manor Wildlife Park plays host to exotic and endangered animals from across the globe! The park’s innovative walkthrough exhibits allow visitors to come face to face with many of it’s animals

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Victoria Park

Address

Victoria Park, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2BG

Telephone
+44 023 9282 2251

Portsmouth

A haven of green tucked away in the city centre adjacent to the Guildhall and Civic Offices.

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The Raptor Foundation

Address

The Heath, St Ives Road, Woodhurst, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 3BT

Telephone
01487 741140

heleowl@aol.com

Huntingdon

Bird of prey centre, offering 3 daily flying displays with audience participation, gift shop, Silent Wings tearoom, Raptor crafts shop. Various handling courses available. Small and large group visits. Schools visits.

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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 of Marston Vale is a 61 sq mile Community Forest. Its Forest Visitor Centre, set in the stunning 225 hectare Millennium Country Park, is a fantastic facility for visitors and an ideal stopping point with its cafe, gift shop and toilets,...

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The Royal Gunpowder Mills

Address

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

Telephone
01992 707370

info@royalgunpowdermills.com

Waltham Abbey

The Royal Gunpowder Mills combines science, history and nature in a great day out that's fun for all the family.

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Historic Docks

Address

The Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2ER

Telephone
+44 (0)1452 311190

info@glosdocks.co.uk

Gloucester

Collection of restored Victorian warehouses, with shops, museums, restaurants and cafe bars. Boat trips and guided walks in summer months. The dockside also hosts the Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet and leisure quarter.

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The International Centre for Birds of Prey

Address

The International Centre for Birds of Prey, Boulsdon House, Newent, Glos, GL18 1JJ

Telephone
01531 820286

info@icbp.org

Newent

The International Centre for Birds of Prey is the oldest dedicated birds of prey centre in the world. Set in 12 acres of amazing grounds and often described as a Hidden Gem, the Centre houses over 250 birds of prey.

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Gosport Ferry Cruises

Address

Gosport Ferry Cruises, Bus Station, South Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1EP

Telephone
+44 023 9252 4551

admin@gosportferry.co.uk

South Street, Gosport

A visit to Portsmouth is not complete without taking a leisurely sight-seeing cruise on board the Spirit of Portsmouth.

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Twycross Zoo

Address

Burton Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 3PX

Telephone
0844 474 1777

info@twycrosszoo.org

Atherstone

Twycross Zoo is now in its 47th year of business, having evolved from a comparatively small collection to become one of Britain's major Zoos, with over 1,000 animals, plus children’s activities and keeper talks.

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