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…

Number of results: 108

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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.

More Details
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

More Details
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.

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
Bridlewood Riding Centre

Address

Maes-y-Coed Farm, Gwespyr, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 9JN

Telephone
01745 888922

mail@bridlewood.co.uk

Holywell

Great activity while holidaying in Wales, cater for all from ½ hour hacks as your first horse riding experience to beach rides for the experienced rider, Own a Pony days which is a great experience and lots of fun, riding for the disabled

More Details
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Address

Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Telephone
01803 697500

paigntonzoo@wildplanettrust.org.uk

Paignton

With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and one of Britain’s top…

More Details
Woburn Safari Park

Address

Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9QN

Telephone
01525 290407

info@woburnsafari.co.uk

Bedfordshire

Woburn Safari Park sits in over 300 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire parkland and is home to over 1,000 wild animals. Visitors can enjoy unlimited circuits of the Road Safari, before continuing the adventure in Animal Encounters

More Details
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.

More Details
Dyrham Park

Address

Dyrham, Nr Bath, Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 117 937 2501

dyrhampark@ntrust.org.uk

Nr Bath

Elegant 17th century mansion and deer park set in acres of rolling countryside.

More Details
Amazon World Zoo Park & Soft Play

Address

Watery Lane, NEWCHURCH, Isle of Wight, PO36 0LX

Telephone
+44 01983 867122 / 866574

info@amazonworld.co.uk

NEWCHURCH

Amazon World Zoo Park is the Isle of Wight's largest exotic animal attraction and also explore Monkey Madness the jungle themed soft play area.

More Details
Wildwood

Address

Herne Common, Herne Bay, CT6 7LQ

Telephone
01227 712111

info@wildwoodtrust.org

Herne Bay

Wildwood Wild Animal Park is a year-round experience for all the family in 40 acres of ancient woodland with over 50 species of British wildlife. Enjoy special events, talks and feeds around the park, adventure playzone and restaurant.

More Details
Peak Wildlife Park

Address

Winkhill, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7QR

Telephone
01538 308880

info@peakwildlifepark.co.uk

Leek

Get up-close and personal with four brand new animal walk-throughs. Inspire your kids and let them come face to face with lemurs, penguins, wallabies and more!

More Details
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Address

Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

Telephone
03000 674890

westonbirt@forestryengland.uk

Tetbury

600 acres with one of the finest collections of trees in the world. The Arboretum offers beautiful spring flowers, stunning autumn colours and a wide range of events.

More Details
Bowood House and Gardens

Address

The Estate Office, Bowood, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ

Telephone
01249 812102

houseandgardens@bowood.org

Calne

Outstanding 18th century mansion house estate.

More Details