Wildlife & Nature

The UK has an abundance of wildlife because of its diverse landscape and the beautiful greenery that can be found all over. Many sites offer wheelchair friendly hides and are great for anyone with sensory conditions or those that need somewhere they can take their time. 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.

Highlights

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is one of ten centres in the UK managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust…

Hertfordshire Zoo

Hertfordshire's Zoo voted ‘No.1 Outdoor Attraction’ by Tripadvisor, home to over 800 exotic wild…

London Zoo

At London Zoo, we welcome everyone to enjoy time connecting with wildlife. Our aim is to ensure…

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Hertfordshire Zoo

Address

White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA

Telephone
01992 470 490

info@hertfordshirezoo.com

Broxbourne

Hertfordshire's Zoo voted ‘No.1 Outdoor Attraction’ by Tripadvisor, home to over 800 exotic wild animals, ranging from the biggest tiger species to the smallest known monkey the pygmy marmoset. There are new habitats called ‘Sun Bear Heights’ and…

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WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

Address

Offham, South Stoke, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PB

Telephone
01903 883355

Info.arundel@wwt.org.uk

Arundel

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is one of ten centres in the UK managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to connect visitors with wetland nature and rare & endangered wetland wildlife from around the world. WWT is the charity that protects wetlands and…

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London Zoo

Address

Outer Circle, Regents Park, London, London, NW1 4RY

Telephone
07966294022

communityengagment@zsl.org

London

At London Zoo, we welcome everyone to enjoy time connecting with wildlife. Our aim is to ensure everybody has a great day out that is accessible for people of all needs and abilities.

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WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Address

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

Telephone
01453 891900

info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk

Gloucester

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, which was founded by Sir Peter Scott. All of WWT’s Wetland Centres – including Slimbridge, exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s…

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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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National Trust Stourhead

Address

Stourton, Near Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

Telephone
01747841152

stourhead@nationaltrust.org.uk

Warminster

When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and…

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Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Address

Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Dorset, BH24 2ET

Telephone
01425 470721

rangers@moors-valley.co.uk

Ashley Heath

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is jointly owned and managed by Dorset Council and Forestry England, working closely with a number of onsite concessions.

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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 and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.

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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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Alice Holt Forest

Address

Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LS

Telephone
0300 067 4622

enquiries.aliceholt@forestryengland.uk

Farnham

Enjoy fresh woodland air and a warm drink at Alice Holt Forest. We have plenty of different trails and exciting play areas for you to discover!

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West Midlands Safari Park

Address

Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF

Telephone
01299 402114

info@wmsp.co.uk

Bewdley

West Midlands 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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Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Address

Hurst Lane, Auckley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN9 3QY

Telephone
01302 535057

info@yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Doncaster

Get ready for an extraordinary family adventure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where a world of wild wonders awaits! With over 250 fascinating animals, including the largest collection of polar bears in the world, this park promises a truly…

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Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Address

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

Telephone
01983 403883

enquiries@wildheartanimalsanctuary.org

Sandown

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary 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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Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Address

Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2SJ

Telephone
01580 879820

bedgebury@forestryengland.uk

Cranbrook

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is an award-winning visitor attraction comprising of the National Pinetum, a globally important tree collection, and Bedgebury Forest.

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Wyre Forest – Forestry England

Address

Callow Hill, Bewdley, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ

Telephone
0300 067 4935

wyre@forestryengland.uk

Kidderminster

Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country and can be found to the west of Birmingham.

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Alpacaly Ever After

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 78328

info@alpacalyeverafter.co.uk

Keswick

Our mission is to rescue and rehome alpacas and llamas from all over the country and give them a wonderful new home with the very best of care, while bringing people in touch with the landscape and the natural world through outstanding alpaca and…

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Haldon Forest Park

Address

Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XR

Telephone
0300 067 5826

Haldon.rangers@forestryengland.uk

Exeter

Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.

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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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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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Cardinham Woods

Address

Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AL

Telephone
01208 76787

Cardinham.rangers@forestryengland.uk

Bodmin

Cardinham Woods is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, nestling in a beautiful valley with a bubbling stream. The mixed woodland offers a range of waymarked walking trails, mountain biking, and family-friendly play and picnic areas. Discover stunning…

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