A Wildlife holiday vacation with family is the ultimate idea of fun and adventure! It is a great way to bond with each other and nature as animal-loving families. Nothing can be more exciting for kids to see their favorite animals in their natural habitat
Get ready for a fun family wildlife vacation and adventure in the country of your choice, and the UK ranks high among families and kids. After all, the country boasts of some of the best spots to spot native species in their natural surroundings.
Log on to Naturetrek if looking for one of the top wildlife holidays in the UK and look forward to an animal-packed experience.
Here are some ideas on how to plan your UK Wildlife holiday vacation with your family.
New Quay for Bottlenose Dolphins
Cardigan Bay and the Welsh town of New Quay are home to the largest resident dolphin population in the UK. You are guaranteed a sure sighting from the charter boat trips or even from the harbor wall. Along with dolphins, you get the chance to spot razorbills, grey seals, porpoises razorbills, and guillemots. You will enjoy watching them in the undisturbed habitat with clean waters, and it is a great opportunity to see the seabirds too.
- Best prospects to spot: All year round but higher chances of spotting summer
- Added attraction: Free trip to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
Northumberland for Puffins
Northumberland is the place to go to if you love puffins, the cute little black and white birds which are sometimes referred to as sea parrots because of their parrot-like beak. They look cute and funny as they rest on waves instead of swimming. Thousands of puffins make their nests on the Farne Islands, and one of the best ways to see these birds is on a boat trip from the coastal village. The islands are home to thousands of puffins and other breeding seabirds. Once you have seen puffins, you will never forget them because of their unmistakable look and comic gait.
- Best prospects to spot: From April onwards through to late July
- Added attraction: Miles of picturesque coastline and National Nature Reserves
Bass Rock for Northern Gannets
Countless northern gannets camp on the volcanic island Bass Rock and you will come across hundreds and thousands of them. This is your chance to see Britain’s largest seabird, and at first look, you will find it difficult to spot them along the black sides of Bass Rock. However, on closer look, you can make out those countless northern gannets living in those astonishing heights. Get on a boat trip to take a closer glimpse of the colony up close, and do not miss the opportunity to see the largest colonies of gannets in the world. Every last bit of rocky island is taken by these seabirds who arrive here thousands of years after wintering on the west coast of Africa.
- Best prospects to spot: Between February and October
- Added attraction: Scottish Seabird Centre and Bass Rock lighthouse
Dartmoor for the Wild Ponies
It is a joy to spot the shaggy Dartmoor pony that has roamed freely on the moor for centuries and thousands of years. The small pony with a long mane and tail can be easily spotted on walks. If you are there at the right time, you might get the chance to spot their foals, too. The breed has been there for centuries in England, and the particularly hardy breed can withstand the extreme weather conditions on the moors. Wild ponies are the result of breeding with Shetlands and the traditional type of share some of the ancestors of the ‘registered pedigree Dartmoor Pony. These wild ponies are famous worldwide and attract lots of visitors.
- Best prospects to spot: June and July
- Added attraction: Dartmoor National Park and War Horse Valley Farm
Norfolk Broads for Swallowtail Butterflies
FG your kids love butterflies, then you must plan a trip to the Norfolk Broads, where you will get the chance to spot UK’s largest and rarest butterfly, the Swallowtail. Spanning almost four inches and carrying pointed yellow -and-black wings, the Swallowtail butterflies can be found only in Norfolk Broads. Keep your binoculars ready to see the adult butterflies emerge and fly out. Swallowtails differ from all other butterflies, and children are truly fascinated by those large colorful butterflies.
- Best prospects to spot: From late May to mid-July
- Added attraction: Paddle the Norfolk Broads and explore Neatishead, a nearby village.
Lake District for Red Squirrels
Who doesn’t love watching those red squirrels in the UK? You can easily spot them on the eastern side of the Lake District. The smaller shy creatures are popular rodents and share the woodland with woodpeckers and badgers. Today, endangered species are a rare sight, but there are a few places in the Lake District where you can spot these beautiful creatures in the wild. Today, thanks to the huge effort behind the support for red squirrels, their population has stabilized. Local volunteers, rangers, and charities are working together to ensure the survival of this lovely woodland creature.
- Best prospects to spot: All year round
- Added attraction: Cruise on Lake Windermere and hike on Scafell Pike Mountains
Isle of Mull for Eagles
The Isle of Mull has become a place of wildlife pilgrimage for most families who arrive here to spot the majestic eagles. Those white-tailed and golden birds of prey are undoubtedly the
most impressive. Today, after the threat of extinction, these glorious birds are thriving in this Highland habitat and are easy to spot. Look at those lochs and rocky inlets on the island or remote glens and moorland, which are preferred by these birds. You can explore the island to see Mull’s magnificent eagles and just keep your eyes peeled to spot those majestic birds.
- Best prospects to spot: From April to September
- Added attraction: Duart Castle and lochs of Glenmore
Bardsey Island for Grey Seals
Bardsey on the Llyn peninsula is one of the best places to see grey seals in Wales. You will find hundreds of them basking in the sun during summer and enjoying the sun on the rocks, and feeding on crabs and lobsters. There is never a dull moment here on Bardsey Island because of the ever-changing seas and the chance to see some spectacular wildlife through all seasons. Other than the grey seals, you also get the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, and the migratory bird population.
- Best prospects to spot: All year round
- Added attraction : Bardsey National Nature Reserve and Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory
