When you are thinking of enjoying nature and wildlife holidays, the coastal areas of the UK and Ireland can offer you some of the best experiences. The rugged coastlines of the UK and Ireland aren’t just home to dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches, but also a home for a variety of wildlife.
From puffins perched on windswept rocks to dolphins playing in sheltered bays, these shores offer unforgettable wildlife encounters for nature lovers. Whether you’re a family seeking a seaside adventure or a traveller chasing raw, untamed beauty, you can have a great time exploring the coastline of the UK and Ireland.
With tailormade wildlife holidays by Naturetrek, you can make the most of the time as you cover these amazing coastal spots that promise magic at the edge of land and sea.
Farne Islands, Northumberland, England
Located in Northern England, this wild archipelago just off the coast of Northumberland offers a great experience for those interested in wildlife encounters, especially birds. During the spring and summer months, the island cliffs and grassy slopes explode with life as over 150,000 Atlantic puffins make this space their home.
Along with Atlantic puffins you can also spot other birds like guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and shags jostling for space, while grey seals bask on the rocky shores. The waters around the islands are a marine conservation zone, offering occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises.
Visitors can take guided boat trips from Seahouses, with some cruises allowing landings on Inner Farne or Staple Island. The islands’ windswept, treeless terrain and crashing waves give the whole place a rugged and basic feel that makes every visit unforgettable for birders and nature lovers alike.
Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales
On the other side of Great Britain, Skomer Island is nothing short of a coastal paradise for those interested in wildlife and birds. This island is one of the top places in Wales where you can have a great time exploring the outdoors and spotting the flourishing puffin population. This draws photographers and birdwatchers from across the country between May and July.
However, puffins are not the only birds around; the island is also home to the world’s largest colony of Manx shearwaters, along with short-eared owls, oystercatchers, and even Atlantic grey seals basking in hidden coves.
The landscape is strikingly beautiful, with dramatic cliffs, wildflower meadows, and sweeping sea views at every turn. The island has no vehicles and limited visitor numbers, so it’s a peaceful retreat ideal for mindful nature walks and wildlife spotting. Boats depart from Martin’s Haven, and a full day gives you enough time to explore the trails, bird colonies, and secret bays that make Skomer so magical. If you have more time to spare, enjoy walking and spending time at some of the best beaches in North Pembrokeshire before you depart.
Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
When you’re thinking of rugged outdoors and wildlife, Scotland is one of the top places in the UK to offer memorable experiences. A jewel of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Mull offers one of the richest wildlife experiences anywhere along the Scottish coast. With its sweeping moorlands, sea lochs, and forested glens, Mull is a paradise for otters and red deer in the hills.
Those looking for marine life can spot minke whales, sharks, porpoises and common dolphins during the summer months. Hence, it is an ideal place for marine wildlife lovers to come and capture them on camera. Mull is also a birdwatcher’s dream, with frequent sightings of white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles soaring over the cliffs.
If you are looking for adventure, you can look out for wildlife boat tours that operate out of Tobermory, and coastal walks like those around Loch na Keal offer a peaceful way to explore. Its untamed landscapes, vibrant marine life, and tranquil pace make Mull perfect for those seeking a deep connection with nature on Scotland’s wild edge.
Rathlin Island, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Just six miles off the Antrim coast, Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island and a coastal wildlife sanctuary like no other. Hence, if you are looking for lesser-known wildlife destinations in the UK, you can always opt for this one. The steep cliffs on the island’s western side are home to a larger number of breeding seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills. You can also spot plenty of grey seals in the quieter bays and even capture the best wildlife photos, which you can take back home.
Subsequently, you can also explore the RSPB-managed Seabird Centre at the West Light, which offers panoramic views and an up-close look at the island’s bustling nesting sites. Those looking for natural landscapes can enjoy Rathlin’s rugged, windswept beauty, with windswept moors, sea stacks, and quiet lanes perfect for walking or cycling. You can opt for ferry services from Ballycastle to access the island for day trips and even opt for overnight stays that allow visitors to experience the serene magic of Rathlin after the last boat has left.
Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, England
Located on the Lincolnshire coast between dunes and salt marshes, Donna Nook offers an intimate wildlife spectacle like no other. If you are visiting this coastal spot in England during the breeding season from late October to December, you will find over 2,000 grey seal pups here. The best part is that there are wooden walkways that allow visitors to observe mothers and pups from a safe distance without bothering them.
For nature and wildlife lovers, Donna Nook’s raw and immersive experience is unforgettable. Visitors get to hear cries of newborns, see bulls guarding territory, and watch young seals wriggle across the sand is something that stays with you. Outside the peak season, the surrounding coastline still offers rich birdlife and peaceful walks through tidal flats.
Cardigan Bay, Ceredigion, Wales
Interested in dolphin-watching experiences? If you are into dolphins, Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins in the wild. This expansive bay along the west coast of Wales is home to Britain’s largest population of resident dolphins, who can often be seen leaping in the surf or riding boat wakes.
While you are busy spotting these bottlenose dolphins, don’t miss out spotting harbour porpoises, Atlantic grey seals and even minke whales. You can base yourself in New Quay or Aberaeron, where local boat operators run dolphin-spotting trips, or simply watch from the harbour walls and clifftop trails. While you are exploring the bay inland, you can walk the lush hills and river valleys and explore coastal birds. You can spend time at the gentle beaches, whether you are alone, with your partner or family.