Find the nearest Animals & Wildlife
Our Animals and Wildlife category brings all Coast Radar’s listings related to looking for something to do or a place to visit together where they offer some form of animal or wildlife activity.
Finding the best things to see and do on a day out with your family or friends is easy – simply explore the animal and wildlife links below, hit the jump to my location button or use the search bar to plan your next UK and Ireland activity.
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- The Calf of Man Nature Reserve and Bird Observatory is maintained by the Manx Museum and National Trust (MMNT), with Wardens resident on the Island from spring to late autumn. The traditional style 1870’s farmhouse incorporating the Observatory is also a hostel that can be pre-booked for up to eight guests. Visitors need to bring their own food supplies and a sleeping bag. The Calf of Man Island is accessed by small boat operators running return trips from Port St Mary and Port Erin. Sailings are subject to suitable weather conditions, tide and the availability of the boatmen. The Calf of Man image: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © David Dixon – geograph.org.uk/p/3891922
- Saltfleetby–Theddlethorpe Dunes in Lincolnshire is a coastal habitat for many species of bird and animal life and covers about eight kilometres and about 952 ha of land on the North East coast. This reserve is made up of salt marsh, dunes and foreshore with more marsh on the landward side and is home to dune flora, migrant birds and wild fowl. It’s open all year round and many events are held there including walks, nature rambles, bird watching, outdoor activities for children (including wheelchair users) as well as picnics! The dunes are a natural attraction and their formation continues daily due to the wind and tidal activity. They support a wide variety of grass and flowers. Prolific insects, birds, amphibians and mammals inhabit the salt and fresh water marshes with at least 11 species of dragonfly and damselfly, water beetles and spiders, horse leeches, voles, shrews and the very rare Natterjack toad! The birdlife listed included skylarks, oystercatchers, little tern, meadow pipit, redshank, Brent geese, teal, wigeon, ringed plover and a host of other waders that stop by. Seals are common in this area and delight the kids and adults alike but they are shy by nature so you’ll have to be quiet and visit at low tide if you are see them. Dogs are allowed but on leashes preferably and you’ll need to clean up after them to keep the environment stable. Plenty of parking all year round and it’s easy to find.
- Blue Reef Aquarium gives you close encounters with seahorses, native sharks, giant octopus and hundreds of amazing aquatic creatures. At the aquarium’s heart is a giant ocean display with walk through underwater tunnel.
- The St Cyrus National Nature Reserve (NNR) sits amongst grassland, dunes and cliffs just above St Cyrus beach. The Reserve comprises of 92 hectares (230 acres) of coastal habitat in the northern part of Montrose Bay. The grasslands are protected from the weather by the inland cliffs and sand dunes and this provides a unique landscape and habitat for wildflowers, breeding birds and butterflies. Take a walk down to the sandy beach and you may get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and seals or spot some of the salmon nets. The visitor centre is located in the old lifeboat station, with information on the history of the area and what to look out for when exploring.
- The Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo Is One of the UKs Premier Attractions, With Spectacular Rides and a World Famous Zoo.
- A family adventure park with a selection of activities and animals to see. The activities include:Toboggans Giant Balls Tractor Rides Peddle go-karts including mini-go-karts for the younger visitor Water wars Crazy golf Tin can alley Three wheel balanz bikes Toddler ball pools Playzone and more….The animals include:Rabbits Cows Goats Ponies Sheep
- Sea Life Centre in Brighton offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 57 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family! Watch in amazement as giant turtles and sharks glide above you in our underwater tunnel. Visit the Tropical Reef – Complete with a shark encircled wreck and breath taking tropical coral, you can make it your own adventure! Do not miss the jelly fish spectacular that will bring these amazing creatures closer and showcase their beauty and mysterious lives. The children will love this new display as well as the behind the scenes tour where they can learn more about how all the marine life displayed in the centre is cared for to ensure that you get the best views and most knowledge that they can offer. The facilities are fantastic for everyone but no dogs allowed here! Adults pay £16.20 and children aged 3 – 14 pay £11.40.Disabled Parking – on Madeira Drive. Disabled persons toilet Guide Dogs Permitted No dogs (Guide dogs accepted) Ramp/Level Access – apart from auditorium. Wheelchair user accessible – apart from auditorium.Parking On street parking only Railway station within 5 miles Railway station within walking distance No Smoking Baby changing On-Site cafe/restaurant Gift shop Toilets
- Durrell Wildlife Park (also known as Jersey Zoo) is a zoological park on the island of Jersey, situated in 32 acres (13 ha) of landscaped parkland and water-gardens. The Park has always concentrated on rare and endangered species, and has mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, comprising over 130 species. The park has large areas within the grounds that are designated native habitat areas. The extensive planting of flowering and fruiting trees throughout the grounds also serves to attract a wide selection of wild birds and insects. Several species of bird which used to be commonly seen in island gardens but have become increasingly scarce, including the House Sparrow and Song Thrush. Nest-boxes within the grounds are used by a variety of birds including Barn Owls, Kestrels, Swallows and Martins. Other animals which are commonly seen within the grounds are the red squirrel, bank vole, and the Short-toed Treecreeper.
- Skomer Island lies off the coast of Pembrokeshire in south-western Wales. Covering 1.13 square miles in area, the island is renowned for its amazing wildlife and is a National Nature Reserve as well as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. A third of the population of Manx Shearwaters nest here, with Atlantic puffins and many other seabirds also congregating in their thousands every year. Ferries sail between Martins Haven, on the mainland, and Skomer during the Easter to October period. There is a maximum number of visitors allowed on the island every day but you can either get on a day boat trip to Skomer or book to stay in some of the island’s self-catering accommodation during the spring and summer months.
- The Isle of Wight Zoo specialises in the care and conservation of big cats and Madagascan animals. It is situated at Yaverland near the sea and the staff are really friendly and encourage visitors to participate as much as possible. Offering a close encounter with a big cat is a brilliant way to get people to appreciate these gorgeous creatures and have a once in a lifetime experience with tigers or a lemur. The zoo also offers tours which are a big success. The friendly guides help you explore the zoo, stopping off to meet the zoo keepers who introduce you to their animals. These are the people who will be able to tell you how much poo tigers do and what the monkeys like for breakfast. An average time schedule for the zoo is like this10:30am – Meet the Monkeys 11:00am – Big Cat Tour 11.30am – Zoolittle Farm 12:30pm – Lemur Feeding 1:30pm to 2.30pm – Animal Encounters Drop-In Session in Zoo at Home 2:00pm – Porcupine Feeding 2.30pm – Big Cat Feeding 3:30pm – Monkey Feeding 4:00pm – Tiger Sanctuary 4:30pm – Big Cat Feeding 5:00pm – Animal Encounters Drop-In Session in Zoo at HomeWell worth a visit and the kids will love it! They are open seven days a week including bank holidays from 10am staying open a bit later in the Summer months! Check the website for any closures due to adverse weather!
- Belfast Zoo is home approximately 130 different species, surrounded by stunning panoramic views across Belfast Lough.
