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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- 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.
- At the Hamptonne Country Life Museum you can look at six centuries of Jersey’s rural life at. The museum is situated in a 15th century house and farm. You can explore the farm and get an insight into Jersey farming.
- Seal Island is the largest island in The Carracks, a group of small rocky inshore islands 200m offshore and around 6km from St Ives. The island gets its name as it’s the home to a colony of Grey Atlantic seals. You have two options to see the seals; (1) is by a Seal Island boat trip from St Ives harbour or (2) with a set of binoculars from the coast path.
- Banham Zoo is a 50-acre zoo in Banham, Norfolk. It is privately owned and home to over 2,000 animals. Having opened its doors to the public in 1968, the zoo is now one of Norfolk’s top attractions with over 200,000 visitors a year. The zoo started with just a collection of pheasants and parrots in the late 1960s, acquiring a colony of woolly monkeys in 1971. Today, Banham Zoo has a wide range of different animals to see but still has a significant collection of smaller mammals and reptiles. The zoo is open throughout the year and has a coffee shop and restaurant on site, details at www.banhamzoo.co.uk
- The North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory (NRBO) was established in 1987 to study and record the migrant birds that pass through Orkney’s most northerly island each year. The number and variety of birds that arrive here on migration in Spring and Autumn can be spectacular, and North Ronaldsay is well-known as one of the best birdwatching sites in the UK. The observatory also provides a variety of comfortable accommodation, including guest house, hostel and camping area, for visitors to the island.
- Anglesey Sea Zoo has a large aquarium, shipwreck with congor eels, shark pool. Talks throughout the day helping to explain the 150 native species, diving displays and daily feeds are all part of the visit. As well as the fishes you have a gift shop, cafe, crazy golf, adventure playground and octojump bouncy castle. Open daily from February half term to October half term. Visits outside of this time can be arranged by contacting the Zoo. Visit sea zoo website for more details!
- The Farne Islands are rocky islands, once home to saints, soldiers and famous lighthouse keepers, now a sanctuary for seabirds (puffin and guillemot) and one of Europe’s largest grey seal colonies. Excellent place for wildlife photography, sea-kayaking and diving.
- The Big Sheep is an all weather attraction in North Devon. The Big Sheep is a great day family day out for children and adults. There’s a brewery, garden centre, sheepy shop, the indoor playground and outdoor laser guns. With live shows throughout the day including bottle-feeding lambs, sheep shearing, duck trails and much, much more.
- Scarborough SEA LIFE and Marine Sanctuary will introduce you to many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks, all in displays which carefully recreate their natural habitats. Explore freshwater rivers and streams, the rugged UK coastline, the shallows and the dark depths of the North Sea and the crystal clear warm waters of the Barrier Reef. At every step there are different amazing creatures to find, to watch and to learn about.
- Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserves. This seven mile bay stretches from Amble to Cresswell. Opencast mining in much of this previously flat and and almost featureless landscape has allowed the creation of many wetland areas and lakes which are a magnet for wild life. This area has a number of reserves: Hauxley Nature Reserve, Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond and the 100 acre reedbed and deep water pools, purpose designed at East Chevington.
