Spot some of Scotland and Northern England's top wildlife with a stay at one of our holiday parks.
The UK is home to plenty of rich, varied wildlife, with a huge range of native mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and coastal marine life. If you're looking to spot wildlife in the UK, a getaway is a great idea, offering the chance to explore new places and see a range of wildlife in their natural habitats.
Whether you want to discover the Scottish coast or explore the Northern English countryside, our parks make a great base for your wildlife spotting adventure.
The UK is home to some beautiful mammals, from the shy and nocturnal to the bright and curious. With hundreds of species, there's plenty to discover around every corner, but the best-known are the most popular to try and find. Whether you're looking to spot bats or badgers, there are so many glorious mammals to see around the UK.
With eighteen species of bat calling the UK home, you're very likely to spot one if you're out and about after dark. One of the top locations to spot long-eared bats is Huntingtower Castle in Perthshire, known locally as the 'bat castle', and Dumfries and Galloway is another hot spot for bat watching.
There are two species of deer roaming different regions in the UK, you'll have a wonderful chance to spot one on your trip. Roe deer are commonly seen in East Lothian, are commonly found in woodlands and rural areas, and red deer are famous for roaming open moorlands, the Scottish Highlands, and large woodlands.
One of the most easily recognisable UK mammals, but not often spotted due to their general shyness and nocturnal sleeping patterns. Despite their introverted nature, they can be found across the UK in regions such as Ayrshire, Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria and Perthshire, and spending a night trying to spot them can be a great activity on your wildlife break.
The most common types of hares spotted in the UK are mountain hares and brown hares. Brown hares inhabit open countryside and can be seen in many regions, from Berwickshire to County Durham all year round, though they're easiest to spot in Spring. Perthshire and the Scottish Highlands are great places to see mountain hares, particularly in Winter as they start to turn white.
Most commonly spotted during the winter months, there are several places where you are likely to see a red squirrel. Argaty Red Kite Centre in Perthshire is a great spot to look for them, as well as Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire and Kielder Forest in Northumberland, and our parks offer a fantastic base for your trip.
The only species of otter native to the UK is the Eurasian otter, found across rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire is a great place to look for otters all year round, and Druridge Bay in Northumberland and Shibdon Pond in County Durham are also hot spots.
There are several types of mice that can be found in the UK, from the long-tailed field mouse to the blunt-nosed harvest mouse. Each species varies in its natural habitat, with field mice liking rough grasslands in mainland Scotland and harvest mice preferring South Yorkshire or Wales. Visiting a nature reserve is often the best way to see one, and there are plenty of options located near our parks.
While rare to see in the UK, beavers can occasionally be spotted in Scottish rivers, most commonly in Perthshire. Eurasian beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland by the 16th century, but they were reintroduced in the 2000s, and there are now several established populations across various Perthshire.
These remarkable cattle are completely untamed and live wild in the historic landscape of Chillingham Park. They have been there for around 700 years, are regarded as a scientific marvel and are some of the rarest animals in the world. If you're planning a trip to Northumberland, it's well worth booking a tour to see these magnificent creatures for yourself.
Bird watching is a fabulous hobby to get the whole family outside, enjoying a spot of fresh air and connecting with nature. From magnificent birds of prey to sweet little songbirds, there are plenty of species to marvel at around the UK, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment outdoors and build quiet, unforgettable moments.
There are many species of birds of prey across the UK, from owls to kestrels. The Northumberland National Park actively supports barn owls, and the region is home to all five native owl species in the UK. Species such as kestrels, buzzards and sparrowhawks can be found in East Lothian, and there are several dedicated birds of prey rescue groups and experiences in Ayrshire. For the best chance to spot a golden eagle, head to the Perthshire highlands.
Find out more
With more than 270 species of songbirds to spot in the UK, you're sure to encounter plenty wherever you travel to. In Ayrshire, robins are widely seen in hedgerows and woodland floors, as well as blackbirds and wrens, and Berwickshire is a great place to spot warblers and goldcrests. Song thrushes and blackcaps are often found in Perthshire and County Durham, and Dumfriesshire is home to many yellowhammers and tree pipits.
Find out more
The North Pennines National Landscape holds roughly 80% of the English black grouse population, making County Durham one of the best places to spot them. The extensive woodlands and moorlands at the Drumlanrig estate in Dumfriesshire is a fantastic place to spot pheasants, as is Hulne Park near Alnwick in Northumberland. For the best chance to spot red grouse, head to the Lammermuir Hills in East Lothian.
Find out more
One of the best places to spot coastal birds in the UK is the Scottish Seabird Centre in Berwickshire, where you'll have the chance to see a range of species, including gannets, razorbills, kittiwakes, arctic turns, sandwich turns and more. Puffins can be commonly spotted off the Farne Islands in Northumberland, and Dumfriesshire is a great place to see sandpipers strolling along the shore.
Find out moreThe UK coast is home to a wealth of magnificent life, offering the chance to see wonderful creatures in their natural habitats. Whether you fancy scouring rockpools for crabs, hopping aboard a boat trip to spot seals or admiring the acrobatics of dolphins, there's so much wildlife to discover for a truly rewarding escape.
Grey seals can be spotted off the UK coast, commonly off the Farne Islands in Northumberland. They can also be seen along the Berwickshire coast, usually between September and December. Common seals can also be seen around the UK coast, making up 5% of their global population.
Bottlenose dolphins are the most recognisable dolphin species in the world, and can be spotted off the coast of Scotland. There are resident populations on both the West and East coasts, and are often spotted close to the shore in pods of between two and twelve. Short-beaked common dolphins can also be seen off the coast of Aberdeenshire.
There are over 40 species of shark around the coasts of the UK, though only a few are able to be seen throughout the year. One of the most commonly spotted is the basking shark, the second largest fish in the world. They can sometimes be seen around the British coast, usually off the Isle of Mull and Southwest England.
The abundance of jellyfish around the UK's coast provides a wonderful food source for leatherback turtles, who make a marathon journey across the Atlantic Ocean to our shores. While Wales holds the world record for the largest marine turtle ever discovered, they can also be seen in Scotland, as far north as the Firth of Forth.
There are as many as 67 species of crabs in the UK, the most common being the brown crab, common shore crab and velvet swimming crab. Brown and common shore crabs live along rocky shores across the UK, and velvet swimming crabs can be spotted best on the East coast of Scotland, such as East Lothian.
Orcas can often be spotted on the North and West coast of Scotland, with a small pod residing year-round on the West coast. Northern pods, however, occasionally travel south to feed, so orcas have also be seen in the East of Scotland.
The UK is home to many species of reptiles and amphibians, from frogs to snakes, with plenty of spots ideal for catching a glimpse. Whether you're a reptile fan, looking to spot an amphibian or simply seeking an activity for the whole family to enjoy, keep your eyes peeled for some of these fabulous creatures.
There are two native frog species in the UK, the common frog and the northern pool frog. Common frogs are found in almost all regions of the UK, especially during the Spring months, and the best place to find northern pool frogs is Thompson Common in Norfolk between May and June.
Find out more
The UK is home to two native toad species, the common toad and the natterjack toad. Common toads can be seen across the UK during the Spring months, whereas natterjack toads are best spotted in Northern England and Scotland, specifically along the Solway Firth in Dumfriesshire, the Eskmeals Dunes in Cumbria and the Merseyside Coast.
Find out more
There are three native species of snake in the UK, which can be spotted in various regions. Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK, most commonly found in Southern England, but can also be seen in the Peak District and rural landscapes in Scotland. Grass snakes are primarily found in Dumfriesshire, as well as Southern England. Smooth snakes are the UK's rarest snake, now found only in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey.
Find out more
There are three native newt species to spot in the UK, with the most common being the smooth newt. They can be found in almost every region of the UK, though they are absent in Western Scotland and Wales. Palmate newts favor shallow, acid-rich pools, making them common in Scotland, specifically the Cairngorms, and South West England, and lowland England is best to spot great crested newts, including Suffolk, Cheshire and Essex.
Find out more
Situated in some of Scotland and Northern England's most beautiful locations, shrouded in nature, Verdant Parks are some of the best options for a wildlife spotting trip. Whether you're after a break by the coast or a peaceful retreat in the countryside, you're sure to discover plenty of vibrant wildlife for a truly unforgettable holiday.
Our parks offer a range of cosy accommodation to suit all budgets, fantastic on-site facilities, excellent entertainment and much more to give everyone a fabulous holiday, whether you're travelling with friends, family or your other half.
Explore our parks
Escape to the coast for a spot of water sports, a traditional day by the seaside or a wander round charming local towns.
Explore coastal parks
Explore lush greenery, rolling hills and peaceful surroundings with a countryside retreat.
Explore countryside parks
From challenging hikes to gentle strolls, there are plenty of walks near our parks to suit everyone's tastes.
Explore walking holidays
Because holidays are much better with wagging tails.
Explore dog friendly breaksOur friendly team are waiting to hear from you. Check out our office hours or use the contact buttons below
For any press, media or influencer enquiries, you can contact us by email click here
