In our latest feature, CaravanTimes takes a closer look at the wildlife that awaits you at some of the UK and Ireland’s best caravan parks
It’s pretty true to say, almost anyone who enjoys taking to their caravans to escape from the hustle and bustle of cities and towns all have one thing in common: a love for nature. Whether it is getting out and about to take in the beautiful scenery, spending time becoming jealous of those who live on the rolling hills or seaside cliffs all year round, or simply taking in all that nature has to offer by exploring the abundance of wildlife which can be found in your vicinity, there’s pretty much something for everyone and we all love being outdoors. Here at CaravanTimes we share the same passion, so we thought we would put together a list of the top ten places in Ireland and the UK to experience the abundance of wildlife on offer on your doorstep. So come with us and let’s take a walk on the wild side.
England
England has a very big variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Puffins, seals, porpoises, owls, hares, bats, foxes, stoats. Even a few basking sharks if you’re lucky. There is so much to see that we have picked what we think are the best of the best in a few areas.
East Yorkshire
The mix of wildlife here is a combination of the two and four legged kinds coupled with panoramic seaviews and lush countrysides famous for its puffin population.
The Wold Farm Caravan and Camping Site in the Yorkshire area has so much to offer. A short walk to the beach will lead you to Bempton Cliffs Bird Sanctuary with perfect view points which can enable you to see the puffins and their burrows from a mere ten feet away.
Along other nature trails, you can spot deer, meadow pipits and maybe a weasel or two. It is worth the time to take in the amazing scenery along the coastline and wooded ravines.
The campsite has nothing more than the essentials meaning you can enjoy what is around you.
Park Rose Village is an East Yorkshire park with a wildlife twist. If you don’t want a holiday way out in the country, keep reading.
The campsite has its own little wildlife section dedicated to some exotic and interesting animals.
Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park has a range of animals such as owls, hawks, falcons, meerkats, wallabys and alpacas. Make the most of the daily flying displays or have a hold of one of their small animals.
The rest of the park is just as impressive with a go kart track, café serving nice refreshments, crazy golf, and, of course, a caravan park with 18 pitches for motorhomes and touring caravans.
Somerset
Located in the Burnham-on-sea area of Somerset, Warren Farm Holiday Centre lies in the perfect spot between village life and the quiet countryside with a wide variety of places to explore for those special wildlife experiences.
On site there is an endless expanse of farmland and many trails down to the nearby beach. With a fishing lake as well, you can while away the hours relaxing on the campsite.
If you want to head out and venture further away from camp, you can head to one of the several parks for a wild time. Within 30 miles you can get to the SeaQuarium, Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Puxton Park and Noah’s Ark Zoo Park.
There is something for everyone, even the very brave, as the reportedly-haunted Wookey Hole caves are just 20 miles from the camp. Visit the spectacular local attraction and risk the chance of meeting the legendary witch said to be lurking in the shadows.
Norfolk
Nestled in north Norfolk, surrounded by 250 acres of woodland, Kelling Heath is one of the best places for a getaway and to get among all the wonders the area has to offer. The park even has captive red squirrels as part of a national breeding scheme in a bid to save the rare species.
The site is fully equipped with a range of pitches to chose from so everyone’s needs are met. Amenity buildings are second to none with hot showers, washing facilities and individual cubicles and extra heating is applied during those colder months.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and near the coastline at Weybourne, you will get the chance to get close to nature with miles of woodland and heathland trails for strolling through at your own pace. If you would like to learn more about the scenery and the wildlife, there is the option of having a guided tour or doing trail activities if you really want to get your hands dirty.
Norfolk doesn’t just offer nature breaks in the woodlands, there is also a lot of beauty out by the coast.
Searles Leisure Resort offers all sorts of accommodation including level touring and camping pitches just yards away from the Norfolk coast. They suit caravans, motorhomes and folding campers with easy access to all pitches. The grounds are pet friendly and have children’s play areas as well as a communal barbecue and a supermarket on site. The list continues with a gymnasium, sauna, club house and even golf.
The main attraction of the park is the unique nature tour open to all. The Searles Sea Tours is a two minute drive from the park and will take you out on the world’s first seal safari on an amphibious vehicle. The sea tours are exciting and educational as you travel down the Wash with Captain Willie and the Wash Monster.
Northumberland
In a spot that is an hour away from Newcastle and the castles of Northumberland, Beadnell Bay Caravan Park is a great place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of life without needing to go too far to see the ‘hidden kingdom’ of Northumbria.
You can go for a relaxing walk along the beach or you can get involved in a countryside event. Head out to the Farne Islands to see the puffins, Arctic terns and the seals.
To get out and about into nature and experience a real rush courtesy of the vibrancy that nature brings, you can get in contact with Adventure Northumberland to take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, canoe tours and survival courses.
Scotland
The wildlife in Scotland is an exciting array of marine life including thousands of seals and puffins, but is also a place where birds of prey call home. The range of animals in Scotland is wonderfully diverse and will certainly entertain and fascinate the whole family; you never know – you might even learn a thing or two in the process.
Scotland is inundated with a huge range of birds all over the beautiful countryside. Maybe one of the most popular birds to find while out bird watching is the white-tailed eagle. With a campsite situated in the perfect spot to see these predators, why wouldn’t you head to the Sands Caravan and Camping site?
A breeding pair have made the area their local residence and are often out feeding or interacting with insects, crows and ravens.
The camp’s kayak hire is available to witness visiting dolphins, porpoises or seals if marine life is something you’ve always wanted to see.
The campsite itself provides everything you would need. Picnic tables, a games and TV room, a play area and cooking and dog walking areas – oh and highland cows to boot!.
Northern Ireland
The iconic Northern territory is home to a range of wildlife including waterbirds, barn owls, red squirrels and stunning insects. And, despite the country’s troubled past, it certainly is a very peaceful place which will allow for a wonderful time away – even enabling you to make some furry and feathery friends in the process.
One of the most tranquil places in Northern Ireland is the Lough Neagh area, where the Oxford Island Nature Reserve can be found.
The reserve houses many varieties of animals, birds and insects. And, if you look closely you may be able to find ravens, starlings, geese, shrews, mountain hares, badgers, otters, dragonflies and butterflies to name just a few.
Kinnego Marina Camping and Caravanning Site is within the nature reserve, making it the perfect spot to explore the grounds and see the wildlife. The camp itself allows dogs to stay, has a children’s playground and boat trips can be arranged from the park for further exploration.
Republic of Ireland
The Irish countryside is home to a whole host of exciting wildlife, just waiting to be spotted by adults and children alike. And, with stunning landscapes, friendlier-than-friendly natives and plenty of the black stuff to boot, what’s there not to love?
Killarney Flesk Caravan and Camping Park is a mere few minutes walk away from Killarney National Park. With trails that lead straight into the park, its best to keep your eyes open so you don’t miss any of the wildlife getting on with their day. Butterflies, stoats, eels, swans, billy goats, birds of prey including White-tailed eagles, squirrels and even a few ducks all make the Killarney National Park their home.
The camping park holds facilities such as a campers’ kitchen, a restaurant and take away shop, laundry, a taxi service and wet weather shelter. You could get lost in the woods everyday and still have a lovely place to sleep at night in the camping park.
It doesn’t seem possible that so many places can offer such different things to do but that is just another reason why we should all get out and about to see what’s right here on our doorstep. From puffins to butterflies, from eagles to dolphins, all can be found in quiet spots dotted all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nothing is set to a strict schedule so there is no rush to get from one place to another. The perfect kind of holiday you would want to get away into nature and maybe even learn a thing or two about our furry, feathered and winged neighbours.
