TRAVEL
Unique UK animal encounters From the truly wild to the more domestic, there are so many animal experiences to be enjoyed here in the UK. Whether you dream of taking you and your family strolling with alpacas or heading out into the deep blue sea, these animal encounters will create lasting memories.
Spot badgers in Dorset Possibly one of the most elusive of all British wildlife, wild badgers are often difficult to find despite their size. For an opportunity to glimpse one of these creatures, head to Dorset’s Old Henley Farm where guests can sit and view in two spacious hides. Visit www.badgerwatchdorset. co.uk Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum
Walk alpacas in East Sussex
Herd sheep in the Lake District
Watch beavers in Cornwall
A stroll through the British countryside with an alpaca friend in tow is certain to put a smile on your face! Alpaca walking at Spring Farm Alpacas in East Sussex will take you through beautiful countryside, where you can spot a wide range of wildlife the farm has encouraged. Visit www.springfarmalpacas. co.uk
If you’re keen to get stuck into life on the farm, look no further than the truly unique Lake District Sheepdog Experience. Designed for absolute beginners, just one session will see you guiding your flock around a small course all with assistance of your trusty sheepdog. Visit www.bit.ly/lakesheepdog
After four hundred years of extinction in the UK, beavers are making a comeback thanks to the Cornwall Beaver Project. These chubbycheeked rodents in Cornwall have been reintroduced into a secure area of woodland and can be viewed on weekly beaver walks. Visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere
Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro
Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield
Go whale watching in Scotland
Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire
Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales
See wild boars in the Forest of Dean
Whale watching may be on your bucket list for an exotic country but it is achievable here in the UK. Off the mainland of Scotland, near the islands of Tiree, Coll and Mull, you can see Minke whale along with dolphins and porpoises.
The Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of the largest breeding Atlantic seal colonies in the world. Glimpse these inquisitive creatures and their pups up close. Mayberry Kayaking are so confident you will see them that they even offer a ‘seal guarantee’ during certain months. Visit www.bit.ly/mayberryseals
The endangered red squirrel is a rare find but can be easily found in Yorkshire’s Widdale Squirrel Reserve, one of the last strongholds. With a special viewing area for the public, you will be sure to get the perfect vantage point to spot these bushy tailed beauties. Visit www.bit.ly/yorkshiresquirrels
Wild boars had largely disappeared from the UK until an unsanctioned release from a farm in the Rosson-Wye area. Many now roam the Wye Valley. If you are lucky enough to spot one on your visit, stay still and keep your distance they are not as friendly as their domesticated counterparts.
Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest
Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes
Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford
Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban
Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield
Tirlaggan Studio, Oban
Compiled by Yonder (www.yonder.com), a new travel brand that offers responsible and nature rich stays and experiences. All properties referred to in the article can be found on their website.
familiesonline.co.uk
Email: editor@familiestvw.co.uk
Families Thames Valley West • 15
