Fans of nature and wildlife documentaries are surely familiar with the iconic voice of British broadcaster and biologist Sir David Attenborough, whose narrations bring to life the wonders of plants, animals, and ecosystems around the globe. Beyond being educational, the captivating visuals on screen are a powerful invitation to step outside and connect with nature firsthand.
As summer holidays approach and you seek a refreshing escape amid flora, fauna, rolling fields, and lush greenery across the United Kingdom, we’ve got you covered with the following eight recommendations under different categories.
| Holiday Suggestions | Description |
|---|---|
| Somerset's Summer Wildlife Tour | |
| Port Lympne Safari Park | |
| Spring Gardens of Devon | |
| Orchids of Hampshire | |
| Surrey Hills Yurts | |
| Big Sky Lodges in the Scottish Highlands | |
| Thorpe Forest, Norfolk | |
| North York Moors |
🐾 Wildlife Encounters Holiday Fun
First, let's review some places to experience a fun wildlife holiday, whether in the form of group tours or personally arranged family trips with different itineraries and activities lined up, according to your preferences.
Somerset's Summer Wildlife Tour (NatureTrek)
NatureTrek is an established travelling agency which specialises in organising wildlife holiday tours across various countries, including the UK. If you are looking for a short wildlife holiday that not only promises breathtaking scenery but also the opportunity to come across smaller land animals like birds, butterflies, and even orchid species, we highly recommend you to join the Somerset's Summer Wildlife Tour.
What you'll experience during the tour includes visiting the chalk grassland, heading to the Mendip Hills for a bat walk, and exploring wetlands and hillsides for a wide variety of marshland birds, butterflies and orchid species.
The best part of this tour? You will be led by tour guides who are extremely passionate and experienced in the local wildlife in Somerset, making the whole tour engaging and satisfying from the beginning to the end!
📍Tour Duration: 4 days itinerary pre-planned
📍Accommodation: Provided with a comfortable hotel in Somerset
📍Food: Cost of breakfast and evening meals are included
📍Next Tour: June 2026 (can book ahead)
Port Lympne Safari Park
If you’re into bigger wildlife and a safari-style adventure the whole family can enjoy, especially with little ones in tow — this recommendation is sure to hit the mark! Located near the town of Hythe, Kent, there are many things that you can do at this 600-acre savannah.
From feeding animals up close and going on sporty safari truck adventures, to enjoying delicious Kent cuisine or even spending the night at this amazing reserve park, every penny you spend here helps support conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.
📍Entry: Tickets are booked online
📍Accommodation: Available, from glamping, hotel, animal lodge
📍Food: Restaurants are available at the reserve. Breakfast and dinner are offered for those with booked accommodation
📍Animals: 900 animals across 75 species
🌿 Nature Exploration Of All Things Botanical
Another holiday recommendation we have is a nature-filled exploration of the UK’s plants and flowers. Whether it’s the myriad of vibrant colours, enchanting fragrances, or the serene atmosphere of a beautiful garden or floral plantation, it’s sure to be a worthwhile experience. Here are two floral nature-themed holiday suggestions that you can enjoy in the UK.
Spring Gardens of Devon Garden Tour
If you have watched a UK period movie like Pride and Prejudice and The Secret Garden, you would be able to picture the essence of the English country garden. There are many garden tours in England which cater to floral lovers.
One of the most popular garden tours is the Spring Gardens of Devon, where you get to visit a few stunning gardens over a planned itinerary. Organised by Brightwater Holidays, this garden tour is perfect for garden enthusiasts, where you can observe several plant and flower collections at your own pace.
Some of the gardens that you will visit during this tour are the Gardens of Forde Abbey, RHS partner garden Dartington Hall & RHS Rosemoor, and Burrow Farm Garden. Imagine strolling around these gardens and taking lovely pictures together with your loved ones, with a sublime spectacle of flowers and trees as the background!
📍Tour Duration: 4 days itinerary pre-planned
📍Accommodation: Provided, with coach travel
📍Food: As per itinerary (not all meals are provided every day)
📍Next Tour: April 2026 (can book ahead)
Orchids of Hampshire Botanical Tour
Another nature-themed holiday recommendation is a botanical holiday featuring one of the most diverse flowering plants in the world — orchids. Orchids are undeniably popular due to their diversity and versatility. Fun fact: Did you know that orchids grow on every continent except Antarctica?
The Orchids of Hampshire Botanical Tour is one of the many tours that are organised by Greenwings, a group of passionate conversationalists based in the UK. This holiday tour is ideal for those who are fascinated by orchids and prefer a short guided trip within a small group near South East England.
This tour covers two locations over the course of two days, which are the New Forest National Park (Day One) and the Martin Down National Nature Reserve (Day Two).
📍Tour Duration: 2 days (run separately)
📍Size of group: 4 to 10 people
📍Accommodation: Not provided, since some participants may just join for one day
📍Next Tour: June 2026 (can book ahead)
🛖 Unique and Tranquil Nature Stays
When it comes to laid-back nature holidays in the UK, nothing beats the experience of staying in a cabin surrounded by forest, hill lodges, or cosy cottages in rural regions to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether it’s a glamping getaway or a stay in a vintage family lodge, you can immerse yourself in nature, observe local wildlife, and breathe in the fresh air throughout your time there.
Surrey Hills Yurts
This is a popular glamping spot for anyone who wants an eco-friendly vacation with an off-grid experience. Located an hour away from London, Surrey Hill Yurts has 2 luxury, eco-friendly yurts and 10 bell tents, each sleeping four people. Some of the activities that you can enjoy doing here include:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Farming
- Horse Riding Lessons
- Willow Weaving Course
- Archery Courses
- Antique Hunt
- Vineyard Tours
- Team Building
- Hen Parties
Important note: Electricity is not available on-site, but fairy lights and wooden burners are provided. Guests are advised to bring their own torch. This glamping site also follows a no-noise policy after 10 pm.
📍Amenities: Communal shower, communal kitchen
📍Food: Bring your own to cook or dine in at nearby restaurants
📍Parking: Available for six cars
📍Animals: Cows, pigs, and chickens (farm)
Big Sky Lodges in the Scottish Highlands
We certainly cannot overlook the beauty of Scotland when it comes to nature holiday recommendations in the UK. At Big Sky Lodges, you can expect to have rest, relaxation, and recreation with your families.
Located 25 minutes from the Inverness Airport and on the edge of the lovely Black Isle, this place is not only family-friendly but pet-friendly, with selected lodges being pet-free for those with allergies. Here are some details of the available accommodation during your stay:
🛌Accommodations
📍Parking: Each lodge (two cars)
📍Amenities: Washing machines, WiFi, BBQ essentials (on-site shop)
📍Food: Nearby restaurants, shopping deliveries are available for Tesco and Sainsbury's
📍Outdoor activities: Cycling, Skiing, Hill walking
🏕️ Forest Experience & Adventure
Now, let's switch gears for a little while with more direct outdoor forest and sporty holiday adventures in nature. From sleeping under the stars to having adrenaline-pumping group mountain biking sessions with your friends, you're bound to have a jolly time with these recommendations!
Thorpe Forest, Norfolk
This is where you get the best of both worlds — an immersive experience with wildlife and also fun outdoor activities in nature. Located deep in the Norfolk countryside, this place has a wide range of British wildlife and outdoor activities to accommodate guests of different age groups.
Some of the highlights that you can enjoy around Thorpe Forest include disc golf, canoeing, archery, outdoor escape games, and tree climbing. If you're looking to have a fun beach time in the UK, the nearest beach is only an hour away. Having said that, seal watching is a must-do activity near Horsey Beach in Norfolk!
📍Accommodation: Cabins (rooms up to 10 guests max)
📍Amenities: Hot tub, log burner, barbeque, vehicle charging points (EVs)
📍Food: There is a restaurant, bar, and café on-site alongside takeaway services
📍On-site activities: Depends on pre-booking
North York Moors National Park
Finally, we have come to our last recommendation. North York Moors National Park is a place where you can do it all, from horse riding, biking, sea kayaking, gliding, heather viewing, and of course, wildlife watching!
Above all, North York Moors National Park is well known for its cycling and mountain biking trail routes, with different difficulty levels catering to children, families, and seasoned cyclists.
✅Easy Level: Ravenscar to Whitby- 18km
✅Hard Level: Sutton Bank Paradise Route- 28.5 km (for experienced mountain bikers)
✅Very Hard Level: World Cup MTB trail at Dalby Forest - 6.4km (short but steep trail for very experienced bikers)
📍Accommodation: Forest lodges (pet-friendly)
📍Amenities: Hot tub, log burner, BBQ
📍Food: On location restaurant and bar, with a pre-booked personal chef available
📍Play area: Available for young children
Plan Your Next Wildlife and Nature Themed Holiday
It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.
Sir David Attenborough
We hope you have found this article inspiring and useful as you plan your holidays. The above recommendations are definitely unique holiday destinations in the UK in their special way, which cater to different locations and preferences. If English is not your first language, you might want to connect with an experienced English tutor via Superprof to enhance your overall comprehension of the language.
You're bound to gain confidence and competence in conversing in this language through the personalised private lessons. Before long, you'll be having a seamless UK vacation while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature and British wildlife!
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