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Nature and wildlife breaks

An aerial view of St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
St Mark's Bothy - sleeps five - on the shore of Brownsea Island, Dorset | © National Trust/Robin Kitchin

Some holidays offer quiet and connection, beneath the trees or on the moors in a remote spot. Others are close to boat trips for exciting wildlife-spotting opportunities. Many have trails and habitats to explore.

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Wildlife adventures

These holidays offer exciting experiences, heading by boat to spot seals, puffins and other seabirds. You might even see dolphins on the way.

Common seals, on a sand and shingle spit at Blakeney Point, Norfolk, amongst a breeding colony of sandwich terns

Take a boat trip to Blakeney Point, Norfolk

Blakeney Point is recognised as internationally important for its breeding birds, and its seal colony. Grey seal pups are born on Blakeney Point during November, December and early January. The best way to view the seal pups is by taking a boat from Morston Quay. You can stay in a holiday cottage nearby.

Blakeney Lodge and the old mill, Norfolk

Blakeney Lodge 

A simple lodge by the salt marshes and on the edge of Blakeney National Nature Reserve.

Puffins at Farne Islands, Northumberland

Visit the Farne Islands, Northumberland

This National Nature Reserve is home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals and, in early summer, around 200,000 breeding seabirds. The colourful and charismatic puffins are arguably the stars of the show, with 43,000 pairs breeding here. Stay in Embleton Bay and head to Seahouses to catch a boat.

The exterior of Risemoor, Northumberland

Risemoor 

Close to the sands of Embleton Bay, this coastal cottage is a great spot for wildlife watching.

Stay near a nature reserve

An aerial view of Wireless Cottage and the surrounding coast, Cornwall

Wireless Cottage, near the Lizard National Nature Reserve 

The Lizard National Nature Reserve is famous for its unusual plants and geology. The Wildlife Watchpoint is open from 1 April - spot seals, dolphins and the occasional whale as well as the popular Cornish choughs that breed close by. Wireless Cottage is a cliff-top cabin metres from the coast path.

The exterior of Castle Ward Gamekeeper's Lodge during refurbishment, County Down

Castle Ward Gamekeeper's Lodge (new) and Castle Ward Caravan Park for the Murlough National Nature Reserve 

Follow a network of paths through the dunes, woodland and heath of Murlough National Nature Reserve. Stay less than an hour away at Castle Ward Caravan Park or in one of the three cottages on the estate.

The exterior of Newtown Cabin, Isle of Wight

Newtown Cabin on the Newtown National Nature Reserve 

Wander through flower-rich hay meadows and ancient woodlands at Newtown – the only National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight. Take in views over the salt marshes and clear waters of the harbour, alive with sea birds such as oystercatchers and redshanks. Stay in a quiet backwater on the reserve at Newtown Cabin - you can bring your kayak or canoe.

An aerial view of Cladium and Wicken Rose Cottage, with the Visitor Centre and Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in the background, Cambridgeshire

Cladium on the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve 

Wicken Fen is the National Trust's oldest nature reserve and England's most famous fen. It's one of Europe’s most important wetlands and home to thousands of plant and animal species, including free-roaming konik ponies and highland cattle. Cladium and neighbouring holiday cottage, Wicken Rose Cottage, are close to the visitor centre.

Wildlife walks

Spot red squirrels, deer and all kinds of interesting birds and marine life.

Camping at Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset

Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset 

Famous for red squirrels, the island's habitats include heathland, woodland and a lagoon – internationally important for overwintering and summer-nesting birds. You can camp or choose a bothy, bunkhouse or cottage.

The exterior of Yarncliff Lodge, Derbyshire

Yarncliff Lodge, on the Longshaw Estate, Derbyshire 

Longshaw is a great place to see a variety of wildlife species, including red deer, northern hairy wood ants and many interesting birds.

A view of the camping fields at Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Cornwall

Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Cornwall 

In this biodiverse part of the country, walk along the coast to the volunteer-run wildlife watchpoint at Lizard Point to watch out for seals, dolphins and even the occasional whale and basking shark.

Holidays for rockpooling

The exterior of Hemmick Cottage, overlooking the beach, Cornwall

Hemmick Cottage, Cornwall 

Just a stone’s throw away from a sandy beach and rocky coves, head down to the beach at low tide to seek out little sea creatures in the rockpools.

Guy's Cottage, Cornwall

Guy's Cottage, Port Quin, Cornwall 

This sheltered inlet on an unspoilt stretch of coast is a great place to bring a kayak or stand up paddleboard.

Weston Farm Campsite, Dorset

Weston Farm Campsite, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset 

From this simple campsite, it's a 30-minute walk down to the quiet local beach, Chapman’s Pool, to dip into rock pools and look for fossils.

Exterior view of Wembury Mill Cottage, Devon

Wembury Mill Cottage, Devon 

Wembury Bay has some of the best rockpools in the country, with masses of sea creatures and plantlife to discover. There's even a marine centre to visit and learn more and join events.

Wake up in the wilderness

Beudy'r Gelli Bothy, Gwynedd

Beudy'r Gelli Bothy, Gwynedd 

Forget the tent next time you go away and stay in this rustic stone bothy with views over nearby Dinas Emrys.

Bosigran Cottage with a field in the foreground and the sea in the background, Cornwall

Bosigran, Cornwall 

A rustic converted barn near the coast but in the heart of the countryside - perfect for exploring West Cornwall.

The exterior of Rose Castle Cottage, Cumbria

Rose Castle Cottage, Lake District 

A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.

A view of Watendlath Bunkhouse and the lake, Cumbria

Watendlath Bunkhouse, Lake District 

A lakeside bunkhouse in a peaceful hamlet in the Lake District, near Derwent Water.

The exterior of Wasdale Hall Lodge, Gosforth, Lake District, Cumbria

Wasdale Hall Lodge, Lake District 

A stone cottage with traditional furnishings located in the remote valley of Wasdale.

The exterior of Hafod y Fedw, Gwynedd

Hafod Y Fedw, Gwynedd 

Get away from it all in this traditional Welsh countryside cottage in the wilds of Eryri (Snowdonia).

Relax in nature

Rhossili Old Rectory, South Wales

Rhossili Old Rectory, South Wales 

Just metres from the world-famous beach at Rhosili Bay, this cottage offers a unique stay on the Gower Peninsula.

Children explore Brimham Rocks overlooking Nidderdale AONB

Druid's Cave Farmhouse, Yorkshire 

A homely farmhouse near the giant rock formations at Brimham Rocks, with views of the Yorkshire Dales.

The exterior of Low Strawberry Gardens, Windermere, Cumbria

Low Strawberry Gardens, Cumbria 

A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak into Windermere.

The exterior of High Lidmoor Farmhouse and the surrounding fields, Yorkshire

High Lidmoor Farmhouse, Yorkshire 

Enjoy the simplicity of this charming, rural farmhouse, with views of the North York Moors and walks from the doorstep.

View of the Water Tower in Cornwall, one of our holiday cottages

Looking for some more holiday inspiration?

With over 500 cottages to choose from, you're sure to find your perfect one for a unique getaway with family and friends.

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