Top places to spot red squirrels

Red squirrels are one of the UK’s best-loved species and are thriving in several places we look after thanks to careful conservation and habitat management. Autumn is the best time to see them with fewer leaves on the trees, making them easier to spot as they gather food ahead of the winter. Here are some of our best places for spotting red squirrels.

Where to spot red squirrels near you
A red squirrel standing on a tree trunk with a nut in its mouth

Aira Force, Lake District 

Aira Force in the Lake District is a great spot for red squirrel watching. The best way to spot these shy creatures is to visit the wildlife hide, which looks out at the squirrel feeders.

Go squirrel spotting at Aira Force
A red squirrel at Allan Bank in Grasmere Cumbria

Allan Bank and Grasmere, Cumbria 

Allan Bank is a great place to see native red squirrels. You can use our binoculars in the Study to spot one of them on the feeders outside or you could take a stroll along the garden path to see if you can catch sight of one along the way.

Spot a red squirrel at Allan Bank
A red squirrel in the trees at Allen Banks
Walking trail

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Northumberland 

At Allen Banks the red squirrels tend to spend their days in treetops, on the lookout for snacks of seeds and nuts. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk through the woods and you might be lucky enough to spot one.

Look out for reds at Allen Banks
Red squirrel on a tree trunk
Walking trail

Borthwood Copse, Isle of Wight 

For squirrel-spotting on the Isle of Wight, head to Borthwood Copse where the population is thriving in carefully managed woodland. The hazel here is coppiced on rotation so that there is always a good crop of nuts for the squirrels to eat.

Look out for red squirrels at Borthwood Copse
Brownsea Island red squirrel
Walking trail

Brownsea Island, Dorset 

Brownsea Island is a haven for all sorts of wildlife including red squirrels, which should be easy to spot as they live here in large numbers. They're particularly fond of the islands pine trees, and you'll often see chewed pine cones on the woodland floor.

Search for Brownsea Island's squirrels
A red squirrel at Cragside

Cragside, Northumberland 

The team at Cragside are on the look out for red squirrels. Visit the wildlife hide, next to the formal garden and see what the feeding stations bring into view. If you're eagle-eyed enough to spot one, do let staff know.

Spotting red squirrels at Cragside
View of a foraging red squirrel
Walking trail

Mount Stewart, County Down 

Mount Stewart is one of the best places in Northern Ireland to see red squirrels. While we can't guarantee a sighting, you're most likely to encounter them early in the morning or late afternoon, behind the house and to the north of the lake. Follow our red squirrel trail as a guide to the top spots.

Visit the red squirrels at Mount Stewart
Red squirrel in a tree
Walking trail

Plas Newydd, Anglesey 

Plas Newydd, Anglesey offers the best chance of red squirrel spotting as they have the largest population in Wales and squirrel crossings connecting their habitats.

In search of red squirrels at Plas Newydd
A red squirrel eating nuts

Wallington, Northumberland 

In June 2012, we started working with Red Squirrels Northern England on a major conservation project to save the red squirrel population before it's too late. With dedicated support they're now thriving. Keep an eye out during a walk round the estate to see if you can spot a few.

See Wallington's red squirrels

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Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.​

Visiting and booking changes
Red squirrel with a nut

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