The Best Places to Spot Wildlife in Devon
If you’re planning a stay at Hazelwood Holiday Park, you’ll be delighted by the incredible wildlife in Devon. With two spectacular national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, nearby, miles of rugged coastline, and stunning countryside, Devon is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or simply soaking up the natural beauty, this is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers.
In this guide, we’re taking you through some of the best spots to experience wildlife in Devon at it’s very best. From the iconic black swans of Dawlish to playful grey seals and even dolphins, this little slice of the U.K. is full of surprises.
Whether you’re a wildlife pro or just someone who loves a bit of outdoor fun, Devon has something for everyone, including you!
Coastal Path Walks and Bird Spotting
Coastal walks near Hazelwood Holiday Park offer a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself in wildlife in Devon, especially around Dawlish.
During spring time, from March to May, the area is buzzing with migratory birds such as swallows, sand martins, and house martins as well as seabirds including oystercatchers, gulls, and the beautiful redshank. For those that are lucky, there’s also a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive peregrine, a local falcon known for soaring high above the cliffs of Devon.
Throughout the summer months, from June to August, coastal walks offer even more diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for seals sunbathing and see if you can spot any playful dolphins along the Dawlish to Exmouth stretch. Summer is also a breeding time for most of the wildlife world, so the chances of seeing baby animals too!
In the autumn months, September to November, the coastal paths become a hotspot for migrating seabirds and waders, like curlews and turnstones, as they make their journey south. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just love being surrounded by nature, these walls provide a stunning setting to spot a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year.
On The Beach and In The Sea
Any trip to one of the wonderful beaches, such as Wembury Beach, Northam Burrows, or Bantham Beach offers an opportunity to explore wildlife in Devon even further.
Wembury Beach is a Designated Marine Conservation Area and a fantastic rockpooling location. The whole family can enjoy the wonders of wildlife here thanks to the abundance of crabs and starfish found in the small, salty pools scattered across the beach. There’s even a guided rock pooling option which you can book at the The Wembury Marine Centre.
Slapton Sands is a unique beach in South Devon known for its freshwater lagoon, which is home to herons, warblers, and even otters. Enjoy the various trails around the ley and birdwatching opportunities during your visit.
Finally, but not least, Bantham Beach is a stunning South Devon beach surrounded by estuaries and dunes, great for exploration of tidal habitats. Here, you will be able to spot wading birds and egrets. Take a dip into the sea and enjoy some wild swimming too during your visit; the water is wonderfully refreshing!
Wildlife Spotting in Devon for the Kids
Taking your kids on a wildlife spotting adventure in Devon is one of the best activities that we recommend at Hazelwood Holiday Park. Whilst there is plenty to do on-site, there is nothing better than getting out into nature.
As a starting point, The Devon Wildlife Trust’s website has an exclusive kids zone, to help parents and kids to get out and explore all that Devon has to offer. As Devon is home to 59 nature reserves, you won’t be short of ideas and inspiration.
The county is brimming with woodland and meadows, including Andrew’s Wood and Barley Valley Park, both of which are rich in various types of wildlife including many butterflies, farm stunning horses, birds, and more. In South Devon, you’ll find South Efford Marsh, a prime spot for bird spotting with children. The Devon Wildlife Trust’s team has also put together some great resources for little ones to encourage kids to delve into nature as much as possible.
We also recommend Pennywell Farm, Little Bradley Ponds with its wonderful dragonfly population, and Meeth Quarry, an area brimming with walking trails, ponies, and lakes, perfect for spotting wildlife in Devon.
Your Next Wildlife Retreat Starts at Hazelwood Holiday Park
Whether you’re here for a relaxing family getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a chance to reconnect with nature, Hazelwood Holiday Park is your ideal base. From spotting black swans in Dawlish to discovering rock pools at Wembury Beach, every day brings a new opportunity to create lasting memories. So pack your walking boots, grab your binoculars, and get ready to experience the best wildlife in Devon - all from the comfort of Hazelwood Holiday Park. Your adventure starts here!