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Discover the UK’s best wildlife centres with Premier Inn

Go wild and make some new furry friends

Time Out in association with Premier Inn
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From conservation centres to safari parks to wetland reserves, the UK is positively teeming with spellbinding wildlife and incredible creatures. Here’s where to track down both.

Turbury Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Turbury Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Bird lovers shouldn’t miss this rescue and rehabilitation centre for owls, eagles, hawks, falcons and vultures. The birds are housed in large open-fronted aviaries and are flown for visitors. There’s also the chance to get closer to some of the 90-plus inhabitants on one of its Owl and Hawk Experience Days.

Turbury Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, 92 Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 4LB. www.turbarywoods.co.uk

Premier Inn, Preston South (Craven Drive), Lostock Lane, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 6BZ. 3.2 miles

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park

This educational venue is set in the historic arboretum at Askham Bryan College. Its mission is to teach about the importance of conservation. Wander the different zones and be amazed by fantastic animals from all over the world. Animal encounter sessions allow you to get up close to several of them.

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park, Askham Bryan College, Askham Bryan, York, YO23 3FR. www.abcwildlifepark.co.uk

Premier Inn York South West, Bilbrough Top, Colton, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 3PP. 2.7 miles

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Matthew Roberts

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

The hides at this wildlife oasis allow you to get up close to a wide range of birds, including kingfishers, egrets and woodpeckers. There are also opportunities for pond dipping and spotting newts, frogs and water voles. Providing a fantastic break from any hectic schedule, it’s brilliantly also wheelchair accessible.

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 8DB. www.ywt.org.uk/potteric-carr

Premier Inn Doncaster (Lakeside), Wilmington Drive, Doncaster Carr, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 5PJ. 0.7 miles

Saltholme Reserve
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Saltholme Reserve

A stroll around the wetlands of Saltholme provides a wealth of bird-watching opportunities, from ducks and geese to kestrels and herons. With designated wildlife viewing spots to catch birds at their best. There’s also a family discovery zone, cafe, play area, accessible trails dotted with wild flowers, and a walled garden.

Seaton Carew Rd, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough TS2 1TP. www.rspb.org.uk

Premier Inn Stockton-on-Tees/Hartlepool, Coal Lane, Woolviston, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS22 5PZ. 4.9 miles

Wigfield Farm
Andy Buchanan / Alamy Stock Photo

Wigfield Farm

Visit Barnsley College's teaching farm and learn more about modern horticulture and animal management. The wide range of animals includes meerkats, Shetland ponies, and red deer, as well as the usual farm staples, but don't forget to drop in to the rodent room and aquatics room as well.

Wigfield Farm, Haverlands Lane, Worsbrough, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 5NQ. www.barnsley.ac.uk

Premier Inn Sheffield/Barnsley (M1 Jct 36), Maple Rd, Tankersley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3DL. 3.6 miles

RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor

Whatever time of year you visit this RSPB nature reserve, there’s something to spot. Wildlife is varied and plentiful, including, of course, birds (it’s a breeding ground for bitterns). In summer, butterflies hover over its meadows full of orchids, making the beautiful Yorkshire landscape even more photogenic.

RSPB Dearne Valley, Old Moor, Old Moore Lane, Wombwell, Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley, Yorkshire, S73 0YF. www.rspb.org.uk

Premier Inn Barnsley (Dearne Valley), Meadowgate, Valley Park Industrial Estate, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 0UN. 1.2 miles

Washington Wetland Centre
Eric Plante / Alamy Stock Photo

Washington Wetland Centre

This unique wetland habitat offers an inspiring day out. Each season brings different things to see, so it’s a great place any time of year. The centre has become home to otters, flamingos and other exotic and indigenous wildlife. It’s a great example of conservation at its best.

Washington Wetland Centre, Pattinson, Washington, NE38 8LE. www.wwt.org.uk

Premier Inn Sunderland A19/A1231, Wessington Way, Castletown, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 3HR. 1.9 miles

Hawk Conservancy Trust
Peter Brogden / Alamy Stock Photo

Hawk Conservancy Trust

A conservation centre and home to the National Bird of Prey Hospital, which can treat up to 200 birds a year. Visit to support the trust’s work and take part in daily activities such as bird feeding, ferret races, tractor rides and raptor flying displays. Kids can also have fun in the themed adventure playground.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY. www.hawk-conservancy.org

Premier Inn Andover, West Portway Industrial Estate, Joule Rd, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3UX. 3.1 miles

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

Visit this wildlife sanctuary and bird of prey centre not only to catch the flying displays, huskies and reptile house, but also to sign up for one of its hawking, owl or eagle sessions. They offer the chance to handle the birds, learn about falconry and feel what it’s like to have a mighty raptor land on your arm.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JB. www.eagleheights.co.uk

Premier Inn Swanley, London Rd, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7QD. 4.3 miles

Swift Valley Nature Reserve
Jerome Murray - CC / Alamy Stock Photo

Swift Valley Nature Reserve

There’s a touch of the countryside idyll about this wetland reserve. Offering the perfect habitat for wildlife, it bursts with colour in spring as snowdrops and daffodils join the arboreal splendour of alder, willow and ash. The meandering disused canal adds interest and is perfect for a summer’s day walk, with pretty yellow water-lilies, watercress and celery-leaved buttercups flourishing at its muddy edges. 

Swift Valley Nature Reserve, Brownsover Lane, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1HU. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Premier Inn Rugby North (Newbold), Brownsover Rd, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1HL. 1 mile

Whipsnade Zoo
Tony Margiocchi/tmphotos@me.com

Whipsnade Zoo

From rhinos and red pandas to lions and lemurs, a trip to Whipsnade is a delight for animal lovers. There’s a host of daily events, kicking off with a lemur breakfast, and and taking in talks on some of the zoo’s best-loved beasts, plus the chance to get up close and hands-on with the animals in Hullabazoo Farm. Don’t forget to hop on board one of Whipsnade’s steam engines for a mini safari through the habitats of elephants, rhinos, yaks and camels.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF. www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

Premier Inn Dunstable South (A5), Watling St, Kensworth, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 3QP. 3.8 miles

Kent Owl Academy

Kent Owl Academy

Book a hands-on experience session to handle and fly some of the fascinating birds of prey at the Kent Owl Academy, part of the Kent Life open-air museum (www.kentlife.org.uk). Despite the name, it’s also home to skunks, snakes and meerkats and runs occasional wildlife photography workshops, too.

Kent Owl Academy, Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU. www.kentowlacademy.com

Premier Inn Maidstone (Town Centre), 5-11 London Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8HR. 2.4 miles

Rainham Marshes
© Shutterstock

Rainham Marshes

Escape the city without breaching the M25 at the vast open spaces of Rainham Marshes, out in the Thames Estuary. Run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, it’s a top spot for sightings of wetlands inhabitants such as lapwings, egrets, rare warblers, and water voles.

RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Rd, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SZ. www.rspb.org.uk

Premier Inn London Rainham, New Rd, Wennington, Rainham, Essex, RM13 9ED. 1.6 miles

Belfairs Woodland Centre

Belfairs Woodland Centre

Discover and learn about these ancient woodlands. They are traditionally managed to provide a haven for wildlife and for visitors. There is a sculpture trail and the Seven Woods Walk around the whole site. Free entry, so get a breath of fresh air and look out for the resident Dormice.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Eastwood Rd North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 4LR. www.essexwt.org.uk

Premier Inn Southend Airport, Thanet Grange, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6GB. 1.8 miles

Chafford Gorges Nature Park
Peter Bowden

Chafford Gorges Nature Park

This unique 200-acre nature reserve plays an important role in conservation. Get some fresh air and exercise in this rich haven for wildlife and plant-life, including orchids, bats, newts and glowworms. Paths lead visitors around the gorges and chalk pits of this wild park.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 7RG. www.essexwt.org.uk

Premier Inn Thurrock East, Fleming Rd Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays, Essex, RM16 6YJ. 1.1 miles

Wild Place Project
© Barbara Evripidou

Wild Place Project

A 15-minute drive brings you to this outdoor adventure, play and learning space run by Bristol Zoo. With exotic animals such as lemurs, baboons and grey wolves and barefoot mud trails for children, award-winning gardens and woodland walks for adults, what’s not to like?

Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP. www.wildplace.org.uk

Premier Inn Bristol Alveston, Thornbury Rd, Alveston, Nr Bristol, Avon, BS35 3LL. 6 miles

Longleat

Longleat

The Longleat estate takes some beating for a day out. Culture fans will love the Elizabethan mansion, art collection and Capability Brown grounds, while wildlife enthusiasts will revel in the astonishing range of exotic creatures to see on the safari tour, from lions and tigers to monkeys and rhinos.

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. www.longleat.co.uk

Premier Inn Trowbridge, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge, BA14 8AH. 13.7 miles

Dalkeith Country Park
Keith Fergus / Alamy Stock Photo

Dalkeith Country Park

Beautiful old estate, brand new tourist destination. Redeveloped as a child-friendly visitor experience in 2016, Dalkeith Country Park’s big draw is its massive outdoor play fort. And there’s plenty for adults, too – not only is it a gorgeous, leafy slice of the countryside, but it also has a great café, shop and ‘well-being lab’ for yoga, pilates and other workshops.

Dalkeith Country Park, Via King’s Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 1ST. www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 (Dalkeith), Melville Dykes Rd, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH18 1AN. 1.2 miles

Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve

Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve

If you need some quiet time, this delightful nature reserve is centred on the largest natural lake in the West Midlands. Aqualate Mere has an array of habitats supporting all manner of birds, fish and mammals, with handy walkways enabling easy views for wildlife watchers.

Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve, Gnosall, Staffordshire, TF10 9DE. www.naturalengland.org.uk/nnr

Premier Inn Newport/Telford, Stafford Rd, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9BY. 2.7 miles

Doxey Marshes
Midland Aerial Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo

Doxey Marshes

Twitchers and wildlife lovers should head to this wetland area for the chance to see lapwings, otters, shrews, migrant hawker dragonflies and more. There are flat-surfaced paths throughout most of the reserve so getting around is easy, making it great for kids.

Doxey Marshes, Wootton Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1PU. www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Premier Inn Stafford North (Hurricane), 1 Hurricane Close, Stafford, Staffs, ST16 1GZ. 1.3 miles

 

Sandwell Park Farm

Sandwell Park Farm

This restored Victorian farm is a treasure trove of things to do and see, and ideal for adults and kids alike. Apart from its Grade II-listed buildings, there’s a walled garden, a lovely tea room and a maze, while the farm is home to several rare breeds of animal.

Sandwell Park Farm, Salters Lane, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 4BG. www.sandwell.gov.uk

Premier Inn West Bromwich, New Gas St, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 0NP. 10 miles

The Falconry Centre
Sue Robinson / Alamy Stock Photo

The Falconry Centre

This fascinating experience allows you to get up close to these magnificent raptors. The visitor centre shows their dedication and knowledge about conservation, but the birds definitely steal the show. Flying demonstrations and handling experiences are available all year round.

The Falconry Centre, Kidderminster Rd South, Hagley, West Midlands, DY9 0JB. www.thefalconrycentre.co.uk

Premier Inn Hagley, Birmingham Rd, Hagley, near Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 9JS. 3.9 miles

West Lodge Rural Centre

West Lodge Rural Centre

What a great place to get a hands-on experience with animals. This friendly farming family’s enthusiasm for country life is infectious. Share a cuddle with the chicks, rabbits and guinea pigs, collect eggs or feed the ducks, while learning about life on a working farm.

West Lodge Rural Centre, Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering, NN14 2SH. www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

Premier Inn Corby, Southern Gateway Business Park, 1 Little Colliers Field, Oakley Hay, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN18 9EZ.

National Forest Llama Treks
Melissa Page / Alamy Stock Photo

National Forest Llama Treks

Experience the tranquil National Forest from a different angle – in the company of llamas! Take a trek leading one of these charmingly calming animals for company. Groom, feed and learn about these wonderful creatures on this unique trip.

National Forest Llama Treks, 260 Lichfield Rd, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8ED. www.nationalforestllamatreks.co.uk

Premier Inn Burton on Trent Central, Wellington Rd, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2DQ. 2.9 miles

Start planning an unforgettable weekend away

The ‘One Great Thing’ guide
  • Things to do

From the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from vibrant cities to the wilds of Wales, find what you’re looking for in Premier Inn’s brand new UK One Great Thing guide. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend away is, you’ll find it here.

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