As daffodils begin to bloom and fields are brimming with new born lambs, spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and discover a wonderful array of nature across the Yorkshire countryside.
The best place to view seabirds has to be at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. More than 250,000 birds bring the 350 foot high cliffs alive as adults bring food to their nests and young chicks attempt their first flights. You can watch all the action from specially created cliff top viewpoints, which are also wheelchair accessible. On a calm day, you may spot the distinctive triangular fin of a harbour porpoise or even a grey seal.
While at the magnificent Duncombe Park Estate in Helmsley, why not visit the National Centre for Birds of Prey and watch these stunning birds take to the sky in spectacular flying demonstrations. From the tiny terrestrial Burrowing Owl to the mighty and majestic Steller’s Sea Eagle, the NCBP houses the largest collection of birds of prey in the north of England.
North Cave Wetlands is a true example of a 21st Century nature reserve, developed in the footprint of a large sand and gravel quarry. A day spent here any time of the year will reward visitors with close up views of a range of wetland wildlife.
Take a guided tour around some of Yorkshire’s most stunning landscapes with Wildlife Discovery Tours and discover diverse and amazing wildlife and landscapes. Their specialist guides give small groups the opportunity to discover a suite of species from the surrounding habitats and landscapes in a number of locations across Yorkshire.
Get up close and personal with a herd of llamas and alpacas at Nidderdale Llamas. Once paired up with your own llama, spend the day trekking amidst the beautiful Nidderdale countryside or meet one of the farm’s other animal residents such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, snakes, ponies, goats and donkeys.
Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley is a large, family run, farm attraction. Sitting in the rolling Pennine foothills, the farm is home to hundreds of animals, waiting to welcome you to a world of animal magic. It also features one of the biggest and best equipped playgrounds in the north of England and the largest tube maze in Europe. Walk into a world of adventure at the
Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster and meet some of the most beautiful and endangered animals in the world, including polar bears, amur tigers and the amur leopard. Walk with the lemurs in Lemur Woods, hop along to the Wallaby Walkabout, see the animals of South America or meet the meerkats.
If horse riding is your thing, Farsyde Riding Centre in Whitby is the perfect place for riders of all abilities to enjoy the spectacular coastal countryside. Enjoy riding along the beach, moors, forestry and the scenic former rail path to Scarborough, with views looking out to Scarborough Castle and Flamborough Head on a clear day. Come and meet a whole host of animals at Boston Park Farm near Doncaster.
From adorable calves to baby bunnies, learn fun facts about all the animals as you make your way around the animal trail and buy some special food to feed the animals – perfect for getting the kids involved.