Born to be wild: best destinations for wildlife spotting

For most of us, the main reason that we go on holiday is to get away from it all, relax and unwind. And what could be more calming or better for your inner peace than a bit of wildlife watching?

Being out in the country air and spending a few hours among the local flora and fauna could do us all the world of good. So if you’re looking to combine a bit of wildlife spotting with a relaxing getaway, here are the top destinations to head for.

Scotland

With mile upon mile of stunning countryside and more islands and highlands than you could shake a stick at, Scotland has got to be one of the world’s best destinations when it comes to natural attractions.

Seals, badgers, pine martens, deer and dolphins can all be spotted in and around the Scottish countryside, with other rarer animals like the red squirrel, the Scottish wildcat and the killer whale nearby as well.

It’s easy to combine a trip to rural Scotland with a stay in the vibrant cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and if you’re looking for short breaks Superbreak have some great offers to suit all budgets.

Menorca and the Balearics

Is a stopping off point between Europe and Africa, the Balearic islands, and Menorca in particular, have become a haven for migrating birds and so offer some fantastic opportunities for a bit of ornithology.

Egyptian vultures, red kites and blue rock thrushes are just some of the many species you can spot. And, best of all, once you’re done bird watching you can relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches or wander around one of its many historic sites.

The Channel Islands

Lying 14 miles off the coast of Normandy but steeped in years of British and Commonwealth history, the Channel Islands are a unique destination that should be on everyone’s ‘must see’ list.

Dolphins, seals and basking sharks have all been spotted in the waters off the coast of Jersey and puffins, oystercatchers, gulls and a host of other birds are also in abundance, making a short break on Jersey a wildlife lover’s paradise.

It’s hard to beat Scotland, the Balearics and the Channel Islands when it comes to wildlife and variety, so if you’ve been inspired, grab your binoculars and take a walk on the wild side.