Getting out into the great outdoors is always good for the soul. And although it may not be picnic weather, winter is no exception. It’s when some British wildlife is at its most exciting. Sure, our hedgehogs are hibernating and our songbirds have mostly migrated elsewhere, but there’s still lots to see around the countryside and coasts, from flocks of wild cranes to white-coated seal pups. As for wintry conditions, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing; so grab something waterproof, strap on your boots and be inspired by our sensational wildlife, whether on a guided tour or from the comforts of a cottage or seaside hotel.
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1. Shorebird murmurations in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire
Murmurations above Morecambe Bay
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The vast expanse of Morecambe Bay is packed with mud-dwelling worms that support thousands of dunlins, knots and other migratory waders from the Arctic. Rising tides cover these mudflats, forcing the birds to take wing and engage in a dazzling choreography by twisting to flash dark backs and white bellies in stunning synchronicity. Watch them from the shelter of hides at the RSPB’s Leighton Moss reserve, which has a handy café (£10; rspb.org.uk), or find heartier meals at the nearby New Inn, a village pub with seven boutique bedrooms and excellent dining.
Details B&B doubles from £95 (thenewinnyealand.co.uk)
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2. Cranes in Hickling Broad, Norfolk
Cranes were reintroduced to Britain in 1979
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Cranes, our tallest birds, were absent from Britain for 400 years until a handful of pioneers pitched up in the Norfolk Broads in 1979. Their population has since swelled but while they’re secretive in summer, they gather as noisy flocks in winter. Up to 80 of them visit Hickling Broad nature reserve, where their evocative bugling calls reverberate across the wetlands (£4.50; norfolkwildlifetrust.co.uk). Stay a short drive away at Cobblers Barn, a cosy two-bedroom cottage within 15 minutes’ walk of breakfasts, afternoon teas and fish suppers at BridgeStones on Potter Heigham’s waterfront (mains from £10; bridgestonesofpotter.co.uk).
Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £615 (sykescottages.co.uk)
3. Reindeer in the Cairngorms, Highlands
Could there be anything more wintry than meeting real-life reindeer? The UK’s only free-ranging herd is in Cairngorms National Park, where the snowy plateau provides the perfect habitat. While watching the animals in this landscape, keep an eye out for ptarmigan, a type of grouse whose plumage changes seasonally to blend with the mountains. Wilderness Scotland’s Winter Wildlife holiday includes a full day in the reindeer’s Cairngorms home; you’ll also visit wetlands and Caledonian pine forest to boost your species count.
Details Four nights’ B&B from £1,265pp, including local transport, guiding and some extra meals; departures in February and March, 2026 (wildernessscotland.com)
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4. Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland
Take a 90-minute cruise to see the seals
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The Farnes buzz with summer birdlife — particularly puffins — but right now this rocky scattering is all about grey seals. Wrapped in blubber, they’re so indifferent to the weather that they birth their white-coated pups in midwinter. Coo over them on a 90-minute cruise from Seahouses; you might also see adult males battling for mating rights (£20; farne-islands.com). Warm up afterwards with lunch at Bamburgh Walled Garden (mains from £10; bamburghwalledgarden.co.uk), then visit clifftop Bamburgh Castle (£20; bamburghcastle.com), which has fine Farne Islands views. Stay overnight at Bamburgh’s 20-bedroom Sunningdale Hotel.
Details Room-only doubles from £69 (sunningdalehotel.co.uk)
5. Owls on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent
There are four species of owl at Elmley Nature Reserve
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Generally, their nocturnal habits make owls rather tricky to see, but your chances are uncommonly good at Elmley Nature Reserve on the Thames Estuary. Winters here welcome four of the UK’s five native owl species: the partly diurnal little and short-eared owls; the secretive long-eared owl; and — perhaps prettiest of all — the barn owl, whose white plumage makes it seem ghostly. Spend the day spotting ducks, geese and hares, then focus on owls on a two-hour dusk walking safari (£33). Stay overnight in comfortable shepherd’s huts, with two-course suppers delivered in hampers (£28pp).
Details One night’s self-catering for two from £159 (elmleynaturereserve.co.uk)
6. Wild swans in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
A Bewick’s swan at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
WWT
Compared with the well-named mute swans that we see in Britain all year round, Bewick’s swans — their Russian cousins — are positively musical. Their honking calls are a highlight of winter days at Slimbridge, a Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve beside the River Severn (from £19; wwt.org.uk). Feeding time on Rushy Lake (daily at 4pm) offers the closest sightings, when hundreds of waterfowl gather outside a heated observatory. Bed down on site at Bewick’s Lodge, which overlooks the lake, finding sustenance within a mile at the Tudor Arms (mains from £9; thetudorarms.co.uk).
Details Two nights’ self-catering for six from £610 (wwt.org.uk)
7. Otters in Teifi Marshes, Pembrokeshire
Otters are easier to see in winter
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Although otters live year-round at Teifi Marshes, just upriver from Cardigan, these semiaquatic animals are easier to see in winter thanks to higher water levels and a foliage-free backdrop. Start at the Welsh Wildlife Centre to ask about recent sightings, then head out to try your luck from the viewing hides (free; welshwildlife.org). Even if otters don’t show, swirling flocks of starlings at dusk are certain to entertain. Walk ten minutes into town for wood-fired pizzas at the Castle Inn (mains from £8; castle.pub) before spending the night in boutique-style comfort at the adults-only Albion Aberteifi.
Details B&B doubles from £125 (albionaberteifi.co.uk)