Cumbria is one of the best places in the UK for getting in touch with your wild side. Once you’ve hiked your way through the mountains, and boated around a number of lakes, there are also plenty of fantastic opportunities to surround yourself with incredible animals and other wildlife.
Cumbria has a whole host of incredible experiences at your fingertips that can let animal lovers discover something new or fall even further in love with their favourite species.
Meet the Meerkats at Lake District Wildlife Park
A glorious 25 acres of wildlife a stone’s throw from Bassenthwaite lake, the Lake District Wildlife Park offers you the chance to get up close and personal with an array of animals. Whether you want to watch a lively lemur climb a rope or see a bird of prey go through the paces, there’s something for everyone at the wildlife park.
They also offer a number of experiences to get you truly up close and personal with the animals, including meeting the meerkats, lemur encounters and alpaca walking.
Become a Zoo Keeper at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
You’ll find the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis in Milnthorpe. Combining a little zoo with a museum, the wildlife oasis is all about conservation. Priding themselves in their partnerships with conservation and breeding schemes they offer a number of slightly more hands on experiences.
While you can simply visit and take in the wildlife, from the snow leopards to the molluscs, they also offer the chance for you to become a zookeeper for the day. You can shadow a zookeeper and get your hands dirty, helping them care for the animals. They also offer a junior zookeeper experience too!
See the Bottom of Windermere at the Aquarium of the Lakes
You’ll find the Aquarium of the Lakes at the southern tip of lake Windermere, at the Lakeside Pier. You can even arrive by boat if you want to make it a truly nautical experience. It’s also accessible by train, so is the ideal day out if you don’t have a car.
The aquarium itself showcases marine wildlife from all over the globe. With tanks showing marina animals and fish from the Americas, Asia, Africa and many others. There’s also a tunnel that recreates Windermere itself and lets you see what it would be like at the bottom of England’s largest lake.
Watch Falcon Displays at Lakeland Bird of Prey Center
Located near Lowther castle, the Lakeland Bird of Prey Center is tucked away in a scenic walled garden. With over 150 different birds of prey, from hawks to falcons and eagles, there’s a myriad of birds to see. Every day between 2 and 4 the birds are flown and you can come watch incredible falconry displays.
Spot a Black Grouse at RSPB Geltside
Encompassing two hill farms in the north Penines, RSPB Geltside is a must see for avid birdwatchers. Take one of the many nature trails through the reserve and spend time spotting some of the UK’s most interesting birds. The stars of the show at RSPB Geltside are Band Owls, Black Grouse, Curlews and Lapwings, but there’s sure to be more to spot. With educational facilities and refreshments available on site, it’s an excellent place to spend a relaxed day.
Whatever animals you love, Cumbria has something that you’ll enjoy. If you’re looking for a nature-based day out then it’s truly an excellent place to visit, so get planning your Lake District holiday today and get yourself even closer to nature.
