Autumn Wildlife Spotting in the South West: Discover the Season’s Natural Wonders
A s the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the South West of England becomes a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Autumn is a time of transition, with animals preparing for the colder months ahead, and the landscape comes alive with activity.
With the rugged moors of Dartmoor, the dramatic coastline of Lands End and everything in between, the South West offers a wealth of opportunities for wildlife spotting. Pair these adventures with a stay at a St Austell Brewery pub accommodation, and you have the perfect autumn escape!
Here are some of our favourite places for wildlife spotting in the South West…
1. Dartmoor: A Sanctuary for Wildlife
Dartmoor National Park is a rugged wilderness, rich in wildlife and history. Autumn is a particularly special time to visit, as the moors are awash with the golden hues of bracken and heather, and the crisp air is filled with the calls of birds and the rustle of animals preparing for winter. Look out for Dartmoor ponies grazing on the moor, and if you're lucky, you might spot red deer during their rutting season, their majestic antlers silhouetted against the sky.
Stay nearby at the Royal Seven Stars in Totnes, just a short drive from Dartmoor. This historic hotel offers the perfect base for exploring the moors, returning to a comfy bed and hot shower after a day of wildlife spotting.
2. Exeter: A Riverside Haven
The bustling city of Exeter, with its rich heritage and stunning cathedral, is also home to a surprising variety of wildlife. The River Exe is a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially during the autumn migration. The Exe Estuary is a designated Ramsar site, attracting thousands of wading birds and waterfowl. Keep an eye out for avocets, oystercatchers and curlews as they feed along the mudflats, and watch for the flash of a kingfisher as it darts along the riverbank.
After a day on the estuary, unwind at the stylish Mill on the Exe, where you can enjoy views of the river from the comfort of your room or the pub’s terrace. Its location makes it an ideal spot for both urban exploration and wildlife watching.
3. Tintagel: Myths, Legends and Wildlife
Famous for its links to the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel is also a fantastic destination for autumn wildlife spotting. The cliffs around Tintagel Castle are home to nesting seabirds, and in autumn, you might spot kestrels and peregrine falcons hunting along the coast. The surrounding countryside is rich with wildlife, including foxes, badgers and a variety of bird species preparing for the colder months.
Stay at the Port William in Tintagel, a charming pub with rooms just a stone’s throw from the sandy beach of Trebarwith Strand. After exploring the history and wildlife of the area, return to this coastal base that’s popular with surfers, walkers and beach lovers alike.
4. Lyme Regis: Fossils and Marine Life
While Lyme Regis is famous for its fossil-rich beaches, it’s also a fantastic spot for marine wildlife. Autumn is a great time to spot seals along the Jurassic Coast, as they haul out onto the rocks to rest. The cooler waters also bring an array of fish and seabirds closer to shore, making it a great time for rock pooling and birdwatching.
Stay at Rock Point, right on the seafront in Lyme Regis. This pub offers award-winning beers and comfy sea-view rooms, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the rich marine life and dramatic coastline.
5. Lands End and Sennen: Coastal Wildlife Spectacles
Lands End, the most westerly point of mainland England, and nearby Sennen Cove are excellent spots for autumn wildlife spotting. The cliffs and headlands are home to a variety of seabirds, including gannets, fulmars and razorbills, which can be seen diving for fish. Autumn also brings the possibility of spotting migrating marine mammals as they follow the warm currents, such as dolphins, porpoises and even whales!
For a stay near this iconic spot, book a room at the Old Success Inn in Sennen Cove. This historic inn offers stunning views over the Atlantic and is just a short walk from the beach, so you can enjoy some coastal wildlife spotting right on your doorstep.
6. Mousehole: A Picturesque Harbour Teeming with Life
Mousehole is one of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing villages, and its sheltered harbour is a haven for marine life. Autumn is a great time to spot seals bobbing in the water and seabirds flocking along the coast. The nearby cliffs and coves are perfect for a quiet walk where you might spot rabbits, foxes and a variety of birdlife preparing for winter.
Stay at the Ship Inn in Mousehole, a traditional pub with a rich maritime history. Its location right by the harbour makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing autumn break, where you can enjoy all the sights and sounds of this charming village and its wildlife.
Embrace the Beauty of Autumn Wildlife
The South West of England is a treasure trove of wildlife, and autumn offers a unique opportunity to witness the region’s natural wonders in all their glory. Whether you’re exploring the windswept moors of Dartmoor, the serene riverside of Exeter or the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, there’s something magical about this time of year.
Pair your wildlife adventures with a stay at one of our welcoming pubs with rooms, where you can relax in comfort and enjoy the very best of South West hospitality.