With its rolling hills, acres of natural beauty and breathtaking views, the Lake District is home to many wonderful creatures, great and small. And we’re a nation passionate about animals, with the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index 2023 revealing that 69% of people in the UK say they’re animal lovers and 80% taking action to help animal welfare.
From spotting wildlife in their natural habitats to ready-made packages that allow you to get up close and personal with different animals, The Lake District is the perfect vacation spot for animal lovers. And with staycations confirmed as the most popular holiday choice for Brits in 2024, there is no better time to book a dream animal lover’s countryside escape.
Here, we cover some of the best activities for animal lovers in the lakes.
Badger browsing in Haweswater
Badgers are one of the most mysterious and fascinating animals native to the UK. Because of their nocturnal nature, it can be hard to spot them out in the world. The RSPB has recently opened a badger hide at its base in Haweswater, offering visitors a unique look into the life of badgers.
The hide was built in an area where badgers were already present, meaning visitors are guaranteed to see beautiful badgers when they visit.
Annabel Rushton, RSPB visitor experience manager at Wild Haweswater, said: “This is all about giving the public a unique nature experience with one of the UK’s most iconic, but secretive mammals. To see these beautiful creatures up close – they can come within a metre of the hide – is a truly magical experience for people of all ages.”
Pony trekking in Ullswater
For those who like to travel by horseback, Park Foot Pony Trekking in Ullswater offers pony trekking experiences through the fells. The treks are open to a range of ability levels and are all fully supervised, so don’t worry if you’re just learning how to ride.
Open from the end of March through to mid-November, your pony trek offers stunning views across Ullswater! Bond with your pony while you take in the breathtaking scenery from horseback.
Park Foot Pony Trekking has been operating for over 30 years, offering magical experiences perfect for those who love horses. All safety equipment, such as riding hats, are provided, plus waterproofs if required.
See aquatic life at the Lakes Aquarium
If there is one type of wildlife that is hard to spot in the wild, it is aquatic life. But do not worry – you can see local and exotic creatures at the Lakes Aquarium. From funky fish to magical waterside mammals and rare reptiles, there are endless species to discover.
The aquarium is split by location, so you can see creatures from the Lake District, Asia, the Americas and Africa in environments that mimic their natural habitats. It also offers a recreation of Windermere so you can see a true-to-life representation of how local species live in the largest body of water in the Lake District.
As well as hosting a range of aquatic and waterside-dwelling creatures, the Lakes Aquarium takes part in a range of conservation projects, including Toads on Roads, Crayfish in Crisis and breeding freshwater pearl mussels.
Visit the Lake District Wildlife Park
No animal lover’s trip to the lakes is complete without a visit to the Lake District Wildlife Park. With over 100 species of local, national and international wildlife, it is a treasure trove of interesting and exotic wildlife.
As well as seeing these magnificent creatures up close, you can learn more about your favourite species with engaging educational talks – learn more about meerkats, lemurs, red pandas and many of the other species that are thoughtfully cared for and conserved at the park.
For an extra-special encounter, you can get even closer to the animals with the park’s Ultimate Animal Experience. With this package, you will prepare food and enrichment activities for creatures, including tapirs, meerkats and lemurs, and spend time with them. Do not be surprised if the park’s mob of meerkats climbs on you – but if you love animals, you are sure to love it.
Like the Lakes Aquarium, the Lake District Wildlife Park isalso committed to conservation. It is part of the International Vulture Programme, SEED Madagascar and the Forest Guardian Scheme, amongst others, which are all committed to conserving and protecting wildlife.
Go alpaca walking
Once only native to South America, alpacas are now a beloved species in the UK. Known for their friendly natureand distinctive personalities, they make great companions – so why not try alpaca walking?
Armathwaite Hall, which offers luxury family breaks in the Lake District, is home to a set of four alpaca brothers who love taking a walk with guests through the grounds of the estate. Remember to bring your camera to capture those cute moments!
Alpaca walking not only gives you the opportunity to get close to some adorable alpacas but it can also offer therapeutic benefits. Alpacas are often used in animal therapy thanks to their intuitive and welcoming nature. They also emit a distinct yet soothing hum when they are content or curious – if you find the happy purr of a cat relaxing, you will love this!
The Lake District is not only an idyllic location for a staycation with family, friends or partners, but it is also a great destination for animal lovers. If you are looking for animal-centric activities for your holiday, you will be spoilt for choice in Cumbria.
