Wildlife Watching in Cornwall: What You Can See and Where
Wildlife Watching in Cornwall: What You Can See and Where
Discover Cornwall’s incredible wildlife, from dolphins and seals to rare birds and butterflies—plus the best places to spot them near Lanyon Holiday Park.
Cornwall isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers and surfers—it’s also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With its diverse habitats, from rugged cliffs to heathland and estuaries, Cornwall is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and marine life.
If you’re staying at Lanyon Holiday Park, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the region’s most exciting wildlife hotspots. Here’s what you can expect to see—and where to go for your best chances of spotting it.
1. Marine Life: Dolphins, Seals, and Even Whales
Cornwall’s waters are teeming with life, and if you’re lucky, you might spot:
- Common dolphins and harbour porpoises dancing through the waves
- Grey seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing curiously in the surf
- Basking sharks (in summer)—the gentle giants of Cornish seas
- Even the occasional minke whale or humpback off the coast!
Where to watch:
- Godrevy Point – Just 20 minutes from Lanyon, this is a top spot for seal watching, especially in autumn and winter.
- Porthgwarra & Cape Cornwall – Ideal for spotting dolphins and seabirds.
- Mount’s Bay – Great views from Penzance or Marazion, sometimes including basking sharks in early summer.
2. Birdwatching: From Coastal Cliffs to Woodland Paths
Cornwall is a birdwatcher’s dream, offering a chance to see everything from garden favourites to rare species:
- Choughs – A symbol of Cornwall, these rare red-billed crows are now making a comeback on the cliffs.
- Puffins – Spotted at sea around the Isles of Scilly and occasionally along the coast.
- Oystercatchers, curlews, and sandpipers – Common on estuaries and beaches.
- Buzzards, kestrels, and peregrine falcons – Often seen soaring above headlands.
Where to watch:
- Hayle Estuary RSPB Reserve – Just 15 minutes from Lanyon, brilliant for wading birds and wildfowl.
- The Lizard Peninsula – A known chough hotspot.
- Stithians Reservoir – Inland, but a favourite for ducks and rare birds.
3. On Land: Foxes, Deer, and Small Mammals
While harder to spot, Cornwall’s woodlands and moorlands are home to:
- Foxes and badgers
- Roe and red deer
- Hedgehogs, stoats, and rabbits
Where to watch:
- Tehidy Woods – Near Lanyon, this peaceful woodland is great for spotting squirrels and birdlife.
- Bissoe Valley – A quieter area that’s rich in native wildlife.
4. Insects and Pollinators: Butterflies and Bees
In spring and summer, Cornwall comes alive with colourful butterflies, dragonflies, and buzzing pollinators.
Look out for:
- Painted ladies and red admirals
- Silver-studded blue butterflies
- Hummingbird hawk-moths darting around gardens and hedgerows
Best spots:
- Clifftop meadows near Portreath or Chapel Porth
- Wildflower-rich paths around Godolphin Hill or Penrose Estate
5. Wildlife at Lanyon Holiday Park
You don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy nature. At Lanyon Holiday Park, we’re surrounded by Cornish countryside teeming with life. From early morning birdsong to evening owl calls, there’s always something to discover.
Bring your binoculars—you might spot:
- Swallows and swifts overhead in summer
- Rabbits grazing in the early morning
- Buzzards circling above the fields
A Wildlife Watcher’s Paradise
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about what’s out there, Cornwall is a spectacular destination for wildlife watching. With so many beautiful and accessible locations near Lanyon Holiday Park, you can enjoy close encounters with nature—without straying far from your pitch.
Ready to explore Cornwall’s wild side?
Book your stay at Lanyon Holiday Park and start your nature-filled Cornish adventure today.
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