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The best places to spot wildlife in Devon

Devon is blessed with a 200-mile coastline and around 2,200 square miles of rural land. This is great news for nature lovers. There's more beauty and wildlife in Devon than you'll find in some small nations.

But where should you head to see the best of Devon's wildlife? That's where we can help. In this guide, we pick out the finest wildlife hotspots and share some tips to help you make the most of them.

First up: essential gear.

Wildlife-spotting essentials

Head out on a wildlife-spotting adventure without proper preparation and you'll likely be disappointed. Or wet. Or a little bit of both.

Yes – dampness is a national pastime here in Britain. So, be sure to wear warm, waterproof clothing unless it's boiling hot and the forecast says it will stay that way. Choose muted, earthy colours that blend in with the landscape. If you wear bright clothing, animals will spot you from a mile off.

It's worth bringing a weatherproof sit mat, too. Wildlife watching is a waiting game, so you might be doing a lot of sitting.

Binoculars aren't exactly essential – but they're highly recommended. They'll help you get a good glimpse without getting up close and personal.

Finally, if you're heading out into the wilderness, be sure to bring a map and a compass. You can't rely on phone signal when you're wandering the depths of Dartmoor.

Dos and don'ts

Remember to spot responsibly. These tips will maximise your chances of seeing wildlife in Devon while keeping the cuddly critters safe and happy.

DO your research. Make sure you know where the wildlife tends to appear and when. Read the local rules and safety guidance. And swot up on the species you might see – wildlife spotting is much more fun when you know what you're looking at.
DO keep your distance. Keep to footpaths where possible – and never approach a mother and its young. Binoculars are your friend.
DO let people know where you're going – especially if you're heading into a remote area.
DO clean up after yourself. The countryside is for sharing.
DON'T call out to wildlife or try to get its attention. It will do more harm than good.
DON'T let dogs off leads. Even better, leave them with a trusted dog-sitter.

All set? Great. Let's head out and spot some wildlife. Here are some of the best places in Devon to do it.

Seals in Dartmouth Harbour

There are endless opportunities for spotting wildlife in Devon – even in our towns and cities.

Case in point: Dartmouth. This picturesque resort town is just 10 minutes from our holiday park – and during peak season, it's always bustling with tourists and locals.

That doesn't seem to bother the seals, though. You can spot the pudgy pinnipeds from Dartmouth Harbour throughout the year – often bobbing along the River Dart as they take a well-deserved nap.

If you don't happen to spot a seal, though, don't be too disappointed. Grab some fish and chips and spend a lazy afternoon by the harbour. It's well worth it.

Dolphins at Berry Head

Dolphin sightings are fairly common in Dartmouth, too. But you might have better luck at Berry Head – a clifftop nature reserve some five miles to the northeast.

The cliffs at Berry Head are about 60 metres tall and jut out into the English Channel like a big, rocky thumb. Stand at the eastern end and you'll see nothing but sea. It's the perfect vantage point for dolphin spotting.

That said, a sighting is far from guaranteed – but you'll maximise your chances if you wake early and go when the sea is calm.

Birds at Slapton Ley

We can hear the nation's birdwatchers groan in unison. Yes, birds come in many and multifarious forms. Yes, saying you can spot 'birds' is like saying, 'You've seen a vole, so you've basically seen a snow leopard'. We get it.

But we hope you'll give us a pass for Slapton Ley. This National Nature Reserve, you see, is so abundant with birds that we think the vagueness is warranted. Expect grebes, goldeneyes, terns, whimbrels, snipes, curlews and all their cousins. If you're lucky, you might even spot a cirl bunting – one of the UK's rarest native species.

Semi-wild ponies on Dartmoor

There have been ponies on Dartmoor for a long, long time – at least 3,500 years, in fact. That means they roamed the landscape long before the stones were erected at Stonehenge.

And roam they do. You'll see these stout little stallions throughout the National Park, grazing and meandering in small herds. It's a bit of a gamble whether you'll see them or not.

That said, there are a few spots where the ponies tend to gather. One of the best is Haytor – a great granite hill close to the town of Newton Abbot.

As with all wildlife in Devon, it's best not to approach if you do see them. These ponies pack a powerful nip.

Otters in Bovey Valley Woods

Tucked away on the southeast side of Dartmoor, Bovey Valley Woods is a woodland habitat with wildlife to spare. During the day, it's all rare birds and colourful butterflies. At night, bats take wing, and nocturnal mammals forage among the trees and meadows.

But we're here for the otters. These secretive creatures are known to live in the River Bovey, which runs through the woodland. Sightings are rare – but who cares? Even if you don't spot one, you'll have spent a fine day outdoors in one of Dartmoor's most magnificent ancient woodlands.

Where to stay

Wildlife spotting is a bit like fishing or knitting. It's a slow, mindful sort of hobby that demands expert patience – but the payoffs are well worth the wait.

In other words, you'll need a good few days to enjoy the abundant wildlife in Devon. So, why not stay with us here at Leonard's Cove and make a holiday of it?

With cottages, lodges, mobile homes and all the mod cons you could want, you'll always have a comfortable spot waiting for you. And thanks to our clifftop location, you might even see some wildlife from your own front window.

You'll get the best deal with our unique South Devon breaks. We hope to welcome you soon – but until then, happy spotting!