Wales in Style is an online guide to the treasures that make Wales a truly memorable place to visit.
It’s not hard to spot wildlife in Wales thanks in part to the abundance of lush nature reserves. All year round these environments flourish, offering shelter to some amazing creatures. If you’re looking to get close to nature in the late spring then our run down of what you can spot is essential.
WHAT: Bottlenose Dolphins
WHERE: Cardigan Bay has a reputation for attracting a variety of sea creatures, but most notably it is home to the UK’s biggest pods of bottlenose dolphins. They have thrived here, which highlights the strong healthy ecosystem. The best place to spot them in the late spring is off the coast of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, before they head south towards New Quay for summer.
STAY: Gwesty Cymru is a luxurious hotel right on the seafront, with stunning views of the bay. This contemporary hotel offers a fresh inventive menu with local ingredients.
WHAT: Grey Seals & Manx Shearwater’s
WHERE: The islands of Skomer and Skokholm are home to much of Cardigan Bay’s wildlife, including an abundance of marine birds. Skomer is home to around 120,000 pairs of Manx Shearwater’s, with an estimated 45,000 on Skokholm. The two islands provide a home for the largest population of these birds currently known.
As well as the birds, Skomer offers safety to hundreds of grey seals as they gather on the island, providing entertainment for onlookers as they squabble for the best places. There are boat trips daily to Skomer, with the exception of bad weather. The website and their Twitter account are updated frequently to inform visitors of any changes.
STAY: fields Lodge is only a twenty-minute drive from the Lockley Lodge Visitor centre. This quaint B&B mixes traditional and modern stylings, offering comfort after a long day of exploring.
WHAT: Puffins
WHERE: Puffin Island, off the tip of Anglesey, has been turned into a bird sanctuary, home to a range of different seabirds including Puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills. The birds’ breeding season falls between April and July, so visiting in late spring offers the chance to see an abundance of wildlife and possibly even some early hatchers. Cruises are offered around the island, but it is advised to pre-book via the website.
STAY: Fifteen minutes drive from Puffin Island is Beaumaris’ Ye Olde Bull’s Head Inn and Townhouse, which seamlessly combines old wooden beams with contemporary décor. It is also one of the top places to eat in North Wales.
WHAT: Ospreys
WHERE: The Dyfi Valley is part of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust. Located near the town of Machynlleth, the breeding programme in place here led to the first successful breeding of Ospreys in over 400 years. There is a 360 degree observatory allowing spectacular views of the birds in their habitats and the Dyfi Estuary beyond.
STAY: Situated between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi, Llety Brynawel is a beautiful Georgian guesthouse in a perfect location for both coast and country.
WHAT: Red Kites
WHERE: Otherwise known as the King of Wales, these large majestic birds of prey are common across the lush Welsh landscape. Rhayader is home to Gigrin Farm, where they have scheduled feedings of this magnificent birds allowing for onlookers to see them in action in their natural habitat.
STAY: Indulge in luxury after a day exploring the countryside at the Metropole Hotel, which is a short drive away in the nearby Llandrindod Wells. This impressive Victorian hotel boasts a four star rating, and also offers
