Discover the UK’s best wildlife centres with Premier Inn

A conservation centre and home to the National Bird of Prey Hospital, which can treat up to 200 birds a year. Visit to support the trust’s work and take part in daily activities such as bird feeding, ferret races, tractor rides and raptor flying displays. Kids can also have fun in the themed adventure playground.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY. www.hawk-conservancy.org

Premier Inn Andover, West Portway Industrial Estate, Joule Rd, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3UX. 3.1 miles

Visit this wildlife sanctuary and bird of prey centre not only to catch the flying displays, huskies and reptile house, but also to sign up for one of its hawking, owl or eagle sessions. They offer the chance to handle the birds, learn about falconry and feel what it’s like to have a mighty raptor land on your arm.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JB. www.eagleheights.co.uk

Premier Inn Swanley, London Rd, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7QD. 4.3 miles

There’s a touch of the countryside idyll about this wetland reserve. Offering the perfect habitat for wildlife, it bursts with colour in spring as snowdrops and daffodils join the arboreal splendour of alder, willow and ash. The meandering disused canal adds interest and is perfect for a summer’s day walk, with pretty yellow water-lilies, watercress and celery-leaved buttercups flourishing at its muddy edges. 

Swift Valley Nature Reserve, Brownsover Lane, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1HU. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Premier Inn Rugby North (Newbold), Brownsover Rd, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1HL. 1 mile

Find all the best cultural spots in the south. 

From rhinos and red pandas to lions and lemurs, a trip to Whipsnade is a delight for animal lovers. There’s a host of daily events, kicking off with a lemur breakfast, and and taking in talks on some of the zoo’s best-loved beasts, plus the chance to get up close and hands-on with the animals in Hullabazoo Farm. Don’t forget to hop on board one of Whipsnade’s steam engines for a mini safari through the habitats of elephants, rhinos, yaks and camels.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF. www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

Premier Inn Dunstable South (A5), Watling St, Kensworth, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 3QP. 3.8 miles

Book a hands-on experience session to handle and fly some of the fascinating birds of prey at the Kent Owl Academy, part of the Kent Life open-air museum (www.kentlife.org.uk). Despite the name, it’s also home to skunks, snakes and meerkats and runs occasional wildlife photography workshops, too.

Kent Owl Academy, Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU. www.kentowlacademy.com

Premier Inn Maidstone (Town Centre), 5-11 London Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8HR. 2.4 miles

Escape the city without breaching the M25 at the vast open spaces of Rainham Marshes, out in the Thames Estuary. Run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, it’s a top spot for sightings of wetlands inhabitants such as lapwings, egrets, rare warblers, and water voles.

RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Rd, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SZ. www.rspb.org.uk

Premier Inn London Rainham, New Rd, Wennington, Rainham, Essex, RM13 9ED. 1.6 miles

Discover and learn about these ancient woodlands. They are traditionally managed to provide a haven for wildlife and for visitors. There is a sculpture trail and the Seven Woods Walk around the whole site. Free entry, so get a breath of fresh air and look out for the resident Dormice.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Eastwood Rd North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 4LR. www.essexwt.org.uk

Premier Inn Southend Airport, Thanet Grange, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6GB. 1.8 miles

Let off some steam with these active persuits nearby. 

This unique 200-acre nature reserve plays an important role in conservation. Get some fresh air and exercise in this rich haven for wildlife and plant-life, including orchids, bats, newts and glowworms. Paths lead visitors around the gorges and chalk pits of this wild park.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 7RG. www.essexwt.org.uk

Premier Inn Thurrock East, Fleming Rd Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays, Essex, RM16 6YJ. 1.1 miles

A 15-minute drive brings you to this outdoor adventure, play and learning space run by Bristol Zoo. With exotic animals such as lemurs, baboons and grey wolves and barefoot mud trails for children, award-winning gardens and woodland walks for adults, what’s not to like?

Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP. www.wildplace.org.uk

Premier Inn Bristol Alveston, Thornbury Rd, Alveston, Nr Bristol, Avon, BS35 3LL. 6 miles

The Longleat estate takes some beating for a day out. Culture fans will love the Elizabethan mansion, art collection and Capability Brown grounds, while wildlife enthusiasts will revel in the astonishing range of exotic creatures to see on the safari tour, from lions and tigers to monkeys and rhinos.

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. www.longleat.co.uk

Premier Inn Trowbridge, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge, BA14 8AH. 13.7 miles

Beautiful old estate, brand new tourist destination. Redeveloped as a child-friendly visitor experience in 2016, Dalkeith Country Park’s big draw is its massive outdoor play fort. And there’s plenty for adults, too – not only is it a gorgeous, leafy slice of the countryside, but it also has a great café, shop and ‘well-being lab’ for yoga, pilates and other workshops.

Dalkeith Country Park, Via King’s Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 1ST. www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 (Dalkeith), Melville Dykes Rd, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH18 1AN. 1.2 miles

If you need some quiet time, this delightful nature reserve is centred on the largest natural lake in the West Midlands. Aqualate Mere has an array of habitats supporting all manner of birds, fish and mammals, with handy walkways enabling easy views for wildlife watchers.

Aqualate Mere National Nature Reserve, Gnosall, Staffordshire, TF10 9DE. www.naturalengland.org.uk/nnr

Premier Inn Newport/Telford, Stafford Rd, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9BY. 2.7 miles

Twitchers and wildlife lovers should head to this wetland area for the chance to see lapwings, otters, shrews, migrant hawker dragonflies and more. There are flat-surfaced paths throughout most of the reserve so getting around is easy, making it great for kids.

Doxey Marshes, Wootton Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1PU. www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Premier Inn Stafford North (Hurricane), 1 Hurricane Close, Stafford, Staffs, ST16 1GZ. 1.3 miles

This restored Victorian farm is a treasure trove of things to do and see, and ideal for adults and kids alike. Apart from its Grade II-listed buildings, there’s a walled garden, a lovely tea room and a maze, while the farm is home to several rare breeds of animal.

Sandwell Park Farm, Salters Lane, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 4BG. www.sandwell.gov.uk

Premier Inn West Bromwich, New Gas St, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 0NP. 10 miles

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This fascinating experience allows you to get up close to these magnificent raptors. The visitor centre shows their dedication and knowledge about conservation, but the birds definitely steal the show. Flying demonstrations and handling experiences are available all year round.

The Falconry Centre, Kidderminster Rd South, Hagley, West Midlands, DY9 0JB. www.thefalconrycentre.co.uk

Premier Inn Hagley, Birmingham Rd, Hagley, near Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 9JS. 3.9 miles

What a great place to get a hands-on experience with animals. This friendly farming family’s enthusiasm for country life is infectious. Share a cuddle with the chicks, rabbits and guinea pigs, collect eggs or feed the ducks, while learning about life on a working farm.

West Lodge Rural Centre, Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering, NN14 2SH. www.westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk

Premier Inn Corby, Southern Gateway Business Park, 1 Little Colliers Field, Oakley Hay, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN18 9EZ.

Experience the tranquil National Forest from a different angle – in the company of llamas! Take a trek leading one of these charmingly calming animals for company. Groom, feed and learn about these wonderful creatures on this unique trip.

National Forest Llama Treks, 260 Lichfield Rd, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8ED. www.nationalforestllamatreks.co.uk

Premier Inn Burton on Trent Central, Wellington Rd, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2DQ. 2.9 miles

From the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from vibrant cities to the wilds of Wales, find what you’re looking for in Premier Inn’s brand new UK One Great Thing guide. Whatever your idea of the perfect weekend away is, you’ll find it here.