Seals can be seen around the coastlines of England and Wales all year, but in autumn and early winter they come ashore to breed. This gives us the chance to admire these amazing creatures and their fluffy pups — although it’s very important not to get too close
Two species of seal live in the UK. The largest is the grey seal, which can weigh up to 300kg — about the same as a grizzly bear. Its scientific name is Halichoerus grypus, which means hook-nosed sea pig! The UK is home to almost half the world’s population of grey seals.
The other species is known as the common seal, or harbour seal. These smaller seals can live for between 20 and 30 years, and experts think there are more than 33,000 of them living in the waters around the UK.
Seals are semi-aquatic. They spend some of their lives in the sea and some of their lives on land. They eat fish, eels and other sea creatures.
Wanting to go seal-watching in the UK? Visiting a seal colony during the breeding season is a very special experience, but it’s very important to follow the rules. Always stay at least 20 metres away from the seals (this is about the length of two buses), keep quiet, and never walk between a mother seal and her pup. If you’ve got a dog with you, make sure you keep it on the lead.
Where you can go seal watching in the UK
Cornwall
With beautiful beaches, legendary castles and pretty harbour towns, there’s nowhere quite like Cornwall.
Devon
A county of coastlines, countryside and two National Parks, Devon should be high on any holidayer’s hitlist.
Norfolk
From the bustling town of Norwich to the beautiful Broads – a network of rivers and lakes extending south into Suffolk.
Northumberland
Home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest airs and a Dark Skies Park, Northumberland is a great staycation.
Pembrokeshire
Whether it’s relaxing by the seaside, exploring local history or roaming the countryside, unwind in Pembrokeshire.
Norfolk, Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, Devon and Northumberland all have seal colonies that can be visited – take a look at the National Trust’s guide on seal-watching walks.
Photo credit: Andreas / Adobe stock
