1. Dartmoor, Devon — 205K hashtags

Dartmoor is the top UK location for wildlife according to our data. Covering 954 square kilometres, Dartmoor National Park is the largest upland area in southern Britain, and its rugged granite tors, heather moorland, and sheltered valleys create the perfect mix of habitats for a huge variety of species.

What makes Dartmoor so special is its untouched feel. Centuries of low-intensity farming have allowed rare plants, insects, and birds to thrive. You can spot everything from butterflies flitting between wildflowers to moorland birds like skylarks and meadow pipits taking to the skies. Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies too! They look wonderful when photographed against the dramatic landscape.

2. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland — 159K hashtags

If you're a fan of cats, Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is the place to be. It's home to some of the UK's rarest and most remarkable wildlife, including the critically endangered Scottish wildcat. Thanks to the Saving Wildcats project, captive-bred wildcats have recently been released into the Cairngorms National Park, giving photographers an incredible (but very rare!) chance to capture this iconic predator in its natural habitat.

To increase your chances, focus on woodland areas, moorland, and forest edges, particularly around dusk and dawn when these secretive cats are more active. Just be sure to stick to marked paths, and always respect the wildlife and their habitat.

3. Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Northumberland — 152K hashtags

For history and wildlife in one trip, it doesn’t get much better than Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching for 80 miles through Northumberland’s rolling green countryside, this ancient Roman landmark isn’t just an impressive sight; it’s also a surprisingly lively spot for wildlife photography.

The fields and sheltered spots along the Wall are a haven for birds like house martins, wheatears, and meadow pipits. Keep an eye out in the summer months for swooping swallows too — they make the long journey back from Africa each year. It’s also one of the few places you might catch a glimpse of the rare large heath butterfly, flitting through damp grassland, or the delicate orange tip butterfly dancing among wildflowers.

4. New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire — 109K hashtags

The New Forest Northern Commons is a paradise for wildlife lovers. It’s home to a unique mix of habitats you’d struggle to find anywhere else in Western Europe, including ancient woodlands and wet or dry heathlands, hidden bogs, and even stretches of coastline. This patchwork landscape supports an incredible range of wildlife, from colourful dragonflies darting over mires to deer grazing beneath old oaks, plus plenty of woodland birds and reptiles to photograph along the way.

If you’re visiting in spring or summer, stick to the main tracks — especially if you're with a dog — to help ground-nesting birds rear their young safely. It’s the best way to protect this special place and enjoy capturing its wild residents at their best.

5. Exmoor National Park, Devon — 98K hashtags

Making it into the top five, Exmoor National Park is a real treat for wildlife photographers. This wild and beautiful landscape is best known for its iconic Exmoor ponies — a favourite subject for visitors with a camera in hand — but there’s so much more to capture here too.

Keep your eyes peeled for the UK’s largest herd of red deer roaming the moorland, as well as an incredible mix of butterflies, woodland birds, bats, and rare plants thriving in the park’s diverse habitats.

6. Lyme Park, Cheshire — 63K hashtags

With sweeping moorland, ancient woods, and open grasslands, Lyme Park is a brilliant spot for wildlife photography in North West England. The park’s famous red deer herd is always a highlight, especially during the autumn rut, when stags compete for mates. Just be sure to keep your distance and respect their space. “A good telephoto lens, like a 200–600mm, is perfect for capturing these moments safely,” explains Lizzie. “You can stay well back but still zoom right in for detailed shots, all without disturbing the deer.”

You can also expect to see Highland cows, too; their shaggy coats and sweeping horns make them wonderfully photogenic against the moorland backdrop.

7. Farne Islands, Northumberland — 50K hashtags

Just off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands are a seabird paradise and a must-visit for any wildlife photographer. From around April to August, these rocky islands burst to life with thousands of breeding puffins. Their colourful bills and comical waddle make them a perfect subject for phototgaphy.

Lizzie says: "On the Farne Islands, you'll often be close enough on paths or boardwalks to get great puffin shots. Just stay on the paths and give them space, especially during breeding season."

"To get a more natural angle, crouch or sit so your camera is at puffin eye-level rather than shooting down. And use a long telephoto lens (around 300–600mm) to zoom in for detailed shots without getting too close and disturbing them."

8. Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire — 43K hashtags

Another seabird hotspot is Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire. Between March and August, these towering chalk cliffs become home to around half a million seabirds, making it the biggest seabird colony in England. Expect to see puffins, gannets soaring, and kittiwakes and guillemots nesting along every ledge.

It's not just the cliffs that are alive with activity, either. The grasslands above the sea bustle with skylarks, linnets, and corn buntings during the warmer months, while kestrels and barn owls can often be seen hunting.

9. Brownsea Island, Dorset — 42K hashtags

Tucked away in the heart of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is one of Dorset’s top spots for wildlife photography. Managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust, it’s an internationally important haven for birds and other wildlife.

The island’s lagoon, reedbeds, and woodlands attract everything from wading birds and wildfowl to rare red squirrels. The Lookout wildlife observatory and bird hides make it easy to get great views without disturbing the animals.

10.Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales — 37K hashtags

A true gem for wildlife photography in Wales, Skomer Island is famous for its thriving seabird colonies. Just a short boat trip from the Pembrokeshire coast, this island bursts to life each spring and summer with huge numbers of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and the largest colony of Manx shearwaters anywhere in the world.

For photographers, the stars of the show are often the puffins, and you'll find them on the island from mid-April to late July. Guillemots and razorbills crowd the cliffs, while fulmars glide overhead.

Whether you visit for the day or stay overnight, you're guaranteed countless chances to fill your memory card with spectacular coastal shots.

Use a fast shutter speed for moving animals

"Fast-moving animals, especially birds in flight or deer on the run, can really test your camera skills," says Lizzie. "A fast shutter speed, like 1/1000s, will help freeze the action and keep your images crisp.”

"Just remember, the faster your shutter speed, the less light hits the sensor, so you'll often need to open up your aperture or raise your ISO to get a well-exposed shot. It's all part of balancing the exposure triangle."

"Using a tripod or monopod is also really helpful when shooting with fast shutter speeds, as it keeps your camera steady and avoids unwanted blur."

To learn more, read our guide on What is Shutter Speed?

Research the species you want to photograph

"Before you head out, spend time researching your location and the wildlife you hope to see," suggests Lizzie. "Find out where animals feed, rest, or breed, and learn when they're most active (dawn and dusk are often the best times!)"

"Be patient and allow animals to come to you rather than chasing them; not only will you capture more natural behaviour, but you'll also help keep them safe and relaxed."