Where to spot seals in the UK

Pinnipeds, or as we more commonly call them, seals, spend most of their lives at sea. Being mammals, they can't breathe underwater; instead, they hold their breath for an incredible 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the species. The UK is home to the common (or harbour) seal and the grey seal.

Where to spot seals in Scotland

Starting from the top of the UK, Scotland is home to many colonies of seals, including areas close to the capital, Edinburgh. Let's explore a few areas.

Isles of Mull and Iona

If you want to see seals all year round, the Isles of Mull and Iona are your first choice. There you'll mainly see grey seals, and less commonly, the common seal.

Edinburgh and the surrounding areas

If you're visiting Edinburgh, you won't need to travel far to see seals. Dunbar Harbour is home to local celebrity 'Sammy the seal', who can usually be seen at high tide.

On the northern outskirts of the city, seals can also be spotted at Granton Harbour at high tide on the pontoons.

While you're in Edinburgh, a trip across the Firth of Forth to Burntisland will reward you if you take the Fife coastal path between there and Kirkcaldy. You'll see them basking on rocks along the stunning route.

Orkney Islands

Another seal-spotting staple are the Orkney Islands. According to the com/news/five-places-to-spot-seals-in-orkney">official website, both common and grey seal species can be spotted in abundance in Noup Head, Burwick and St Mary's village to name a few

Where to see seals in Northern Ireland

Not only are Northern Ireland's coastlines beautifully dramatic, but they're also a great location for seal spotting.

Strangford Lough

Located in County Down in the east of Northern Ireland, Strangford Lough offers pods of seals in locations such as Granagh Bay, Cloghy Rocks and North Boretree Rock which has the largest colonies in Strangford Lough.

The best time for spotting seals in Strangford Lough is when the tide is ebbing (going out).

🌊 See tide times for Strangford

Rathlin Island

If seeing pods of common seals casually sunbathing, or even puffins, Rathlin Island is your spot. Accessible by ferry from Ballycastle Bay, top spots include Church Bay and Mill Bay

Where to spot seals in Wales

Back over the Irish sea to my native Wales, where seals can be seen in many places around the Welsh coast.

North Wales

One of the best places to see seals, namely grey seals, is Angel Bay. Located in Penrhyn Bay, a village on the outskirts of Llandudno, Angel Bay is a small cove on the Little Orme. Seals can sometimes be seen in Porthdinllaen on the Llyn Peninsula.

Cardigan Bay and Pembrokeshire

Over on the west coast of Wales, you'll find Cardigan Bay. Starting at Gwynedd, incorporating .today/en/%F0%9F%8C%8D/wales/ceredigion">Ceredigion, ending in Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay is another fantastic area for seal watching. Cemaes Head, Cardigan Island Farm Park, or on a boat trip from New Quay are favourites for grey seal watching.

Specifically in Pembrokeshire, Strumble Head near Fishguard, Ramsey Island, and Skomer Island are grey seal hot spots throughout Autumn.

Where to spot seals in England

When it comes to spotting seals in England, there are many places where pods of seals can be seen in their natural habitats.

Norfolk

Unmatched by anywhere in the UK, Blakeney Point is home to the largest colony, with some 4,500 seal pups being born there every year. Other notable areas of Norfolk to see seals include Horsey Gap and Winterton-on-Sea.

Northumberland

Located in north-east England, Northumberland is a great spot to seal watch. Specifically, the Farne Islands are home to grey seals from October through to February. A ferry can be booked from Seahouses. Nearby Holy Island, famed for Viking raids on Lindisfarne monastery, is home to pods of grey seals.

Cornwall

During the winter months at low tide, both grey and common seals can be spotted around the /england/cornwall">Cornish coast. Aptly named Seal Island near St Ives, Mutton Cove at Godrevy Point, and Looe Island are firm favorites for spotting seals hauled out.

Respect seals in their natural habitat

Although playful and cute, seals are territorial, particularly during mating season. They should be given plenty of space and left to their own devices. When enjoying watching seals, please do so from afar and allow them to go about their day uninterrupted.