Wales is a land of untamed beauty, where the mountains meet the sea and some of the UK’s rarest species call it home. Reaching these beautiful animal hot spots is easy with public transport. The bus or train can be a convenient, cost-effective way to travel that’s also better for our environment and wildlife. Find out more below and plan your trip today.
1. Spot Puffins on Skomer Island
For a few months every year, the cliffs of Skomer turn into a bursting metropolis of puffins and many other seabirds, including kittiwakes and peregrines. Some 48,000 puffins gather on Skomer from May to July to nest, making this the best spot in Wales to get close to these lovable birds.
How to get there: Take a train to Haverfordwest or Milford Haven, which are the main hubs. From here, take a Puffin shuttle bus to Martin’s Haven, where you can then catch a boat to the island.
2. Encounter dolphins at Cardigan Bay
Did you know that Wales is home to the UK’s largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins? During the summer months (June-September), when the seas are calmer, you can often spot dolphins playing in the waves near the harbour wall in New Quay or via a guided boat trip.
How to get there: Head to Aberystwyth on the Cambrian line, then use your integrated ticket to catch the Tf TrawsCymru bus south along the coast.
3. Meet seals on Ramsey Island
Ramsey Island, sitting off the tip of St David’s Head in Pembrokeshire, attracts flocks of grey seals to its beaches to mate and pup during the cooler autumn months.
How to get there: Take the train to Fishguard Harbour. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is accessible from the town, offering incredible vantage points over the secluded pupping beaches.
4. Watch peregrines swoop at Cemlyn Bay
The remote hills of Wales provide the perfect hunting ground for peregrine falcons, the UK’s fastest predator. The Cemlyn Nature Reserve on Anglesey is the perfect spot to see these incredible birds. May to July is the perfect time to spot them, when they gather to hunt.
How to get there: Take the North Wales Coast line to Holyhead. From there, use the local bus service to Cemaes Bay to access this stunning nature reserve.
5. Watch starlings gather in Aberystwyth
As the sun sets over Cardigan Bay, thousands of starlings perform a breathtaking aerial dance, known as a murmuration, before roosting under the Victorian pier. It’s one of the most accessible and mesmerising wildlife displays in the UK. Best to visit during late autumn and winter.
How to get there: Take the Cambrian line to Aberystwyth. The pier is just a 10-minute walk from the station platform.
Travel smart and see more
Using our network to reach these animal hot spots is a more sustainable travel choice and also an easy way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Plan ahead: Always check the latest train times and connecting bus services using our journey planner before you travel.
Buy direct: Remember to buy your tickets with us for the lowest fares and no booking fees.
