seal.watch / uk

United Kingdom · 2000—2026

Grey and harbour seals

Seals around the United Kingdom.

Follow public seal observations from the United Kingdom. Browse published records, explore the places and stories behind them, or share an encounter with the Seal Watch team.

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Total reports
764
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Public records archive

2 March—31 March

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Markers represent named areas, never exact sighting positions. Circle size reflects report counts; numbers match the area list. Select an area to filter the archive.

52 of 52 reports mapped · 2 areas

N ↑London · 49 reports1Dorset, England · 3 reports2

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Mapped areas North to south

  1. London49 reports
  2. Dorset, England3 reports

Map: Natural Earth.

Reports over time

All dates

Select a year, then a month. Counts describe published reports; one animal may appear in several reports.

  1. 12010
  2. 22013
  3. 12015
  4. 22016
  5. 12018
  6. 22019
  7. 62021
  8. 42022
  9. 22024
  10. 42025
  11. 2342026

Months in 2026

  1. 9Jan
  2. 14Feb
  3. 49Mar
  4. 33Apr
  5. 26May
  6. 41Jun
  7. 24Jul
  8. 24Aug
  9. 14Sep
  10. 0Oct
  11. 0Nov
  12. 0Dec

Grouped by each record’s archive date. Approximate dates keep their original labels in the records below.

  1. On the beach outside AO hotel London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5636 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Dark with orange mousy fur. Lying on its side and chilling out. Looked up at us when we made noises and otherwise looked totally relaxed Observer notes: How do you know if the animal is resting or injured? Are they often spotted alone?

  2. Lying on the mudflats at low tide, a couple of metres from the water. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5637 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Could see the whole body, as it was lying out of the water on the mud. It would frequently roll over or raise its head and/or tail. But even with binoculars it was hard for me to tell which species -- sometimes the head profile looked flat like a grey, sometimes it looked more like a harbour.

  3. Near of Royal Naval College in Greenwich London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5634 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: The seal was resting on the sand around 10:44 am. An hour later I was passing the same place: during the high tide the seal was resting in vertical position in water nearby (~11:40 am).

  4. Walking across Tower bridge. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5635 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Grey seal, saw the flippers & the head as they did some flips

  5. On the sandy shore close to the Old Naval College, Greenwich - to the right of the Thames Clipper pier. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5633 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Small reddish brown seal

  6. Hobbit Beach, four seals playing in the waves near the shore. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5632 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Brown seal two front fins one little back fin, big black eyes watching us!

  7. Near the Tower Bridge London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5638 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: the whole body

  8. Right behind the a&o hotel on the sandy beach London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5631 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Orange with spots, white whiskers. White bum. Absolutely stunning, just chilling on the beach belly up. Scratching his ear and stretching but mostly resting.

  9. Rotherhithe dock, AO hostel During low tide London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5630 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Orange brown coloured fur A little bit spotted 1-1.5m long

  10. Cutty Sark London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5629 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Brown-ish

  11. Rotherhithe beach, outside the AO Hotel, next to the Rotherhithe ferry London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5628 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Brown and fuzzy

  12. Beach just north of the Hilton hotel at Rotherhithe London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5626 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: red brown fur Original location description: 25th Mar 12:12 just north of the Hilton hotel at Rotherhithe, on the beach at low tide. Rolling around on the sand, lifting their head and tail up, seemd to be stretching and relaxing

  13. Rotherhithe, on the left side of Rotherhithe boat harbour. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5625 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Red/brown colour with some dark spots.

  14. HEAD OUT OF THE WATER STARING TOWARD THE SEA WALL London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5624 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: DARK GREY HEAD, BLACK EYES, WHISKERS, LONGISH SNOUT FULL HEAD OUT OF THE WATER BEFORE DROPPING BACK UNDER.

  15. Spotted on a sandy beach near the Ship sign during low tide. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5623 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Slightly ruddy colour and had some spots on its belly. At one point she rolled over onto her back.

  16. By the Salt Quay pub in Rotherhithe London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5622 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: The baby seal was on the edge of the dock, it was there before I arrived and stayed there after Id left .

  17. On the slipway London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5621 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Mottled grey lounging on slipway

  18. By the Rotherhithe Canary Wharf ferry pier near a&o hotel on the sandy river bank. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5619 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Its back was a rusty brownish colour, the rest of the seal was grey. Observer notes: The animal must have been there for a longer time when we got there, we didnt stay long. It was enjoying the sun.

  19. Near the Rotherhithe dock London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5620 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It had a sand coloured coat and a reddish back

  20. At the shore of the a&o London dockland riverside London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5618 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It looks healthy, but a lot of rubbish and people around also the boats

  21. Westminster Bridge in the river Thanes London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5617 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Head just out of the water Observer notes: None

  22. Just by London heliport London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5615 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: No distinguishing features by short snout hence the semi-confident assertion it was a grey seal

  23. By Greenwich pier London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5616 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Orange, name marmalade

  24. Under Westminster Bridge London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5613 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Head surfacing and bobbing

  25. Upstream of Chiswick Bridge, about 3m off the Middx bank by Quintin Rowing Club Boathouse London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5612 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It popped its head above water in my wake, briefly looked around then sank back into the water

  26. Curry sark Greenwich London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5611 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Saw the body and muzzle. Please see photograph

  27. On the corner sandy part below the benches near Bellot Memorial Greenwich (close to the Thames River Grewnwich pier). London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5610 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: She was lying on the sand, moving her head and opening and closing her eyes. At one point she slightly rolled onto her back. She was spotty, red coloured brick-brownish shade.

  28. on the beach, near the the ship pub London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5605 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: it was brown

  29. On the bank opposite Greenwich University stranded on the beach London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5606 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Whole seal beached on the shore

  30. Near the jetty London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5609 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Reddish colour

  31. By Greenwich Pier. To the right of the Ship restaurant and in front of the Royal Naval College London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5607 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Seal lying on the sand. Did move around on land a bit and was watching when people passed by. Appeared young (had orange fur and was on the smaller side) Observer notes: I had seen the seal there the day before also. A member of pub staff told me that a member of the public told him the seal appeared to have lost it mother and that is why it was staying in this location.

  32. By the ship pub on the bank of the thanes London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5608 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Whole Seal resting on the river bank. Looks like a young seal as it looked like it was loosing it’s fur.

  33. From the rear of The Mayflower pub London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5614 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: I saw the full seal come up for air, roll over and dive back under

  34. Close to Cutty Sark in Greenwich, just behind The Ship pub. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5604 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It was lying on sand in the sun, it’s fur is ginger with dark spots

  35. On the sand under the Ship sign London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5603 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: No

  36. It was near the Yacht pub on the beach. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5602 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It was reddish brown and spotted on its body - looked quite young, very large eyes. It was basking on the beach for a bit and then it moved further down towards the water and continued resting there. Observer notes: My dog was right up to next to it before I spotted it as it was kind of blending into the sea, but I pulled my dog back and put him on the lead. My dog was more nervous than anything so hopefully we didnt stress the seal out too much. I looked over (from a distance) to check for any obvious signs of injury on the seal (as this is my first sighting and I wasnt sure if it was normal!) but sure now that it was just resting and it seemed to move okay when it shuffled back down the beach.

  37. Greenwich Pier London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5601 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: The seal was swimming against the current, came to rest on the foreshore for a couple of minutes, then swam away. It was fairly small. Observer notes: I have a 2-minute video of this sighting, which I am happy to provide if its useful - I dont know if this form accepts videos.

  38. Near the life preserver at the Waitrose in Greenwich London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5599 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Grey

  39. Tower Bridge London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5598 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Only saw his head swimming the other way, looked brown in colour

  40. Opposite the O2 Arena London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5597 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Small heading popping out the water. Seemed inquisitive about the rowers going past.

  41. Rotherhithe to the rear of the AO Hostel at the start of the jetty to the Uber Boat Ferry London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5596 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Seal lying on the beach. Rusty in colour. Was also here at low tide yesterday

  42. On the riverbank outside the hotel lying upside down in the sun London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5594 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Rusty / Ginger seal lying upside down on the riverbank

  43. on the beach by the Double Tree Hotel in Rotherhithe London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5595 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: A man from Marine Animal Rescue came to check the seal was okay. He told me its a healthy individual, approx one year old. Observer notes: The hotel staff told me that the seal had been seen several times on that beach over the weekend (28th Feb/1stMarch). it was swimming out when the tide came in and rested when it was out. I have more photos in high resolution. Let me know if you would like them.

  44. 2m from the bank just south of Surrey Docks Farm London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5593 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: It had a brown/pale brown underside and light brown whiskers

  45. Between Vauxhaul bridge and Battersea Power Station London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5640 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Whole animal

  46. Very close to the uber boat harbour on the Rotherhite side. London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5592 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Small, reddish fur

  47. On the beach in front of the hotel London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5590 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: rounded face with small nose, ginger in colour

  48. On the Thames foreshore about 5 metres north of the Rotherhithe / Hotel jetty walkway London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5589 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: Reddish coat, didnt get full sight of face so unsure what type of seal. Probably Harbor

  49. A few hundred metres past Tower Bridge London
    Unidentified ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Survey, report 5591 — https://sites.zsl.org/inthethames/main/

    Observer description: No distinguishing features, it was playing with/catching a fish