Birdwatching Breaks Across The UK

Looking for a unique holiday that lets you get closer to wildlife and explore the wonderful scenery of the UK?

Opting for a birdwatching getaway can be both a calming and an incredible experience that will allow you to get close to nature while spending less money than you might on an international trip.

Such holidays are on the rise, with more than six million people in the UK regularly taking part in the hobby: Britain also has some of the best spots in the world to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Experts at birdwatching app, Birda, has outlined some of the top birding locations in the UK - where many birds have been seen and recorded, meaning that not only are they great spots for biodiversity, but also great places to flex your birding muscles!

What’s the best time of year for birdwatching in the UK?
When it comes to birdwatching breaks in the UK, birders can enjoy what’s on offer all year round.

Bird populations constantly move as they migrate with the changing seasons. Of course, not all birds migrate, and many species stay put, which means you can always see a huge variety of birds no matter where you go.

Some of the Best Birdwatching Breaks in the UK
Spurn Peninsula, East Yorkshire
Based at the mouth of River Humber, the Spurn Peninsula is a popular destination for birdwatching breaks in the UK.

This 3-mile long sandbar juts out into the North Sea and offers unrivalled views of seabirds. This is not a destination to miss, just remember to bring your best scope to get great views of the migrating seabirds.

To see some great sights, the best time to visit the Spurn Peninsula is anytime between March and September. Rare migrants have a habit of turning up on the beach.

Star Species in East Yorkshire:
• Whimbrel
• Wheatear
• Avocet
• Oystercatcher
• Little Tern

The Wild Boar, Lake District
The Lake District is a great place to put on your birding bucket list as it offers some great views of many bird species. With vast landscapes and lakes stretching for miles, the Lake District has many incredible walks and birding hotspots to offer.

One of these hotspots is an unlikely recommendation, but The Wild Boar hotel is one of the best destinations in the region, with the 70-acre estate and woodland being home to an

incredible variety of over 40 species of bird. If you want to get up close and personal with some great birds of prey, this hotel also offers an unforgettable Falconry experience.

When is the best time to go? For some great bird sightings and to welcome the summer migrant in, head to the Lake District in Spring, between March and May.

Star Species in The Lake District:
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Peregrine Falcon
• Mistle Thrush
• Treecreeper

Rutland Water, Leicestershire
Although it might be the smallest county in England, Rutland is home to a huge variety of birds. The various lagoons, wetlands and meadows make a great habitat for some amazing species, from Egrets and Kingfishers to Ospreys, and the Anglian Birdwatching Centre is a wonderful destination. There are more than 30 birdwatching hides with experts on hand to answer any avian questions.

Rutland Water is a special destination as during the summer, the once rare breeder, the Osprey, comes to nest and raise up to 5 young per year. Each year, they arrive in April and depart for the sunny skies of West Africa again in late August.

One of the best times to visit Rutland Water is in August as you’ll catch plenty of migratory birds stopping over for a drink, or even see the incredible power of the diving Ospreys before they make their big journey south.

Star Species at Rutland Water:
• Kingfisher
• Osprey
• Egret

Guided tours, North Wales
North Wales is a wonderful holiday destination for birdwatchers. With a vast array of habitats to choose, from tall mountains to views of the Irish Sea, this landscape holds over 120 native and migrating birds.

What makes North Wales a special holiday destination is the region offers a vast range of guided bird tours. To really boost your birding list, head out with an expert on a guided 5-day tour of North Wales. Let Alan Davies and Ruth Miller guide you through North Wales’ hidden gems and the incredible birds that can be found.

North Wales has great species year-round, but we recommend anytime between August and October. Boost your Bird List with some incredible migrants.

Star Species in North Wales:
• Red-billed Chough
• Fulmar
• Manx Shearwater
• Pied Flycatcher

About Birda:
An innovative birdwatching app for curious people who want to deepen their connection with the outdoors – aims to create an inclusive community to experience, enjoy, and protect the nature and wildlife wherever you are.

Whether you live in the countryside or in the city, Birda allows users to explore and appreciate the nature that surrounds them through a free, easy-to-use tool for logging the birdlife around you – all you have to do is head out and look up.