Norfolk - Winter in the Broads

Tour Code: GBR292

A 3-day winter birdwatching break to the Norfolk Broads, and adjacent coastline, based at a delightful guesthouse near the Calthorpe Broad Nature Reserve.

3 days from
£525 (land only)
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Winter in Norfolk is all about the return of the huge numbers of wintering ducks, geese, waders, thrushes, finches and other birds that descend on the county between November and March to escape the snow of further north. The marshes, wet meadows, dunes and woodlands that edge the county’s coastline from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth are justly famous for the sheer variety and number of birds they attract throughout the year. Numbers reach a peak in the winter when the reed-fringed wetlands of the Norfolk Broads resonate to the whistle of thousands of Wigeon and the ‘wink wink’ of skein after skein of Pink-footed Geese. These transient visitors from northern Europe, Arctic Russia and Iceland join a wonderful range of iconic residents such as Crane, Bittern, Avocet and Bearded Tit.  

On this 3-day birdwatching break we will be based in a delightful guesthouse in the heart of the Norfolk Broads close to the Calthorpe Broad National Nature Reserve between the villages of Hickling and Sea Palling. From here, we will enjoy the best of east Norfolk’s winter birding highlights, focusing on the wetlands of the Broads and the adjacent coastal marshes and dunes, including visits to such iconic reserves as Hickling Broad and the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve.

  • Explore the Norfolk Broads & adjacent coastline
  • Wintering flocks of geese, ducks & waders
  • Common Crane, Snow Bunting, Bearded Tit, Bittern & Great Egret all possible
  • Includes an evening visit to a raptor roost in search of Marsh & Hen Harriers, Merlin & Barn Owl
  • Chance of something unusual such as Waxwing, Rough-legged Buzzard & Lapland Bunting
  • Based in a delightful guesthouse overlooking the Norfolk Broads
  • Led by an expert Naturetrek naturalist
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Norfolk Broads
Day 2
Norfolk Broads
Day 3
Winterton & the Coast. Depart for home.
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    We will be staying for two nights at the delightful Dairy Barns guesthouse close to the Calthorpe Broad National Nature Reserve between the villages of Hickling and Sea Palling. All rooms have private facilities.  See the detailed tour itinerary for more information.

  • Food:

    Breakfasts and dinners are included in the cost. Lunches (either in the form of a pub lunch or a picnic) and drinks are not included.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost
Mon 11th Nov – Wed 13th Nov 5 £525
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Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£525
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Kevin Elsby
Kevin Elsby.jpg

Tour Leader: Kevin Elsby

Kevin was a full time GP in north Norfolk for 30 years. He has had a lifelong interest in birds and has a broad interest in many other aspects of natural history. He is a life member of the British Dragonfly Society. He has travelled extensively in the UK and Europe as part of his hobby and has also visited all the continents in search of wildlife. He has been a Naturetrek guide since 2003 and he has led Naturetrek trips to the Arctic (Svalbard), Africa (Kenya), the Gambia, Costa Rica, and several European destinations. An experienced and award-winning wildlife photographer, he is on the Nature Group committee of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and has a Fellowship from the RPS in Nature photography. He sits on the Nature Panel of the RPS and judges wildlife images from applicants around the world who apply for a distinction in wildlife photography with the RPS. He is always willing to share his photographic skills with Naturetrek clients, on the tours that he leads. Kevin has a Master's degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation in addition to a BSc in Natural Sciences with Earth Sciences. This has enhanced his knowledge of conservation issues, including ecology, as well as other related subjects, such as oceanography, geology and evolution. He has a particular interest in the wildlife and environments of the Arctic and Antarctic regions and also tropical rainforests. He has his own website, which displays many of his favourite images. It can be found at http://www.wildlifeontheweb.co.uk

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!