Loading search...
Incredible trip overall, this was my first Naturetrek holiday and intended as a way of dipping my toes in the water to see if it was my sort of thing. Safe to say it definitely is and I'm looking forward to my next trip!
C.M, Antrim, April '23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Dorset - The Reptiles & Amphibians of Britain
Tour Code: GBR232An exciting 3-day holiday in search of the reptiles and amphibians of Britain.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
On this 3-day holiday we will base ourselves around some of the most successful reptile and amphibian conservation efforts in the south of England, making exciting excursions to seek Britain's most beautiful and elusive native reptile and amphibian species, as well as visiting established colonies of superb introduced species.
From our base, at the very comfortable and charming Mortons Manor in the picturesque town of Corfe Castle, we'll join Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) experts to search beautiful habitats in search of such reptiles as the stunningly marked Adder and the splendid Sand Lizard, and amphibians such as the rare and beautiful Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad. ARC was established in June 2009 with the mission of conserving Britain’s amphibians and reptiles, and the habitats on which they depend. The charity manages 80 sites, owning 24 of these, and we'll have the privilege of exploring some of their most productive reserves to find and study their fascinating inhabitants.
For full details of this tour, please download the itinerary from the linked button below.
- Snakes possible include the UK’s rarest reptile, the Smooth Snake, and the beautiful Adder.
- Search for the exquisite and rare Sand Lizard and the introduced Wall Lizard and Green Lizard.
- Rare amphibians such as a chance to see Great Crested Newt and even Natterjack Toad.
- Join experts from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) in the field.
- Learn about the habitat restoration and conservation work.
- Stay at an award-winning Elizabethan manor house hotel, serving delicious cuisine.
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Corfe Castle, visit Creech Heath & Hengistbury Head
Day 2
Town Common, Parley Common, Boscombe Cliffs
Day 3
Explore Lytchett Heath, Great Ovens and East Gore
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
A beautiful, recently refurbished, Grade II listed Elizabethan Manor House, sitting at the base of Corfe Castle steeped full of history, dating back to 1590.
- Food:
Breakfast and two-course evening meals are included in the holiday price. Vegans and vegetarians are easily catered for. Lunches, taken at a nearby pub or restaurant, are not included and will offer a choice between a hearty lunch or something much lighter.
Reviews
-
-
This was our first Naturetrek holiday. We were very happy with the experience. [We most enjoyed the] knowledge and enthusiasm of the two guides, as well as other ARC Trust rangers who we met at different reserves. Almost full house of sightings of native reptiles and amphibians but also some very special bird sightings of Dartford warblers and nightjars. Truly memorable experience.
S.C & J.D. London, June 2022 -
The focus was on reptiles and amphibians and despite unfavourable weather our expert guides introduced as to all the British species except the common frog! We saw two snakes we had never seen, three lizards as well as rare natterjack toad and crested newt. While we were looking for these we also found beautiful beetles and butterflies and a gorgeous Dartford Warbler. Overall an amazing and very thrilling trip. [Naturetrek's] attention to detail, be it accommodation, guides, sites is excellent. We have complete faith in them to deliver a great wildlife experience.
J.D. Cambridgeshire, June 2022 -
Exceptionally good - learnt so much about the ARC's work and local reserves which is especially useful as I live in Dorset. Had great views of most species and there was time to appreciate the landscapes and other species. Both leaders were very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, energetic and accommodating. The additional help of other ARC members increased our chances of seeing species. The highlights were so many good views of stunning male Sand Lizards sparkling in the sun! Lots of Smooth Snakes. The comfort and good food. The good company. The knowlegeable and accessible leaders.
M.P. Dorset, April 2022 -
The trip was fantastic, and the two guides unfaultable! Really wonderful.
I.S. London, June 2021
Tour Reports
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!
Related articles
In this article we share tour summaries from Naturetrek's 2022 herping tours to Greece, the UK, Morocco, Albania and South Africa.
In this article we share tour summaries from Naturetrek's 2023 herping tours to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal, Borneo, Albania, Morocco, Greece, Britain and Namibia.
Video
