We were a group of 12, with 2 trip leaders, and we all stayed in a country manor house, with fine dining. It was lovely to experience this with a group of like-minded people, and having the trip leaders to guide us was the ‘icing on the cake’! I felt that I learned a lot from them, which was my aim. In addition to following the trip itinerary, they ensured that participants individual interests were covered, which enhanced the experience for all. Naturetrek organises worldwide tours, focusing on wildlife in the areas visited. They provide leaders who are experts in their field, and from my experiences so far, I have found that this certainly makes the trips come alive, and for me the experiences have been truly enriching. Participants can opt for all travel arrangements to be organised by Naturetrek, which ensures a stress free journey - a delightful start and end to the trip.
Anon, Sept 21
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - September 2020
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East Yorkshire: The Magic of Migration
Tour Code: GBR112A 4-day birdwatching tour focusing on the two east coast migration hotspots of Spurn and Flamborough Head. Here we hope to enjoy an exciting range of waders, warblers, chats, crests, buntings and seabirds, along with a rarity or two, such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike or Yellow-browed Warbler.
£725 (land only)
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - September 2020
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Summary
The long distance migration of birds is a truly remarkable feat and is certainly one of the true wonders of the natural world and one of the most fascinating areas of ornithology. On this short wildlife break we will explore some of East Yorkshire’s very best nature reserves with a focus on the wonderful migratory birds that pass through here. We will enjoy its beautiful coastline and countryside from the perfect base, a delightful early 19th century Victorian manor hotel in the quaint village of Patrington. The hotel has lovely grounds in which we will run a moth-trap.
The east coast of Yorkshire is legendary in the birding world for watching and studying bird migration. For this break, we will be based just a very short, 15 minute drive from the wonderful Spurn Bird Observatory and we shall spend our time on foot walking the various different sites of the area enjoying a very wide range of species. We will enjoy visits to Spurn which will include a private ringing demonstration and a trip to Spurn Point on the all-terrain Unimog vehicle, also visiting the lighthouse here. We will also head north for around an hour to Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve - two wonderfully scenic and exciting locations. The birding throughout will be wonderful with such a wide range of species possible. Waders, warblers, chats, crests, buntings, divers, shearwaters and rarities such as Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike and Yellow-browed Warblers. The possibilities are huge! All this exciting birding will be coupled with some superb hospitality and delicious meals.
- Enjoy visible migration, seawatching and possible rarities. Anything could turn up here!
- Sights and sounds of autumn migration – ticking robins, calling Yellow-browed Warbler, Bramblings wheezing and Siskins piping overhead.
- Exclusive 'Spurn Safari' to the point including access to the lighthouse.
- Opportunity to visit Spurn Peninsula and Flamborough Head - both iconic landscapes.
- Huge range of species possible and ideal for learning identification by sight and sound.
- Moth-trapping in the hotel grounds.
- Join a ringing session with the Spurn wardens.
Outline Itinerary
Reviews
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It was principally a bird watching holiday but the guides gave us the extra surprise of a moth trap, and a guided tour of the lighthouse, and Spurn from an historical and ecological point of view. We had some great bird 'spots' and the camaraderie of the group was excellent, as was the hotel. Naturetrek always make an effort to give the client the best experience possible by excellent guides who prepare well for clients' interests. Brilliant hotels always make up for what can be terrible weather outdoors on the trips. We have travelled with them many times.
A.F. North Yorkshire, Oct 20 -
The holiday was to experience the autumn migration of birds down the east coast of Britain which can be superb in the right weather conditions. Mainly an easterly wind, this died out just before we got there, but we had plenty to see, as well as the ride on the minimog to get to the point at Spurn which was cut off by a tidal surge. I have been on a few Naturetrek trips and I have enjoyed them very much. Everything is always explained and the guides also make certain everybody sees everything, even if only a glimpse as can happen on nature trips, and asking people what they would like to see.
K.B. Tyne & Wear, Oct 20 -
A short much-needed break, birdwatching on the Yorkshire coast. Very well organised with changes to itinerary to suit daily weather conditions and bird sightings. Excellent tour leader with a wealth of knowledge and superb group leadership. Good communication from the time of booking onwards. All covid-19 safety measures in place and adhered to. Great accommodation booked.
J.F. Buckinghamshire, Oct 20
Dates & Prices
2025
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Among our programme is a significant range of short breaks, designed specially for those wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s top natural history highlights at the best time of year. All of these holidays have the bonus of being short-haul and supported by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.
Naturetrek Short Break Wildlife Tours
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme both within the UK and abroad. Most of our short breaks are within Europe, for convenience of travel.
For some of our mini-breaks there is an option to travel by plane or train, and we offer a choice of duration and type of break, from a weekend’s birdwatching in the Somerset Levels to a 6-day whale watching tour in the Azores.
A selection of our UK short breaks:
- A winter bird watching break in Norfolk
- An autumn holiday to enjoy the Red Deer rut in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
- A wildlife weekend in the New Forest
A selection of our overseas short breaks:
- In Spain we look for the world’s rarest cat, the Iberian Lynx
- Wolves on the plains in rural northern Spain
- An exploration of La Brenne’s exceptionally rich butterfly-life in northern France
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer two superb short breaks to the lovely island of Madeira in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds. It’s hard to beat our Just Brown Bears trip for families, while if you fancy something off the beaten track, try Estonia in Early Spring for some excellent spring birdwatching."
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Flight-free Wildlife Holidays
At Naturetrek we make full use of the Eurostar rail service through the channel tunnel, and of the ferry routes between England’s south coast and France and Spain, to offer a range of ‘flightless’ wildlife holidays in Belgium, Holland, France and Spain. In addition, we also offer the widest selection of wildlife holidays within the UK, none of which require a flight to participate in. Therefore, if you prefer not to fly, for whatever reason, we have a range of varied and exciting wildlife holidays for you to choose from, and we are committed to regularly adding more.
It is also the case that many of our other holidays within Europe are also accessible by rail. Generally, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’d be pleased to offer advice to anybody who wishes to join any of our tours within Europe by a means other than flying!
Our specialist recommends...
Kerrie Porteous - Operations Manager
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.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - October 2023
- Tour report - September 2023
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - October 2022
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - October 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - September 2021
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - October 2020
- Tour report - September 2020
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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!
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We offer a truly mouth-watering selection of trips for those who wish to revel in the incredible autumn migration of birds, from several UK-based ‘staycations’ to short-haul ventures to other parts of Europe. Here we share some of our most popular autumn migration tours.
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