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Excellent location; modern comfortable rooms; great facilities incl. fitness centre; food good though often over-generous. Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent mix of birding, botany, nature plus history and local interest. One of the best ever Naturetrek trips - and that's saying something! The small congenial group, the exceptional leaders, the excellent hotel, the fact that we were basically on our home turf with no need to endure the hassle of lengthy journeys (either to/from the holiday destination or during the trip), the wonderful and varied landscapes, locations and experiences - and our good luck with the weather - all contributed to a perfect trip.
V.Y. London, July 23
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Go Slow in East Sussex
Tour Code: GBR310A relaxing 5-day holiday to the wildlife-rich and historic lands of East Sussex, enjoying key wildlife sites such as Rye Harbour, and historic sites including both Bodiam and Camber Castles.
5 days
from
£1,195
£1,195
Highlights
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Summary
This recent addition to our 'Go Slow' portfolio is set in the stunning and historic landscapes of East Sussex, only a 15-minute drive from Rye. Based at a small, yet characterful, spa hotel in the village of Peasmarsh, the proximity to the key wildlife sites ensures little time is spent in the minibus and more time can be enjoyed at each location. Rye Harbour is one of the largest nature reserves in Sussex, which means we will have to visit this incredible reserve on two occasions, but exploring a different site within the reserve each time. It is a key area for a plethora of birds, comprising hundreds of breeding Sandwich Terns, Black-headed Gulls and Ringed Plovers, while the shingle areas are home to many rare plant species, plus we will also pay an external visit to the 16th century Camber Castle. A gentle 'river cruise' down the River Rother should be a highlight of the trip as we can also enjoy a cream tea or prosecco onboard, as well as the abundant bird and insect-life. Another treat in store will be a visit to Bodiam Castle - thought to be one of Britain's most romantic and beautiful moated castles. Lastly, a woodland walk will enable us to find many butterfly species, including White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Ringlets.
This is a 'Go Slow' holiday, therefore expect to arrive back at the hotel at around 4pm each day to enjoy the hotel facilities and some relaxation. No more than five miles will be walked on any day, and all walking will be at a slow pace, ensuring we focus on finding and enjoying the wildlife on offer.
- View Rye Harbour's bustling tern and gull colonies
- Small numbers of Little Terns
- Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise with cream tea included
- Visit both Bodiam and Camber Castles for a spot of history
- Stay at a charming spa hotel in superior double rooms
- A range of Odonata, butterflies and flora on this holiday
- Led by locally-based Naturetrek tour leaders
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Flakeley Ash Hotel in Peasmarsh
Day 2/5
Explore Rye Bay, nearby woodlands, canals and historical sites such as Bodiam and Camber Castles
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 30th Jun – Fri 4th Jul
6
£1,195
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
John Willsher
Tour Leader: John Willsher
John's varied career began on the family farm in Sussex. He graduated in Electronics and worked for several years as a research engineer at Sussex University. Returning to his first love of farming and birds, for 20 years he managed the creation from farmland, of a wetland bird reserve in south-east England, now a major bird migration study site. An experienced ornithologist he has been lucky to have been to many destinations worldwide, birding as he travelled. He helped organise a major series of bird ringing expeditions in West Africa following our migrating birds south and has also participated in ringing studies in Thailand and Kenya. He has been leading tours in Europe and West Africa for many years, usually with his wife Jenny. As an enthusiastic naturalist, bird ringer and photographer he enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with others.
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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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!
