Northumberland & the Farne Islands

I found a great variety of subjects to make the days memorable - lots of beautiful scenery everywhere we travelled and visited. Plenty of flowers and plants to discover, birds to search for and study in different habitats, plus mammals, insects and perfect weather. Given time to learn about the local habitats and what to look for. Service from Naturetrek Office was excellent. Quick and helpful replies to questions asked. We had three trip leaders Tim, David and Steve - all three were very knowledgeable and shared their love and interest in the nature all around us in Northumberland.

M.P. Derbyshire, Jun 21

This is a wildlife tour of Northumberland and the Farne Islands. As I had never been to the North of England, I was keen to take a look at it’s Nature Reserves as well as the surrounding countryside and the Farnes with their abundant Sea Bird life. I’m not a bird lister, so was grateful to Tim and Steve who not only took us to the hotspots, but were able to point out the less common birds and plants. It was, overall, a great experience.

E.F. Hertfordshire, Jun 21

We found a great variety of subjects to make the days very memorable - lots of beautiful scenery everywhere we travelled and visited. Plenty of flowers and plants to discover, birds to search for and study in different habitats, plus mammals, insects and perfect weather. [We were] given time to learn about the local habitats and what to look for. Itinerary well planned to make each day different and interesting - had a few exciting surprises which added to the wonderful things we saw. [The leaders were] very knowledgeable and shared their love and interest in the nature all around us in Northumberland. The trips to Coquet and the Farne Islands were very big highlights for us, but we thoroughly each day and the different habitats.

M.P. Derbyshire, Jun 21

The leaders were all incredible and inspirational. It was my first tour and I am a novice, but they were so patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I've been out every morning and evening after work taking on their tips.

P.T. Wiltshire, Jun 21

We hugely enjoyed 6 days travelling round the North East coast of England with lovely views and splendid birding opportunities for the keen birders. The trip included two boat trips, the second one allowing us to land on two islands of the Inner Farnes. This allowed us to get very 'up close and personal' with nesting shags and colourful puffins, as well as being dive-bombed by the Arctic terns! The majority of the group were birders but the botanists were also afforded opportunities to see a wide variety of interesting plants. The weather was wonderful and the two guides made the perfect double-act, guiding and advising as well as caring and entertaining. We have used Naturetrek holidays in many European countries, although this was our first in our own country! Through the expert guides, we saw and did far more than we could have done just by travelling generally. We also enjoyed the built-in companionship of those on the same adventure. We rate Naturetrek and their guides as the best out there.

F.B. Dorset, June 19

I really appreciated going with Naturetrek to this lovely part of the world. It is difficult to plan visits to the islands from a distance and I really thought the boat trips to the Islands excellent as we were given plenty of time to look at the birds. Both Mike and Alan were very helpful and kind and made the best use of weather conditions. Many thanks for your organisation.

R.R. Dorset

Mike Hodgson was a brilliant leader! Experienced, knowledgeable, good humoured, well organised and relaxed. He enabled us all to have a fabulous four days with the best birding.

J.M. Hampshire

Mike was an excellent leader and always made sure that every person on the trip saw the particular bird we were watching. We both had a wonderful time thanks to him.

Mrs V. & Miss S. Staffordshire

Our leaders Mike Hodgson and Tom Cadwallender are both keen birders and their enthusiasm is obvious. They were well organised and made sure we all were able to see the birds. Wonderful!

J.B. Somerset

I cannot stress enough how superb our tour guides, Mike and Tom, were. They went out of their way to make sure we saw everything, and some of us were not good spotters, but through their patience and perseverance we all were privileged to see what the experts did. Their company and cheerful banter at all times was great to be a part of and kept the group happy and the atmosphere pleasant at all times - quite an achievement. The nature spotting, not only birds but wild flowers, rocks and historical facts about the area all excellent and I would certainly want to travel Naturetrek again. Well done Mike and Tom!

M.M. Hampshire

Both Mike and Tom were excellent. Their level of knowledge and expertise was second to none. Again Naturetrek have provided a tour packed with trips, good itinerary and the hotel food was really good.

Well organised by leader with local knowledge. We particularly enjoyed the visit to Inner Farne.

C.J. Norfolk

The leaders' expert knowledge of the area and subject added greatly to the holiday.

J.L. West Yorkshire

Absolutely loved this holiday. The location being beautiful and the birding surpassed all expectations for me. Tim was absolutely brilliant because he just knew the areas so well and found special surprises for us everyday. Janet was lovely in working hard as our advanced spotter. Peter gave excellent back-up to Tim with his Naturetrek organisation, knowledge and birding skills.

S.H. Hampshire

We had two excellent leaders who worked together well, and were always available to answer questions, or find answers for us. Both were excellent birders. It was good being a group of 10 people only, and we all got on well together.

A.H. Manchester

The trip leaders had an excellent rapport and complement each other perfectly. They were thoughtful and considerate about our needs as well as having an impressive knowledge of birdsong and appearance.

G.C. Oxfordshire

The scenic beauty and birding of the locations visited.

Mr & Mrs K. Buckinghamshire

Scheduled timetable very good and well organised. Meals very good and staff very helpful and friendly. Comfortable minibuses. The two leaders complemented each other and very knowledgeable. The Farne Islands!

Mr & Mrs B. Hampshire

I really appreciated going with Naturetrek to this lovely part of the world. It is difficult to plan visits to the islands from a distance and I really thought the boat trips to the Islands excellent as we were given plenty of time to look at the birds. Both Mike and Alan were very helpful and kind and made the best use of weather conditions. Many thanks for your organisation.

R.R. Dorset