South Devon in Winter

Tour Code: GBR19

A 4-day wildlife break in search of the wealth of winter wildfowl and waders on the Exe Estuary, and a visit to the Devon heaths.

4 days from
£650
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

We will visit the top birdwatching sites along the rich mudflats of the Exe Estuary which attract Little Egret, Brent Goose, Wigeon, Red-breasted Merganser, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, Oystercatcher, Curlew, grebes, divers and seaduck among many other birds. We’ll look out for the resident Buzzards and Peregrines which compete with visiting raptors for prey over the nearby marshes, while on the Devon heaths we’ll look for Dartford Warblers and, if we are lucky, perhaps see a wintering Great Grey Shrike. One of the undoubted highlights of this short break will be views of the most famous of the area's winter visitors, Avocets, which sometimes gather in groups hundreds-strong at the water’s edge.

  • Impressive flocks of wintering wildfowl & waders
  • Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, plus seaducks such as Common Scoter
  • Many hundreds of wintering Avocets
  • Large flocks of Brent Geese
  • Chance of seeing Dartford Warbler & Great Grey Shrike on Devon heaths
  • Divers, grebes & seaducks at the mouth of the estuary
  • Possibility of seeing one of south Devon’s special birds, the rare Cirl Bunting
  • Led by an expert naturalist guide

Please download the tour itinerary for details.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Torquay
Day 2/3
Visits to Exe Estuary, Exe Marshes, Dawlish Warren, East Devon Pebble-bed Heaths & Haldon Hills.
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    All accommodation is included in the tour cost.

    We will be based in a comfortable hotel in Torquay. Sea view rooms may be available, at a supplementary cost.

  • Food:

    Breakfasts and evening meals are included in the tour cost, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3. 

    Lunches are at additional cost and should be budgeted for.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 1st Dec – Fri 4th Dec SPACES £650
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£650
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£120

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 1st Dec – Fri 3rd Dec SPACES £650
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£650
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£120

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.

Enquire
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!

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