The Somerset Levels

A three day birdwatching break on the Somerset Levels in winter may not be everyone's idea of a holiday, but not only did we have fine weather, our two guides were well informed and great fun. The group gelled well and we enjoyed a fine hotel and good food. As ever, Naturetrek had organised everything very well. Always great service and attention to detail. 

C.T Northamptonshire, Feb 22

As always with Naturetrek, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the leaders Matt and Chris really made the holiday. Bird highlights have to be the amazing encounter we had with a group of about 7 Bearded Tits in front of the hide at RSPB Greylake which happily hung around and almost posed for photos and of course watching around 400,000 starlings coming in to roost on both evenings was just a jaw dropping experience.

C.W. Kent. Dec '21

Effortlessly well organised but at the same time fun, relaxed and unhurried with many opportunities for fascinating chats with our inspiring tour leaders. The trip was highly professional and informative. 

R.M. Hertfordshire, Jan 20

This was a tour guide led holiday in the Somerset Levels with the main highlight being to see murmurations of starlings but also to take in all the wonderful wildlife in Somerset in the winter. The holiday base was in Wells. A lovely place with easy access to the levels and the hotel was lovely. Nature performed wonderfully. There were 2 evening views of the starling roost - each one different! The early morning view of the starlings flying back into the fields was incredible. Well worth getting up early. Each day we travelled to a different part of the levels to see the range of waterfowl. Great views of cranes with the addition of hearing their special calls! A great holiday.

E.H. Cambridgeshire, Jan 20

A great chance to see the amazing starling murmuration with up to 500,000 birds displaying over the reed beds each night. These produced an amazing spectacle accompanied by the resident sparrowhawks, peregrines, marsh and hen harriers. Despite the poor weather we were able to get out and about in other parts of the levels seeing thousands of wintering wildfowl and several common cranes.

J.F. Nottinghamshire, Jan 20

We had 3 nights in Wells and two full days out exploring the Somerset Levels with our guides who were very knowledgeable and helpful. We saw a lot of species I have never seen before and learnt so much.

V.M. Cambridgeshire

Mind blowing experience watching the starling murmuration. Both Matts were absolutely brilliant with 20-20++vision. Got us all the birds we wanted to see. What more... thank you Naturetrek!

L.L. London Jan 20

I loved going out before dawn, with the almost full moon shining, to watch the starlings rise out of the reed beds on Sunday morning, and hearing the amazing sound of their wings beating in preparation for the rise. Unforgettable. Seeing the murmuration gather and pour in on both evenings was equally memorable, and watching the waders from the private hide on Sunday as well. The guides' knowledge and enthusiasm were extraordinary and it was a great pleasure to spend time with them. 

L.H. London, Jan 20

This was the 1st dedicated birding holiday I have ever done though I've been on many animal wildlife ones with lots of birds included. I was rather worried that all the guests would be experts but there was a mixture of knowledge and experience. The group were very friendly and the 2 leaders were excellent with a wide knowledge and enthusiasm for birds and the environment. 

S.B. London, Dec 19

Short break for bird watching, especially hoping to see starling murmurations on the Somerset Levels. In spite of rather inclement weather our two tour guides were able to show us a range of habitats and some amazing spectacles of bird behaviour.

A.L. Hertfordshire, Dec 19

We stayed at the Swan Hotel in Wells, which was very convenient for the Levels. The food was very good, and the staff were charming. Our 2 days were spent in different areas of the Levels, each quite different to the other. The weather was considerably better than the forecast, only 2 showers when we were luckily in the excellent hides, of which there are plenty. The local pubs we ate in served very good food. Matt Collis and Chris Griffin were both excellent guides, very friendly and helpful to novice birders. Their local knowledge of the area was first class, and they managed to get us to the exact spot where the starlings were going to roost, the best murmuration they had seen in years. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, and recommend it to all levels of bird watchers.

M.B. Essex, Feb 19

It was action-packed to maximise experiences over a weekend, and expertly led by the 2 leaders. The hotel was in a lovely location and very comfortable... I have nothing but praise for Naturetrek and wouldn't dream of holidaying with any other operator now. I have had 4 memorable breaks with them and have already booked 2 more this year.

G.C. Devon, Feb 19

It was a guided tour of the best birding sites on the Somerset Levels. Our tour guides took us to excellent vantage points to see numerous types of birds throughout the two days and the Starling Murmuration both evenings, which exceeded all my expectations, and the great take off of the roosting starlings one morning. Our first experience of Naturetrek and it will not be the last as the organisation was first class and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and amiable.

A.M. Kent, Jan 19

Great hotel in Wells with good room and lovely food. Organised birdwatching to places that I would never found alone with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport. Highlight was 3 visits to the 800,000 starlings roosting on the wetland reeds with some incredible views of murmurations. The noise and movement has to be seen to be believed. One of my bucket list achieved well in above of expectations!

K.S. Hertfordshire, Jan 19

Matt and David were fantastic, so knowledgeable. In particular, Matt has incredible knowledge of birds and birdsong, plus he is a great communicator with a good sense of humour. We (myself and sister) really appreciated both leaders and their skills were complementary. I was very very impressed! 

S.P. Avon, Jan 19

First time on a birdwatching holiday to tick a bucket list item: the starling murmuration. The starlings performed beautifully and we were in the right spot thanks to great naturalist leaders. Seems whatever we threw at them (I want to see a bittern, a kingfisher on a perch, a crane....) the guys managed to deliver. Very impressive and a great short break overall.

R.C. London

We enjoyed two days of birdwatching in a number of locations on the Somerset levels with a small group of friendly people. Our two tour guides were very knowledgeable and eager to ensure that everyone got the maximum out of the two days, even to the extent of going off itinerary to take us out before dawn to see millions of starlings leaving their roost. We had an excellent holiday and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the natural world.

P.P. Cheshire

The time was very well organized, allowing us to appreciate different areas and maximize our chances of seeing many birds. One reason I chose the holiday was to see the starlings. We saw them come in to roost right in front of us and the sound was amazing.

K.T. Staffordshire

Within two short winter days travelling through the wetlands of the Somerset Levels I was introduced to some of the many birds that frequent these fertile peat rich wild places. The Naturetrek guides were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic and with their patient guidance I saw for the first time a Bearded Tit, a Great White Egret and a Stonechat. Reacquainted with elusive Kingfisher and introduced to the starling murmuration I left Wells for home sure that I had had the very best short break possible.

O.M. Kent

A wonderful trip to see the Starling Murmuration in the Somerset Levels. Seen not once, but three times. We were also fortunate enough to see a Wildfowl Murmuration as well. It was one of the 'must see' wildlife sights.

G.C. Hertfordshire

We stayed for 2 nights at the Swan Hotel in the lovely city of Wells. On our first evening we were given interesting information which covered the history and geography of the area we were going to visit in the following days. Everything was very well organised and the two leaders were knowledgeable about the wildlife we could possibly see. Nothing seemed too much for them and when on the first day we saw a spectacular starling roost we were offered the chance to return the following morning at dawn to watch the starlings leave their roost. It was a beautiful sunrise and a thrilling sight.

P.A. South Yorkshire

This trip was really fantastic, with exceptional tour guides. We were able to see far more bird species than we would have spotted on our own. The experience of the starling murmuration was really spectacular! The food was great too.

E.R. Leicestershire

Thank you to whoever thought of this holiday and then put it together! We have driven past or through it for 20 years and never explored it!

V.A. London

Both leaders were very good, helpful and willing to help you identify birds. The accommodation was also excellent.

S.W. Worcestershire

This short holiday was made particularly enjoyable - and satisfying from the point of view of seeing wildlife - by the 2 leaders, Dave and Mike. As not particularly experienced birdwatchers, we were never intimidated by them, but their levels of local knowledge were such that we came away from the holiday feeling we had learnt a great deal from them.

Mr & Mrs W. Greater Manchester

Both guides - Ed and Charles - were excellent and, as well as having excellent knowledge of the area and its wildlife, had a real passion for the area and the birds. Their hard work in ensuring the success of the trip is much appreciated.

C.W. Warwickshire

The number of reserves covered was good and the selection of habitats - also the knowledge of the two leaders - Dave and David, was excellent - they encouraged us to ask questions freely. They were very organised and everything ran smoothly. I enjoyed the massive numbers of starlings we saw - an incredible sight and sound, and the hunting peregrine. The hotel and food were also excellent.

J.S. Devon