Accessible Birdwatching Holidays

Cornwall

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have a much-envied reputation for birdwatching as many species are forced off course here by strong migratory winds. Rare cattle egrets and hoopoes are occasionally sighted, as are Cornish choughs, which feature on the county’s coat of arms. Kingfishers and sand martins are often seen on and around rivers.

Featured accommodation

This stylish log cabin is located on the stunning north Cornish coast, with fantastic views over the Atlantic.

Isle of Wight

Over two hundred species of bird are recorded on the Isle of Wight each year, with several rare breeds visiting from mainland Europe. There are numerous birding sites here, including the ancient woodland of Borthwood Copse, where you’ll find woodpeckers, goldcrests and blackcaps, and Mottistone Common, with its nightjars, buzzards and yellowhammers.

Featured accommodation

This accessible cottage is set in a hundred acres of farmland and close to a breathtaking stretch of heritage coast.

Lake District

The Lake District is an ideal place for birdwatching due to its varied terrain. Its coasts, estuaries, lakes, rivers, moors and woods provide ample opportunities to spot quails, red kites, gulls and rosefinches. Look out for egrets, warblers or godwits, as well as breeding ospreys at Bassenthwaite Lake, or visit the RSPB reserves at Haweswater, Hodbarrow and St Bees Head.

Featured accommodation

This beautiful cottage is located near the pretty village of Appleby and close to three AONBs.

Northumberland

There are numerous spots in Northumberland for birdwatching. Accessible bird hides in Long Nanny Wood, near Seahouses, and at Newton-by-the-Sea are just two of the many sites where birding has been made accessible to all. Beadnell Harbour is sheltered and attracts eider, divers and goldeneyes, while the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve on Holy Island is rich with wigeons, merlins and migrating redwings.

Featured accommodation

This accessible caravan sleeps six and is perfectly placed for birdwatching day trips to the Farne Islands.

Suffolk

Suffolk’s varied landscape means it’s home to many diverse bird species, including goshawks, stone curlews, harriers and golden orioles. There are plenty of warblers to be found in the river valleys, while you can spot skylarks in the chalk grassland, and bitterns, marsh harriers and avocets along the coast.  Minsmere and the nearby Wicken Fen nature reserves are both good accessible options for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.                         

Featured accommodation

This spacious cottage is close to Corton beach and woods, with several peaceful walks nearby.

Scotland

With its spectacular mountains, ancient Caledonian pine forests and miles of rugged coastline, the wild beauty of the Scottish landscape offers plenty of sites and spots for observing birds in their natural habitats. Watch a nesting pair of ospreys with their young at the accessible Loch Garten nature reserve, try to spot the unique ptarmigan and capercaillie, or take a wildlife cruise to see huge seabird colonies.

Featured accommodation

Nestled within a secluded woodland setting, this delightful lodge overlooks the Campsie Fells, home to buzzards, kestrels and peregrine falcons.

Conwy

Conwy has an RSPB nature reserve that is accessible and home to many wading birds. Elsewhere in town, bullfinches, gadwalls, shelducks and whimbrels are regularly spotted, as are tawny owls, plovers and sandpipers. Caerhun Church, farther up the Conwy Valley, is an excellent site for spotting the elusive but beautiful hawfinch.

Featured accommodation

This Conwy cottage is set amidst forty acres of farmland, the perfect location for a relaxing holiday in the countryside.

Powys

The ancient county of Powys in mid Wales is blessed with an abundance of undisturbed and unspoiled settings for viewing birds in their natural habitats, with buzzards, red kites and peregrine falcons proving ever-popular with twitchers. The accessible Cors Dyfi reserve in the west of the region is the summer home of one of only two nesting pairs of ospreys in the whole of Wales.

Featured accommodation

This charming cottage is one of three and is surrounded by beautiful Welsh scenery.