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Birdwatching Holidays

Come for a bird watching holiday on the Coast and enjoy UK birding tours

Norfolk is a county located in East Anglia, England, UK. It shares borders with Lincolnshire (to the west and northwest), Cambridgeshire (to the west and southwest), and Suffolk (to the south). Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea and The Wash (located to the northwest).

Norfolk is a county with a coastline spanning multiple streams, salt marshes, nature reserves, sandy habitats, and the largest protected wetland in Britain The Norfolk Broads. This makes it a perfect destination for birdwatchers of all ages and levels of experience who are looking to see some diverse animals. Norfolk is lovely to visit all year round!

Norfolk is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure packed with stunning views of nature. To get started, explore the well-kept paths that run along the rivers and coast. You may see a variety of ducks, including mallards, coots, moorhens, and several types of geese on the banks.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you might glimpse a marsh harrier, sparrowhawk, or kestrel flying high before it dives down to capture its prey. You might also see a heron standing solitary in the reeds, using its long bill to pluck small fish and frogs from the water below.

Bird Watching Holidays are a great way to see some of the most beautiful and majestic creatures on Earth. West Norfolk and North Norfolk is a great places to go on one of these holidays, as there are many different birdwatching tours available. These tours will take you to some of the best birding and wildlife spots in the area, and you will be able to see some amazing birds up close.

Birdwatching holidays are a great way to see a variety of different birds in their natural habitat. At Short Breaks Norfolk with mYminibreak, we are located on Wild Ken Hill estate. Wild Ken Hill offers small group wildlife tours of West Norfolk, led by experienced guides. This is a great way to learn about the different bird species in the area and see them up close.

So if birdwatching in Norfolk sounds up your street then look no further than Short Breaks Norfolk - whether it's a week spent exploring or just a few days away from it all we guarantee that you won't be disappointed! With expert guides on hand every step of the way plus comfortable accommodation all set amongst some beautiful British countryside what more could you ask for? So why not come join us today and get ready for an unforgettable experience?

Are you Interested in a Birdwatching Holiday?

Norfolk is renowned for being the best "birding county" in all of England and what better time to visit than during the winter when there are hundreds of thousands of waders, ducks, and enormous flocks of wintering geese? you will be spending our brief vacation exploring the north Norfolk shore between Snettisham and holme-next-the-Sea where there are countless opportunities to spot the county's diverse array of bird species.

Some of the UK's rarest winter visitors can be found in Norfolk, including the Rough-legged Buzzard, Snow Bunting, Shore Lark, and Waxwing.

mYminibreak offers perfect places to stay while exploring all that West and North Norfolk has to offer! With a variety of accommodations and activities, we have everything you need to make your visit memorable.

Wild Ken Hill

Our grounds are situated on the picturesque Wild Ken Hill estate - and we're excited to announce that guided tours for Autumn 2022 are now available to book! If you're looking to enjoy the breathtaking colours of Fall, our October, November, and early December tours will be perfect for you.

Please note that there will be no guided tours running between 19th October and 5th November 2022 as the BBC will be at Wild Ken Hill filming Autumnwatch. We hope you'll join us for an unforgettable experience!

Here is a list of the top site to visit, on your birdwatching, RSPB bird watching holidays and wildlife holidays in West Norfolk.

Wild Ken Hill - Bird Watching Holidays
RSPB Snettisham Reserves - Bird Watching Holidays

RSPB Snettisham

Lagoons, tidal mudflats, shingle beaches, and salt marshes are just a few of the many coastal habitats found in the Snettisham reserve. These habitats are all a part of the Wash, which is known around the world for being home to large populations of wading and wildfowl birds.

There are three animal observation hides scattered throughout the reserve (two are all-weather and wheelchair accessible) with stunning views of the lagoons if you're hoping to get a glimpse of some of these fascinating wildlife. One even offers dual aspect views, allowing you to admire the lagoons' splendour as well as that of The Wash.

Conservation on the Norfolk Coast

  • Cattle are grazed on the salt marsh throughout the summer to aid redshank breeding, which favours a mixture of shorter grass and tussocks.
  • The lagoons' water levels are controlled to preserve the island ecosystems, which offer secure locations for nesting birds and waders to roost.
  • To provide ideal roosting locations for wading birds, the vegetation shingle along the lagoon margins is controlled.
  • Common tern nests, which are tricky to spot and vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding season, are secured by temporary signs and cordons.
  • On carefully maintained shingle bare patches, Norfolk is home to the uncommon red-hemp nettle. Only located in Snettisham, this endangered plant depends on good land management to survive.

 

The area also has several ponds, which in the summertime draw breeding damselflies and dragonflies. One of the best places in Norfolk to see dragonflies is here.

Crop protection: Occurs between September 1 and January 31, when the shooting of feral greylag geese on neighbouring land to the east of the Snettisham nature reserve is allowed with a licence.

RSPB Snettisham - Bird Watching Holidays Norfolk

Alternative activities to birding tours in Norfolk

Walking & Boating

Three walking paths are available in Snettisham, one of which is a 2-kilometre loop that showcases the best features of the area's salt marsh, saline lagoons, and the wide mudflats of The Wash. In addition to bikers having access to some of the route segments connecting the beach to the Wader Watchpoint, the paths are well-liked by walkers and joggers. You'll have unmatched views of the Wash and the surroundings from the Wader Watchpoint.

Boating activities are available in one of the pits at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club; for more information and to make reservations, see their website or get in touch with them.

RSPB Snettisham - Bird Watching Holidays
Wild Ken Hill rewilding project - Bird Watching Holidays

Wild Ken Hill

Wild Ken Hill rewilding project has the ambition to move away from existing agricultural and forestry techniques and allow wild nature to thrive. The project’s mission is to demonstrate that land can be used to tackle climate change and improve air and water quality while providing homes for vital wildlife.

The dedicated team at Wild Ken Hill are using the site as a learning opportunity, with the goal that it will inspire other conservation efforts across Europe. The land has been restored to natural features like wildflower meadows and mixed woodlands, and ponds have been dug in areas that will be kept full by flooding.

The 500-acre site is now home to a wide variety of animals, including red kites and goshawks, thanks to the restoration project. Rare wildflowers, such as early purple orchids, have also returned to the area.

Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve

At Norfolk’s northwest corner, where The Wash meets the North Sea, Holme Dunes is superbly located to attract migrating birds. It also holds a variety of important habitats which support numerous other wildlife species including natterjack toads, butterflies and dragonflies, as well as a large number of interesting plants, Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve is a site of international importance.

The reserve was designated in 2002 and comprises approximately 270 ha (665 acres) of coastal sand dune habitat including marram grassland, open water pools and brackish grazing marshes. The area has been managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust since 1990 as part of their wider programme to protect and restore The Wash coastline.

Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve

Holme Bird Observatory

The Wash, with its large expanses of shallow water and extensive mud flats, supports an impressive array of wading birds including avocets, redshanks and lapwings.

These can be seen at close quarters from the reserve’s many bird hides which overlook pools and scrapes where wildfowl such as teal, shoveler and pochard often congregate. In winter these are joined by whooper swans which spend much of their time feeding on the rich pickings available in The Wash’s eelgrass beds.

The dunes themselves provide breeding habitats for several threatened species including natterjack toads and sand lizards as well as nesting sites for skylarks, meadow pipits and reed buntings.

During the summer months, butterflies such as small copper, brown argus and small heath can be found fluttering among the flower-rich grassland while dragonflies such as southern hawker buzz around the dune slacks.

Holme Dunes is a great place to see a variety of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

RSPB Titchwell

The RSPB's most popular reserve, Titchwell, is an excellent place to experience the beauty of birding on the north Norfolk coast. The reserve's proximity to the parking lot means that you can easily access a variety of habitats, including scrub forest, where you can find bullfinch and warbler species. The feeders by the visitor centre also attract great spotted woodpeckers. During the summer months, the reedbed is home to marsh harriers and a large number of reed and sedge warblers. RSPB Titchwell

The freshwater and brackish lagoons are home to about 30 pairs of avocets and are also a great stop for waders and wildfowl during their winter migration. You can see Twite, snow bunting, and shorelark along the foreshore in winter, and in summer, look for terns fishing offshore. Slaty-backed gulls are also present all year round. Keep an eye out for Slavonian grebes, dives, and scoters in the winter.

RSPB Titchwell

Birding & Wildlife Holidays in Norfolk

Birding & Wildlife Holidays in Norfolk

Norfolk is a great place for birding and wildlife holidays. There are many tour operators that offer wildlife holidays in Norfolk. Our Norfolk coastal Cottages at mYminiBreak is a natural choice for accommodation as it is experienced in hosting birding and wildlife holidays. Leaders on these holidays are experienced in finding the best birds and mammals in the area and will be able to teach you about the local flora and fauna. These holidays around the world are becoming increasingly popular, so please see our website for more information on how to reserve your place.

We're also within easy reach of many of Norfolk's top visitor attractions such as Holkham Hall and Blickling Hall National Trust properties, the North Norfolk Steam Railway (Poppy Line), Sheringham Park and Pensthorpe Nature Reserve. Our Norfolk coastal cottages are the perfect base for a great holiday.


Wildlife Holidays & Accommodation, North Norfolk

mYminibreak's Norfolk Coastal Cottages are an excellent place to stay, especially if you're interested in birding or wildlife-watching holidays, as we have our own nature reserve next door with numerous birds and other animals such as deer, hares, foxes and more. Plus, we have some very rare breeding birds such as the Marsh Harrier in our area. We also have a bird hide located next to our cottages which are perfect for wildlife photography and birding, as well as walks around our nature reserve.

We're situated between Snettisham and Hunstanton, just a short drive from the RSPB Snettisham nature reserve, Holme Dunes Nature Reserve and Titchwell RSPB Reserve. We're also situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and are surrounded by flower-rich meadows and hedgerows, which is perfect for butterfly and dragonfly-watching holidays too.

Wildlife Holidays & Accommodation, North Norfolk

Witness birds take flight and soar in the skies of their natural habitat

Witness birds take flight and soar in the skies of their natural habitat

Birdwatching is a popular activity all over the world, and it's easy to see why. There's something magical about seeing birds take flight and soar through the skies of their natural habitat. West Norfolk is a great place to go birdwatching, as it's home to many different bird species.

The best time to go birdwatching is during the wet season, from May to November, when the rainforests are teeming with life. Many of the county's bird reserves offer guided visits, so it's easy to find your way around. And what better way to spend a holiday than by getting up close and personal with some of nature's most beautiful creatures?

Norfolk birding is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The area is home to a variety of birds, making it the perfect place for a birding tour. Norfolk is also home to a number of birding festivals, making it the perfect destination for bird lovers.

We offer a wide range of accommodation options, including our Norfolk Coast holiday chalets, cottages, shepherd huts and large houses for larger groups. We also have a campsite which is perfect for those who prefer to stay in the great outdoors! If you're interested in staying with us or would like further information about birding or wildlife-watching holidays in Norfolk, please don't hesitate to contact us. 


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Bird Watching Reviews

Tonia's airbnb review about Snettisham RSPB
Neil's airbnb review about BBC springwatch
Karen's review about view across Snettisham

    Bird Watching Holidays in UK

    Birdwatching is a great way to spend a short break holiday. You can enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace of being in the outdoors. There are many different types of birds to see, and you can learn a lot about them. Birdwatching is also a great way to relax and de-stress.

    Here at mYminibreak, we are a small, family-run business and we welcome guests from all over the world. We are situated in the stunning Norfolk countryside, just a short drive from Holme dunes on the North Norfolk Coast. Our close proximity to the coastline and Wild ken hill nature reserve means that there are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching during your stay with us.

    Bird watching holidays in UK

    How Watching Birds and Wildlife Can Improve Your Wellbeing

    Norfolk Coast Path - Bird watching Holidays Norfolk

    There is something special about watching wildlife in its natural habitat. It can be a calming and relaxing experience, and it can also provide a sense of joy and wonder. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve our physical and mental well-being, and watching wildlife is a great way to connect with nature.

    What are the benefits of nature walks?

    A nature walk is good for your body and soul. Walking in nature can help you: 

    • Relieve stress.
    • Boost your mood.
    • Improve heart health.

    Help your memory and brain function better by giving them a break from technology (but also see below on how technology can improve your nature experience)

    What are Some Benefits of Spending Time in Nature?

    Here are ways that research has shown that simply being outside can make us healthier:

    • Exposure to sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D. … 
    • Being in nature reduces stress.
    • Nature sounds help ease anxiety.
    • Viewing greenery may reduce fatigue from mental tasks

    Mindfulness and mental well-being are crucial to mental & physical health and are the cornerstones of a happy, healthy lifestyle. Contrary to popular belief, humans are not machines! We need time to relax, enjoy the world around us, and recover from lifely stresses and worries.

    If you're looking for a way to improve your mindfulness and well-being, spending time observing wildlife is a great option. Whether you go on a hike to see birds or set up a backyard bird feeder, you're sure to reap the benefits of this enjoyable activity.

     benefits of spending time in nature

    Birdwatching Holidays FAQs!

    I have never been on a group holiday, is it right for me?

    Norfolk Coast B&B Cottages & Camping is the perfect place for both couples and singles who want to have a fun and relaxing holiday. Our guests come from all walks of life and varying age groups, but we all share a love for the great outdoors and its incredible wildlife. Our group holidays are social and relaxed, so you're sure to have a great time!

    What time should I arrive and leave my holiday cottage?

    We will give you full details about arrival and departure times when we confirm your booking. Most holidays start in the evening of the first day (we will confirm the earliest time you can arrive) and finish at 11 am on the last day. 

    Are electricity and heating costs included in the holiday price?

    Many properties' rental prices will include utilities like electricity and gas, Open fires are a popular feature in many homes, but they can come with an additional charge for things like logs. Be sure to check the property description before you book so that there are no surprises when it comes to the total cost of your stay!

    Will I be able to park at my holiday home?

    Yes, at Norfolk Coast B&B Cottages and Camping, we offer our guests free private parking.

    How does nature help our mental health?

    Mental health is essential to our overall well-being. It's how we think, feel and behave. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Nature can play a significant role in improving mental health and well-being.

    Nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can also help improve your mood and increase your sense of happiness. Wildlife can also provide you with a sense of peace and calm.

    Our Nature Saving Pledge

    Finding time to spend with your loved ones can be difficult, but it's so important to make those connections. Here at mYminibreak Birdwatching Holidays, we want nothing more than to share this wonderful part of Norfolk with you so you can enjoy all that nature has to offer. We hope you'll come visit us soon!

    Here at mYminibreak; Birdwatching Holidays, we are dedicated to conserving the countryside and keeping it clean. We operate under a leave-no-trace policy to all our guests, which means that when you visit the countryside, you leave no trace of your visit on our South Beaching camping site and leave it exactly in the state it was when you arrived. It's this way of thinking that we hope to instill in all who pass through our corner of the world which will help to ensure the protection of our pristine countryside and the wildlife that live here.

    The Countryside Code

    The Countryside Code is supported by Natural England.

    Protect The Environment

    • Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
    • Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
    • Always keep dogs under control and insight
    • Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
    • Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
    • Enjoy The Outdoors
    • Check your route and local conditions
    • Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
    • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

    Leave No Trace

    • Plan ahead and prepare
    • Be Considerate of others
    • Respect Farm animals and wildlife
    • Travel and camp on durable ground
    • Leave what you find
    • Dispose of waste properly
    • Minimise the effects of fire
    The Seashore Code

    Show Respect For Seashore Creatures

    Seashore creatures are fascinating and have found special ways of living in their environment. They have to adapt to survive the rigours of wave-action, exposure and predation. Some have shells for protection, but many need to hide under rocks, seaweed or in the sand.

    Exploring The Seashore Is Fun, But Please Remember:

    • Leave animals where you find them.
    • Take care when touching soft-bodied animals - they are very delicate.
    • Carefully lift and replace any rocks you may have moved - there are animals underneath which need them for shelter.
    • Leave attached seaweed in place - there is plenty lying loose on the strand line.
    • Do not trample through rock pools.

    Take Photos, Not Living Animals

    • Shells come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Many still contain living animals, even if they do look 'dead'. If you want to collect shells, please make sure they are empty before taking them home.

    If you want to buy a souvenir:

    • Buy a photograph, book or poster of colourful marine creatures rather than shells, coral, starfish and urchins or other 'marine curios'. Remember 'curios' would almost certainly have been alive, when collected. If we don't buy them, the shops won't sell them.

    Avoid Disturbing Wildlife

    You can see many animals at their best when they are behaving naturally. This is true for animals such as seals, otters and seabirds, as well as rock pool animals. To avoid disturbing wildlife:

    • It is best to watch from a distance, through binoculars if possible, especially if the animals are nesting, or pupping in the case of seals.
    • Keep your dog clear of birds and other animals.
    • Remember, it is now illegal to disturb or harass many species of birds and animals.

    Take Your Rubbish Home With You

    Beach rubbish is unsightly and can be dangerous to sea creatures. Much of the litter on our shores comes from tourists, shipping, fishing vessels and sewage outfalls. You can help to reduce this problem when visiting the coast:

    • Take your rubbish home - burying it is no solution.
    • Keep your dog from fouling the beach.
    • Report canisters or drums that may be washed up on the beach, but do not touch them.
    • Take part in BeachWatch - the annual beach clean and survey organised by the Marine Conservation Society, or Adopt-a-Beach - a regular survey of beach litter.
    • Bag It and Bin It, Please Don't Flush It - bag and bin all plastic bathroom waste such as cotton bud sticks.

    Watch Where You Go

    Beaches and sand dunes are prone to erosion and easily damaged by people and vehicles. To help protect the coast:

    • Keep to established paths and dune boardwalks.
    • Park in designated car parks and keep access to footpaths clear.
    • Do not use beaches or dunes for scrambling motorcycles or other 'off-road' vehicles.
    • If you dig holes in the beach, please fill them up again.
    • Leave pebbles and rocks on the beach rather than collect them for your garden.

    Be Careful!

    All cliffs are unstable and potentially dangerous, yet they are an impressive sight and from the cliff top it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline. Cliffs also provide a very specialised habitat for the plants and animals that live on them.

    Take Care Near Cliffs:

    • Remember that it is dangerous to climb up or go near the top or bottom of a cliff.
    • Please don't throw or push anything over the edge of cliffs. As well as being dangerous, it can increase the rate of cliff erosion and kill or disturb wildlife.
    • Play safe on the beach too: Check tide times to avoid being cut off. Keep away from soft sand and mud - it is easy to get stuck!
    Codes of Conduct
    NORFOLK CAMPING CIC SITE POLICIES

    General

    • The warden named by the organisation is to be responsible for the conduct of all individual members or non-members and for ensuring that those attending comply with all codes.
    • The warden must ensure that all members and non-members are aware of The Countryside Code, The Caravan Code, and The Seashore Code.
    • The organisation and all members and non-members who use the site will take reasonable steps to ensure that the siting of units (a caravan, motor home, tent, or trailer tent) does not unduly interfere with the activities of local people, their privacy, or their enjoyment of their property. They will also ensure that the siting of units does not interfere with the enjoyment by others of the landscape, natural beauty, or nature conservation value of the area, particularly in areas designated for their landscape or wildlife qualities.
    • The organisation will undertake not to over-use any venue and will consider carefully before holding successive meetings and ensure against being a nuisance.
    • The organisation will take reasonable steps to minimise disturbance to local people and will investigate and deal with the causes of any complaints made.
    • Care should be taken not to damage the site or the surrounding locality. Trees, fences, buildings, equipment wildlife, and farm animals should all be respected.
    • Domestic animals belonging to members of the organisation will be kept on a lead and under close control. They will not be allowed to run loose on the site or cause disturbance to local people farm animals or wildlife. They will be exercised away from units and those parts of the site used for communal activities. Any mess will be cleared up.
    • The responsible person will identify open space suitable for the playing of games that might otherwise intrude upon or constitute a danger or annoyance to others on or around the site.
    • Noise should be kept to a minimum for the comfort of others on the site as well as people who live or work nearby.

    Road Safety:

    • The responsible person will take steps to ensure that travel from major roads to a proposed site is not likely to cause undue disruption or difficulties for other road users. Access to the site must be suitable for the number and likely size of units attending the meeting. The arrival and departure of units should be arranged to minimise disruption to other road users.
    • The speed of vehicles on the site should be restricted to 5 mph.

    Spacing and Density

    • For health and safety purposes emergency vehicles must be able to gain access to any unit on the site. As such, units should be well spaced and sited so they do not restrict access to, or exit from, any other unit or the site in general.
    • Where a site is being used by both caravans and tents they must be sited entirely separate from each other for health & safety reasons. However, this does not necessarily mean segregation. If the layout of the field does not allow for separate lines of tents, it is permissible to continue a line of caravans/motor homes with a line of tents, but they must be sited en-bloc and not interspersed. Trailer tents are classified as tents and must be sited accordingly. Children’s “pup-tents” may be erected alongside the parents’ unit and should be considered as part of the unit for spacing purposes.
    • Open fires and barbecues are allowable but fire precautions must be implemented, "a bucket of water must be kept alongside the bbq/campfire permission must be obtained from the Warden. Where permission is given for open fires or barbecues, they will be sited on open ground, away from units, vehicles, awnings, and any other structures.
    • A fire extinguisher approved to British Standards Institute and/or Fire Officers Certificate standards will be held on-site.

    Chemical Toilets and Waste Water Disposal:

    • Organisations will act responsibly when disposing of the contents of chemical toilets and wastewater and take full account of the need to safeguard water supplies and prevent the pollution of rivers and streams.
    • On-site disposal of the contents of chemical toilets and wastewater will be in accordance with arrangements agreed with the organisation. Neither will be allowed to foul the ground. If there is any doubt about the disposal of waste, the organisation or, if appropriate, the warden will be requested for guidance.
    • Organisations should ensure that refuse is either taken home or disposed of in accordance with on-site arrangements. The warden should will police disposal of waste, recycling should be used with all waste items, separating up items appropriately disposal of waste is for items relevant to consumption only, all recycled items mush be condensed before being recycled i.e. flatten cans, remove lids from plastic bottles, flatten them and return the lid, flatten all cardboard and rinse out food containers before recycling them. no throwaway tents/mattresses/windbreaks are allowable.
    • The organisation will use every endeavour not to camp on any site for more than 42 consecutive days or 60 days in any 12 consecutive months. The organisation will also endeavour not to camp on any site being used for camping by other exempted organisations if, by doing so, the use of this site would be taken over these limits. This will help avoid the overuse of sites, particularly in popular areas.

    mYminibreak


    Our venue offers a range of Cottages, Chalets and Glamping accommodations to suit all budgets, perfect for a quick break

    Norfolk Coast B&B Cottages & Camping LLP - OC401422
    Registered Address: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE

    Opening hours


    Office:
    Monday to Sunday - 9am to 5pm

    Online Bookings:
    Monday to Sunday - 24hrs


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