There are few greater pleasures in life than waking up to the sound of birdsong; to the fluting rise and fall of a calling blackbird, the gentle tune of a robin, the complex tones of a great tit. You can experience this delight on a morning walk or, better still, why not spend the night in the very place where the chorus begins, listening from the comfort of your bed as it evolves from dawn through to mid-morning?
Once the music settles down, spend the day exploring the surrounding countryside, then return as dusk falls for another round of song, this time infused with the hooting of owls and other nocturnal creatures.
We've selected some of the best places in the UK to stay for birdwatchers - and bird-listeners. From luxury coastal retreats to tents in trees, our list has something for everyone.
And don't forget to pack your birdwatching binoculars and bird identification book!
Best birdwatchers' accommodation in the UK
Uist Forest Retreat, Outer Hebrides
Check availability at Trip Advisor
Home to Britain’s largest bird, the white-tailed eagle, as well as its smallest, the goldcrest (it weighs the same as a 20p piece), the island of North Uist is a birding paradise. Guests at Uist Forest Retreat will be treated to views of Vallay Island and the hills of Harris from luxury wooden cabins up in the treetops, where short-eared owls, merlins and hen harriers may also be spotted.
Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent
Check availability at Mr and Mrs Smith
Deep within Elmley Nature Reserve, a family-owned nature reserve in north Kent, the shepherd hut Vanellus – with its floor-to-ceiling window – is beautifully designed to “let nature in”. While soaking in the outdoor bath on the private deck, you can listen to the ‘peewit’ of lapwings over the marsh, and the plop of great-crested grebes diving for dinner.
Low Wray Tree Tent, Cumbria
Check availability at National Trust Holidays
Fancy rocking gently to sleep under the bough of a tree on the shore of Lake Windermere? Low Wray Campsite’s ‘tree tents’ are canvas spheres suspended in the trees, complete with a wood-burning stove, comfy beds and a platform where you can soak up the Lakeland views. From the nearby bird hide, watch red-breasted mergansers and cormorants dabble on the water.
Glenarm Castle, County Antrim
Check availability at Trip Advisor
Birders will be spoilt for choice among the rich patchwork of habitats on the Glenarm Estate, where you can spot grey wagtails along the river, razorbills by the sea and willow warblers and treecreepers in the woodlands. Guests can stay in one of the Ocean View pods or within the cosy confines of the Barbican Gate House, boasting gothic windows, a turret staircase and a wood-burning stove.
Spurn Bird Observatory, Yorkshire
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Spurn Peninsula, at the mouth of the River Humber, is one of the best areas for birding on mainland Britain, hence this happily situated observatory in Kilnsea at the northern end of the coast. Extend your visit with a stay in one of the shared hostel rooms, with views over the estuary. After watching avocets, oystercatchers and other seabirds, call in at the nearby Crown & Anchor to celebrate.
Southcombe Barn, Devon
Check availability at Southcombe Barn
Swathed in sumptuous linen in a four-poster ‘meadow’ bed, you can fall asleep to the hoot of owls and wake up to wood warblers at this magical retreat in the heart of Dartmoor. Completing the al fresco experience, guests can also enjoy an outdoor wood-fired bath with views of Bell Tor and Bonehill Rocks in the distance.
Bardsey Bird Observatory, Gwynedd
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There is room for up to 12 guests in the basic but comfy hostel of the observatory, based in an old farmhouse at the heart of the island. Located off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, Bardsey is home to over 22,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwaters from March to October. Guests can also expect to see wheatears and blackcaps in spring, and perhaps even rarities such as the bright yellow citrine wagtail.
Main image: Southcombe Barn/Credit: Southcombe Barn
For more mores to treat a loved one, browse our favourite gifts for bird lovers.
