 |
|
Natural world
Europe's countryside takes on another dimension when you understand
more of the life which it shelters and provides for. If you are a "beginner"
or just have a passing interest in what makes the countryside tick, join our friendly
experts who understand absolutely how intimidating it can be to join a group
of experienced people. We'll open your senses on any of these holidays but some
such as "birdwatching for beginners" may be for you.
If you already have a passion for birds, or flowers or other wildlife,
come and enjoy the security of an organised group and be taken to the best spots.
We provide excellent Country House accommodation in some of Britain's
highest quality countryside, with great food and a uniquely social atmosphere.
For holidays in France we provide accommodation in a carefully selcted hotel. Programmes usually are based on full days out with a mini coach to hand for us
to retreat to and go elsewhere as the need arises (but you'll need to be fit enough
to walk the distances indicated), and one or two evening
briefings as the group wishes.
Our prices hide nothing and represent remarkable value for money - you don't
need to spend anything other than when you are out and about independently.
Please select a holiday from the left hand menu. |
|
Want to know more? |
|
Click
here for our frequently asked questions about all our
special interest holidays.
|
|
Bookmark us now |
| Click here if you would like to add us to your favourites.
|
|
Guest Feedback |
Click here to see what our guests have to say or submit your own feedback |
|
| Discover the Pyrenean Natural World |
 |
 |
Learn more about the Pyrenees' fascinating variety of flora and fauna in the company of an HF Holidays' leader and knowledgeable local guide. We'll discover more about the region's glacial landscapes and unique eco-system while enjoying the abundant wild flowers and sightings of marmots and eagles. |
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Discover Birds
for Beginners |
 |
If you are a beginner or just have a passing interest in
what makes the countryside tick, join our friendly experts
who understand absolutely how intimidating it can be to
join a group of experienced people.
 |
Enjoy leisurely, scenic walks of 3-7 miles learning about the difference between males and females, size, behaviour, habitat, and how to use a field guide. We'll give you the confidence to identify a few species, at which point you'll be hooked. |
Northumberland: an autumn weekend in a
birdwatcher’s paradise learning the basics. While the
seabirds are for some the most fascinating, others
use the area as a staging post in their great journeys
around the world. Enjoy contrasting settings on two
full days out as well as lectures indoors.
South Downs: a spring weekend with two full days
out to internationally acclaimed areas for
birdwatching, learning the basics and enjoying the lush countryside. Regulars boast that it’s possible to
see up to 70 different species in a day here; we’ll help
you on your way to seeing a good number of them!
Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Discover
Birds |
 |
Our leaders have an uncanny knack for finding birds,
given the right circumstances, making the most of
every day out. Most days we will enjoy a short coach
ride but transport is available to us all day (handy for
anyone who wants to rest but we don't usually walk
more than 6 miles or so) to take us to the best spots
when we choose. We will learn about habitat,
behaviour, and learn to recognise birds by song as well
as sight. Occasional visits to RSPB reserves are
included and other highlights might include listening for
owls at dusk or even for birds at dawn if the fancy
takes you; you don't have to go far for opportunities
when our Country Houses are usually situated in their
own grounds in spectacular countryside.
 |
Your leader will take you on leisurely, superbly scenic walks (up to 8 miles but often less) through some of the richest sites in Britain, and sightings are likely to be excellent. We
plan to visit a variety of habitats, and see warblers, finches, wagtails, terns
and maybe the occasional rarity. Distances walked will be adapted according to
the birds, habitat and prevailing weather. |
Cornwall: renowned for its capacity to provide
some of the most exciting birding in the UK
during migration, particularly in the autumn,
Cornwall will reward you in October as anything
can turn up on the prevailing westerlies!
Dartmoor: lush woodland contrasts with the
famous moorland of Dartmoor and South Devon
headlands to give us much to enjoy. Resident
birds include Cirl Buntings, whose stronghold is
the South Hams. Peregrine, Raven, Dipper, Pied
Flycatcher and Little Egret are all relatively easy
birds for us to find.
Derbyshire Dales: the activity of breeding birds
is at its most intense in the Peak District in early
June. We will visit both the White Peak and Dark
Peak with their rich variety of habitat, which
includes woodland, farmland, parkland,
moorland and river valleys. We hope to see
many of the breeding birds of the Peak including
Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Wheatear,
Whinchat, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Common
Sandpiper, Red Grouse and Curlew.
Isle of Arran: a naturalist’s paradise of great
scenic variety. Shore to hill top takes us from
Oystercatchers to Eagles.
Isle of Wight: one of England's best birdwatching
areas with a variety of habitats conducive to a good
species count.
North York Moors: Whitby’s location on the coast
on the edge of the North York Moors means that
we will spend time looking for birds both on the
coast and in the moorland. We will also visit rivers,
woodlands and a reservoir. Highlights we hope will
include Puffin and Gannet, as well as specialist
breeding birds such as Red Grouse.
Northumberland: birds ranging from Auks to
Raptors make the Northumberland hills and coast
premier sites for birdwatching. Weather permitting,
we'll also travel to the Farne islands (allow £15).
Snowdonia: sea cliffs, river estuaries and
mountains provide habitats for Puffin, Chough,
Dipper, Flycatchers and Goldcrest.
Western Highlands: inland lochs, sea lochs,
moorland, woodland and mountain provide a
majestic backdrop. The highlight is our trip to find
Sea Eagles on the Isle of Mull. |
*Under 18s half price
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Discover
Wildlife |
 |
Perfect for walkers with a general interest in
learning more about the countryside.
Oystercatchers to oysterplants, it's all here on
leisurely paced walks.
 |
Your leader will take you on leisurely, superbly scenic walks through some of the richest sites in Britain, and sightings are likely to be excellent. You will visit a variety of habitats and walks are up to 8 miles. |
|
Cornwall: the highlight is surely the new Sea Safari
cruise along the south coast of Cornwall; an
exhilarating experience of nature and the sea.
Sightings can include dolphins and porpoises and
occasionally even whales, and we will also learn
about the historical sights and natural environment
of this outstanding coastline. On dry land we go to
Lizard Point, to look for specialist plants, some of
which occur either rarely or nowhere else in Britain,
plus Butterflies & Dragonflies.
Dartmoor: South Devon's many habitats offer opportunities to see guillemot,
pied flycatcher and redstart, and maybe even an otter.
Isle of Arran: our Arran safari could include golden eagles, a variety of seabirds,
seals, red deer, and perhaps an otter and basking shark. During this holiday we
travel widely around this beautiful island.
South Downs: If you want to see the rare Field Cricket, the insectivorous
Sundew plant, ancient wood pasture and flowers with names like Wood Spurge
and Yellow Archangel, join us for the perfect short break providing insight into
abundant summer wildlife.
|
| Sat 21 June 2008 (7nts) |
Isle of Arran |
Name to follow |
£679 |
| Sat 5 July 2008 (7nts) |
Dartmoor |
Name to follow |
£679 |
| Sat 5 July 2008 (4nts) |
Cornwall |
Name to follow |
£379 |
| Sat 20 Sept 2008 (7nts) |
Isle of Arran |
John Rhead |
£669 |
[Back to the top and holiday index]
] |
|
| Discover Wildflowers |
 |
 |
Enjoy looking for Britain's
remarkable range of wild flowers
on leisurely walks of up to 6 miles. Your
experienced leader will guide you to the
best sites and provide lots of structured
advice for beginners. |
Derbyshire Dales: limestone dales and woodlands have a colourful array of
flowers, including rare species such as the Frog Orchid and Burnt Orchid.
Isle of Wight: a mild climate and chalk downland make the Isle of Wight one of
the best areas for wild flowers, including White Horehound, Toadflax, Bellflower
and Hound's Tongue.
Southern
Yorkshire Dales: the verdant Dales fields and verges are overflowing with wild
flowers including Meadow Cranesbill, Dog Daisies and Meadow Sweet. |
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Discover
Geology |
 |
 |
Explore an array of rock formations and fossils depending on the area. In learning how nature has shaped the region you also walk through the area's most beautiful scenery encountering geological features. In the evenings there will be informal talks. Walks up to 3 miles, occasionally over rough and boggy ground. |
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Fossil Hunting |
 |
 |
With only a basic knowledge of fossils, a short walk (up to 3
miles at a leisurely pace) along the beach can become a
journey back into the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs. Fossils dating
from 65 to 130 million years ago are frequently exposed by coastal
erosion. In fact, the South coast of the Isle of Wight is well known for
its Iguanodon bones and footprints. There will be a visit to Sandown
Museum, illustrated talks and evening discussions when specimens
can be identified. You may also have your ‘finds’ cut for display with a
diamond saw. |
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Discover
Birds in Winter |
 |
November is an interesting time to watch birds, as winter
migrants have arrived in large numbers to coastal and
other wet areas. Leisurely paced walks up to 5 miles will
allow you to see the best of these fantastic sites.
 |
Your leader will take you on leisurely, superbly scenic walks through some of the richest sites in Britain to see the best winter birds. |
Cotswolds: we'll visit Slimbridge, home to the
world's largest wildfowl collection, and the
Cotswold Water Park where we may see Water
Rail, Spotted Redshank and Red-crested Pochard.
Northern Lake District: the Solway Firth and
Morecambe Bay, as well as the sands and
estuaries of West Cumbria are areas of international
importance for wintering wildfowl and waders. We
also visit Leighton Moss RSPB reserve.
South Downs: we will visit not only the coastal and
wet habitats at Pagham and in the Arun Valley but
also heaths, woods and parkland. We hope to see
Brent Geese, Little Egret, ducks and waders as well
as specialist resident birds including Dartford
Warbler and Stonechat. |
[Back to the top and holiday index] |
|
| Walking with the Stars |
 |
Enjoy guided walks during the day from our Classic Walking
programme. In the evenings, we'll show you how to start making
sense of the night sky. We'll look at objects that can be seen with the
naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope. Topics will include
theories of the creation of the universe, galaxies, stars, the moon and
planets, comets, meteors and asteroids.
*Under 18s half price
Prices are in £’s per person and include FULL BOARD en-suite accommodation, the walking
programme, leaders, transport to and from the walks and 17½% VAT. Europe holidays include
HALF BOARD en-suite accommmodation, the holiday programme and leaders.
Premium Single & Twin Room Supplement: £5 per person per night.
[Back to the top] |
|
|