3 Night Guided Bird Watching in Northumberland
For complete beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike, Northumberland never fails to impress with the thousands of bird species that flock to the sands and offshore islands of its National Landscapes-awarded coastline every year. Twitchers are in for a treat as they seek out some of the county’s best birdwatching spots with like-minded nature lovers as well as an expert ornithologist. By day, you’ll discover beauty spots where birdlife thrives; by night, you’ll enjoy after-dinner talks and expert help identifying what you’ve spotted. To top if off, you’ll be staying in our country house just steps from the sands at Alnmouth where plenty of birds are in residence.
What you’ll love
- Daily guided visits to Northumberland’s best birding spots
- Guidance and evening lectures by a local ornithologist leader
- Visiting Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, Holy Island, and Druridge Bay
- Chances to spot brent geese, red-necked grebes, owls, and much more
- Relaxing at our Nether Grange, our comfortable country house
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Local ornithologist leader
- All transport throughout the itinerary
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. After dinner this evening, your local ornithologist leader will introduce themselves and explain the itinerary. Their talk will include an introduction to the local area’s birdlife and what you’re likely to see during your stay.
Please note, the running order of the days is tide dependent
Though these holidays don’t cover great distances on foot, they are still active. You'll be hopping on and off the coach and should expect to spend the majority of the day on your feet. Walking to the birdwatching sites may take you across country tracks or footpaths and, at times, off the beaten track so be sure to bring sturdy shoes.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is the jewel in Northumberland’s crown when it comes to birding. During winter, thousands of wildfowl and waders flock to the area, including almost the entire population of Svalbard breeding population of pale-bellied brent geese. We spend the day here, exploring the best birding sites. Keep an eye out for red-throated divers, great northern divers, slavonian and red-necked grebes, whooper swan, pink-footed geese, and wigeon (over 20,000 can be found here at any one time).
Druridge Bay
Another of our favourite sites is Druridge Bay. Six miles of long sandy beaches backed by sand dunes provide a series of ponds, patches of scrub, hedgerows, and fields – the perfect spot for year-round bird watching. The hides around Cresswell Pond, Druridge Pools, and East Chevington provide views overlooking fresh water and reedbeds where waders and wildfowl spend the winter months and owls and raptors patrol in search of food. Keep your eyes peeled for long-eared owl, hen harrier, divers, grebes, merlin, peregrine, geese, plover, snipe, godwit, and more.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nether Grange
You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nether Grange has 36 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Nether Grange
Alnmouth
Alnwick
Northumberland NE66 2RZ
Tel: +44 (0)1665 830431
By train
The nearest station is Alnmouth, on the main east coast line between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 1.5-mile journey from Alnmouth railway station to Nether Grange is about five minutes by taxi. Taxis are in limited supply in Alnmouth, so we recommend pre-booking as early as possible.
For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.
Taxi companies in the area include:
Sovereign Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)7553 360662
Wizard Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 663709
AA Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 606060
Some taxi companies have school runs so taxis may be in short supply between 9:00am and 10:00am. It is advisable to book your return taxi when you book your arrival taxi.
*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.
By car
Before travelling by car, note that there is no car park at Nether Grange and there’s very limited on-street parking.
Exit the A1 onto the A1068 towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (it’s not well signposted), following the A1068 towards Alnmouth. Go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338.
As you approach Alnmouth, turn right at the next roundabout, then left into The Wynd. Follow to Marine Road into Northumberland Street. After 100 yards turn right into Pease’s Lane. You’ll find Nether Grange on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport. Take the metro to Newcastle Central station, then the train to Alnmouth - a straightforward journey taking just over an hour.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Spotting scope and/or binoculars
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Nether Grange Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Martin Kitching
Having spent more than half his lifetime north of the Tyne, East Yorkshire-born Martin is a wildlife, photography, and astronomy guide. For the past 14 years, he’s co-ordinated the North East Cetacean Project, mapping cetacean and seabird abundance and distribution off the Northumberland coast to inform marine protected area decision-making processes. He was the main cetacean species account author for Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles of the North East. Additionally, he was author and editor at Birds in Northumbria (he’s currently writing the next edition of where to watch Birds in North East England). Martin has been fascinated with the natural world from a young age and can’t wait to share his knowledge of birdlife with our guests.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
08 Nov - 11 Nov 2024 3 nights - Anniversary Celebrations |
Itinerary Single from £529 Double from £529 pp |
from £529 pp |
from £529 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
21 Feb - 24 Feb 2025 3 nights |
Itinerary Single from £529 £499 Double from £529 £499 pp |
from £529 £499 pp |
from £529 £499 |
Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
07 Mar - 10 Mar 2025 3 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £529 pp |
from £529 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
07 Nov - 10 Nov 2025 3 nights |
Itinerary Single from £529 £499 Double from £529 £499 pp |
from £529 £499 pp |
from £529 £499 |
Early Booking Offer Save £30 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
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84Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
