Where to go birdwatching in the UK: Top 10 walking trails

Birdwatching walks UK. Did you know that the UK is home to many destinations that offer glorious bird walks? Every year, millions of migrant birds come to our shores, travelling mainly from northern and eastern parts of Europe. These majestic creatures range from the likes of puffins, waders and red kites. You do not want to miss out on their sightings! If you’re stuck on how to start birdwatching or don’t know where exactly to go birdwatching, keep on reading to discover 10 of our favourite birdwatching walks throughout the UK.

1. Lizard Point, Cornwall

Based in beautiful Cornwall, Lizard Point is the place to be if you want to have a relaxing bird watching experience. On this particular UK walking trail, expect to see a range of birdlife all year round. As we descend into the autumn and winter months, look out for the yellow wagtail, the great northern diver, and the purple sandpiper.

2. Brownsea Island, Dorset

Brownsea Island is an internationally important nature reserve that features rare wildlife, including wild birds. Flocks of waders - especially spoonbills, sandwich terns, and black-tailed godwits – are particularly attracted to this piece of land. Furthermore, the island’s walking trails offer good views from the hides and a system of paths enables public access to most of its habitats.

3. Bardsey Island, Wales

Birdwatching walks UK. Wondering where to go birdwatching in North Wales? Bardsey Island may satisfy your needs. There have been 310 species of birds recorded on this island, so it's guaranteed that you won't be disappointed by its walking trail. The island itself sits on a key migratory route that some of Europe's wonderful birds travel on. Side note: when you embark on the bird walk at Bardsey, expect to see many adorable puffins and choughs.

4. Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Going further up north on the map, Calke Abbey offers the sights of various birds of prey. In particular, creatures such as hobbies and buzzards can be seen in the summer months. As well as this, due to the exclusive sighting of rambling and siskin, autumn is still a good time to go on the walking trail at Calke Abbey.

5. Blakeney Point, Norfolk

Birdwatching walks. Wild birdwatching is not just a summer activity and Blakeney Point proves that. In autumn and winter, flocks of golden plovers normally whirl around. Also, if you look closely, wigeon and dark Brent geese from Siberia can be seen flying high in the skies around the area.

6. Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, Tyne, and Wear

According to the National Trust, this piece of land is known as being a hotspot for migratory birds in the UK. It is especially recommended that people take a bird walk on The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park in the colder months. Why? Well, as we move forward into the winter; snow buntings, waxwings and dunnocks arrive into this beautiful area.

7. The Vyne, Hampshire

Want to know where to go on a bird walk with the kids? Look no further than The Vyne. This ancient area offers an easy stroll through the woodlands and finally out to The Vyne’s bird hide. Tell your little ones to keep their eyes peeled for the grabs, herons and the visiting migrant waders.

8. Orford Ness, Suffolk

This wonderful nature reserve is known as ‘a birdwatcher’s dream’. In the late autumn and winter months, expect to see the infamous peregrine falcon swooping around its newfound territory. The Orford Ness is also home to barn owls, waders and wildfowl.

9. St Helens Duver, Isle of Wight

From the shore to the harbour, to the dunes and lagoons – birds can be seen everywhere when you take a walk around St Helens Duver. Between October and March, look out for the sightings of Brent geese and wigeon. These feathery creatures like to feed on the eelgrass beds of the St Helens ledges.

10. Stourhead, Wiltshire

Ever seen a rare tree sparrow? If the answer is no, or if you simply want to see one again, embark on the walking trail at Stourhead. Want to know a fun fact about this area? To combat the declining number of tree sparrows, the Search Farm on the Stourhead estate put 37 pole boxes in the sparrow’s natural nesting areas. Top tip: As well as taking your binoculars on these walking trails, why not bring some of our mixed seed for the birds with you to attract the birds!