Norfolk: Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th October 2025
Following the results of the recent questionnaire, we are proposing our first away trip to North Norfolk, during one of the prime birding seasons at one of the UK’s premier birding locations.
A full itinerary will be prepared and circulated to all attendees much closer to the date, but likely to include the following venues:
RSPB Snettisham – the famous wader spectacular coincides with the trip, although it will be an early start on Saturday morning. High tide is 07.30 but would be worthwhile getting up for! (This will be an optional trip if you decide it was too early a start – not a problem).
Old Hunstanton Beach & Cliffs – walking distance from the hotel and holds large numbers of gulls and waders with Fulmars at the cliffs. Very good for sea-watching.
NWT Holme Dunes – part of the network of reserves owned and managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Very good during migration with the potential for some rarities coming through.
RSPB Titchwell Marsh – one of the RSPB’s flagship reserves with an excellent selection of raptors, waders, ducks, gulls, reedbed specialties. Easy walking with excellent hides and habitats.
Holkham Beach – stunning landscape with huge expanse of sand and dunes with hides over flooded meadows and pine woodland. Lady Anne’s Drive is famous for its geese, ducks and raptors.
Warham Greens – recognised as one of the main roost sites for raptors and owls, with the chance to see up 10 species along with other farmland and shore birds.
Cley Nature Reserve – world famous reserve with excellent hides, visitor centre (good food and shop) – always a chance of a rarity or two!
To and from the venues we will be heading inland to check out locations for Grey and Red-legged Partridge, feeding geese (Pink-footed, Brent, Greylag and White-fronted Geese); finch, bunting and thrush flocks together with the potential for owls and raptors.
On our way up we will be stopping off at WWT Welney, which is a superb reserve located within the stunning fen landscape. Expect returning Whooper and some Bewick’s Swans, Common Cranes, increasing numbers of wildfowl and waders together with the ever-present Tree Sparrows feeding at the Centre.
We will be keeping an eye on Rare Bird Alert to divert our routes to see anything of interest that arrives in the vicinity.
Expectation will be for 100-110 species along with Hares; Muntjac, Roe, Red and Chinese Water Deer.
Accommodation: we have reserved 15 rooms at Caley Hall Hotel, Old Hunstanton and got a discounted rate as a Group. Please got to https://caleyhallhotel.co.uk/ and check out the accommodation.
We are proposing to book dinner, bed and breakfast with alternative plans for lunch each day.
Costs: as with most accommodation, the rates are based on rooms, rather than number of people so sharing a double or twin room reduces the cost per person.
Based on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast per room/night
Single Occupancy: £175
Double / Twin Room: £235
[Please note that we have managed to also agree for the hotel to waive the £20 additional charge for a Saturday night stay].Other costs: we will be buying food for lunches as we travel – likely to be either from the local supermarket or lunch to be at one of the visitor centres.
If you are not a member of the RSPB, Wetlands and Wildfowl Trust or Norfolk Wildlife Trust then the costs for the reserve visits are:
RSPB Snettisham – FREE
RSPB Titchwell Marsh – £7.00
WWT Welney – £7.00
Cley Nature Reserve – £6.00 (+ parking)
Visits to some of our venues will incur a parking charge.
Travel: as is Surrey Bird Club’s policy we will be encouraging car sharing – not only far more sustainable but reducing the number of vehicles will help with travel coordination and when stopping if we find something of interest, en route.
If there is sufficient demand then we may take a 12 or 17 person minibus with a few pick-ups en-route and on the way back. The likely cost per person to take this option would be an additional £50-60 per person (to be confirmed).
Insurance: we are suggesting that everyone ensures they have appropriate travel insurance for the trip.
To Book Your Place: please message Andy directly either via email: or Whatsapp at 07884 063589 to confirm your interest and he will provide you with how to book your place / book your room at the hotel.
Importantly, we are restricting the trip to 20 Surrey Bird Club members, so don’t delay and book your place!
Any queries please contact Andy Harding as per contact details above.
Should be fun!
Surrey Bird Club – Events Sub-Committee