Norfolk is a birdwatchers’ paradise having world famous nature reserves.
Watch the winter migrants on the coast, or the spectacular raptors coming in to roost in the Broads wetland National Parks; listen to enchanting dawn chorus in the spring in ancient woodlands, or marvel at the nesting peregrines over summer on the Norman cathedral right in the heart of Norwich. From speciality birds in Norfolk such as the marsh harrier, bittern and stone curlews to easily recognisable birds like kingfishers and geese. Common birds in Norfolk range from ghostly barn owls cruising along field margins to the bright flashes of kingfishers hunting along a river, Cetti’s warblers singing loudly from rustling reedbeds and moustached bearded tits joining the warblers with their pinging call. Norfolk is a wonderful place for children to begin to learn ornithology. Hickling Broad is the largest and wildest of the Norfolk Broads surrounded by reed beds and a boardwalk trail – with hides, visitor centre and wildlife boat trips. Look out for Bittern, Bearded tits, great crested grebe, marsh harrier, smew, osprey and more. It is also famous as the home of one of Britain’s largest and rarest butterflies, the Swallowtail. On Ranworth Broad take a boardwalks through the woodland, rushes and reedbeds to the open water and the floating thatched building of the Broadland Conservation Centre on the edge of the Broad to discover the fascinating history of the Broads and their formation with a galleried viewing area and binoculars. How Hill is a nature trail and is one of the best places to see the wildlife, habitats and birdlife of the Norfolk Broads by foot or by electric launch- The Electric Eel. The trail includes bird hides, bridges and fabulous views over the reeds to the windmills.
Head for the RSPB reserves at Cley, Titchwell, Snettisham and Strumpshaw and walk to or alongside the sea for waders, owls and harriers. Cruise or canoe the broads or use the boardwalks.
Early birds set the alarm early and head to Blakeney National Nature Reserve and hear the dawn chorus crescendo as the sun rises or for the Swans Awake @ Welney Wildfowl and Wetlands.
Multiple Winner of Norfolk’s Best Large Attraction (EDP Norfolk Tourism Awards), Pensthorpe Natural Park is a perfect full day out for families, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and garden lovers. Located along the river Wensum, in the heart of North Norfolk, you can explore 700 acres of woodland walks and lakes; four stunning gardens, including the Millennium Garden designed by renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf; WildRootz – a huge outdoor adventure playground and an award winning indoor play area. Hop on the Pensthorpe Explorer and take a behind the scenes tour to discover the secret side of the Wensum Valley, enjoy home cooked food in the Courtyard café and shop in one of North Norfolk’s largest shops.
Bespoke Birdwatching Tours
If you would like to have a relaxing but educational experience then take a memorable tour with local wildlife expert Carl Chapman. From beginner to expert there is a wide choice locations and subjects on offer. He will collect you, provide refreshments, lunch and binoculars and return you to Hoste Barn after a fascinating day. With discounts for 3 or more guests and half price for children, it’s an enjoyable day for all ages. https://www.wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk/
Norfolk May 2025
We are regular visitors to Norfolk, a great county in which to pursue our hobbies of Birding and Photography. We chose to stay in Hoste Barn, having looked for holiday properties in North Norfolk . What a find Hoste Barn was and what a delight to be near such a wonderful garden. Paul and Sian were great hosts and very welcoming. We took up their offer to wander through their amazing garden.
Every day of our holiday we visited a birdwatching site and many, many photographs were taken! So many fabulous places to visit but our favourites were: (Photographs above)
Strumpshaw Fen
A lovely reserve, caught sight of an Otter fishing and a Kingfisher likewise! Sightings of Cranes, Bittern and Marsh Harriers were also wonderful to see.
Hickling Broad Norfolk WT
The highlight here was the beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly, a first sighting for us and a thrill to see. The Swallowtail, the UK’s largest butterfly, is found only in Norfolk and it’s where their main source of food, Milk Parsley, grows. The Swallowtail eggs are laid on the plant ready for the caterpillars to feed on. The Broad has so much to see during May. We took a boat ride onto the Broad (arranged by NWT) , a lovely quiet and peaceful ride across the water and into the little channels. Whilst in Hickling we saw Marsh Harriers, Bittern, Common Cranes, Red Footed Falcons and Common Terns to name but a few.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley-Next-the-Sea
This is a particular favourite place. Many waders are here but the highlight of our sightings were the Temmicks Stints, Knot and Spoonbill. Thirty eight species were spotted here.
Wroxham
Norfolk Broads electric boat trip – Broad Tours Electric Day Boat Hire
Once you get used to the controls (it’s easy) it was a lovely way to spend a day. We took a picnic with us and moored at Ranworth for lunch. (Ranworth is also worth a visit) We journeyed on to St Benet’s Abbey before turning back down the River Bure to Wroxham. Seeing a family of Swans with cygnets on the mum’s back was such a lovely sight and I was delighted to get a few photos.
Horsey
We cannot come to Norfolk without seeing the seals! Always a delight to see and it’s almost always guaranteed that several seals will be on the beach. Just along from Horsey Windpump is Poppylands Cafe – a 1940’s themed eaterie with lots of memorabilia and knitted ‘Dad’s Army’ tea cosies!
In total we were privileged to see 93 different species of birds during our stay.
We had a wonderful holiday and Hoste Barn was a perfect base.
Kay Ingamells
Instagram @kaybirder
