As bird populations face global decline, a new generation of travelers is discovering the joy of birdwatching — and the travel industry has taken note. Across the UK and beyond, hotels, lodges, and nature reserves are embracing eco-conscious travel by offering binoculars, guided bird walks, and even on-site educational programs.
What was once a niche hobby is now one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to connect with nature. Whether you’re fascinated by puffins on a Welsh island or red-crowned cranes dancing across Japan’s winter landscapes, these seven birdwatching destinations promise unforgettable encounters with the wild.
1. Skomer Island, Wales
Off the rugged Pembrokeshire coast lies Skomer Island, one of Britain’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. From April to July, thousands of puffins nest here, creating a colorful spectacle against the coastal cliffs. While day trips are popular, those staying overnight at Skomer Island Hostel — a converted farmhouse barn — enjoy the rare luxury of solitude once the boats leave.
As dusk settles, listen for the eerie yet beautiful calls of Manx shearwaters returning to their burrows, filling the night air with an unforgettable natural chorus.
2. Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire Dales, England
Once a patchwork of overgrazed fields, Broughton Sanctuary near Skipton has undergone a remarkable rewilding transformation. In just five years, 740 acres have become a thriving habitat home to all five native owl species in Britain. Recently introduced beavers have also helped restore wetland areas, drawing even more birdlife.
Visitors can join free “nature recovery” tours or specialist courses on wildlife conservation, while the 18.5-mile Odyssey Trail invites independent exploration. Between birdwatching sessions, unwind in a woodland sauna or take a dip in the sanctuary’s wild swimming pond.
3. Brighton, England
For an urban twist on birdwatching, head to Brighton’s Victorian pier between November and February, when thousands of starlings gather at sunset. The result is one of nature’s most spectacular aerial ballets — swirling, shape-shifting murmurations that light up the evening sky.
The best displays occur in midwinter when local flocks merge with migrating birds from across Europe. Stay at No.124 by GuestHouse, where sea-view rooms and provided binoculars make it easy to enjoy the show right from your window.
4. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Yala National Park offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in Asia. Here, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles roam freely — alongside over 215 bird species, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, grey hornbill, and crimson-fronted barbet.
Stay at the luxurious Wild Coast Tented Lodge, which borders the park. Each tent combines safari-style adventure with five-star comfort — think four-poster beds, copper bathtubs, and panoramic jungle views. Guided game drives with expert rangers ensure every outing is filled with extraordinary sightings.
5. Hokkaido, Japan
Few places on Earth rival Eastern Hokkaido in winter for dramatic birdwatching. The island’s frozen rivers and snowy plains host two of Japan’s most striking species: the elegant red-crowned cranes, famous for their synchronized courtship dances, and the powerful Steller’s sea eagles, diving for fish along the icy coast.
Stay at Yoroushi Onsen, a tranquil retreat where the elusive Blakiston’s fish owl — Japan’s rarest owl — often visits the pond at night. After a day of adventure, soak in the soothing onsen hot springs surrounded by pristine wilderness.
6. Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey, England
Spread across 3,300 acres of wetlands in Kent, Elmley Nature Reserve is a family-run estate celebrated for its thriving population of breeding waders such as curlews and lapwings. Visitors can stay overnight right inside the reserve — choosing from cozy shepherd’s huts, cottages, or bell tents that overlook the marshes.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to spot the reserve’s impressive marsh harrier roosts, when dozens of these raptors take to the sky in breathtaking displays. End your evening roasting marshmallows under the stars or soaking in a rustic outdoor bath with a view.
7. Folegandros, Greece
Between Paros and Santorini lies the serene island of Folegandros, home to Gundari, a luxury eco-resort set within a protected wildlife reserve. The area shelters the endangered Bonelli’s eagle and the rare Eleonora’s falcon, which has a global population of fewer than 20,000.
Guests can join the resort’s bird-monitoring programs, volunteer in conservation expeditions to nearby islets, or take part in educational hikes with ornithologists. Beyond birdwatching, Folegandros offers clifftop trails, scenic boat tours, and traditional Greek tavernas tucked along quiet beaches.
The Joy of Birdwatching Travel
From British wetlands to Asian wilderness and Mediterranean cliffs, birdwatching has evolved from a specialist pursuit into a global travel trend. Each of these destinations offers a chance not just to spot rare species, but to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the delicate ecosystems that sustain them.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or a curious beginner, the world is full of wings waiting to be discovered.