Our weekend retreats are back for 2026!
16 December 2025
Our Spurn Residential Retreats are designed for people who enjoy nature, are curious to learn more, and would like time and space to explore Spurn with guidance and good company. Whether you are fairly new to wildlife watching or already have some experience, these weekends offer a relaxed way to immerse yourself in the peninsula and its wildlife.
You will stay at Spurn Bird Observatory in Kilnsea for two nights, with evenings spent just down the road at the Crown and Anchor, our friendly local pub. From the moment you arrive, the pace is gentle and informal, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share sightings and simply enjoy being at Spurn.
On the evening of arrival, there will be a short introductory talk about Spurn, its wildlife and the work of the Observatory. Over the following days, you will take part in guided wildlife walks, have the chance to see bird ringing in action where conditions allow, and enjoy moth trapping demonstrations. There is also time set aside to explore independently, revisit favourite spots, or simply sit and watch what passes by.
Each evening at around 7 pm, everyone is welcome to join our Daily Log, where sightings from the day are shared and recorded. It is a relaxed and friendly way to learn what has been seen across the recording area, from birds and insects to mammals and plants.
Late spring and summer are rewarding times to be at Spurn, with breeding birds, passage migrants and a growing variety of insects on the wing. As the season progresses, migrating passerines and waders begin to appear, along with dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies, including locally scarce and newly expanding species. The nearby Canal Scrape and coastal paths offer wide, open views across the North Sea and the Humber estuary, with memorable sunrises and sunsets throughout the season.
Interested? Details of upcoming dates and accommodation options are below.
Bookings can be made by emailing accommodation@spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk.
Arrive Friday 22nd May – Depart Sunday 24th May
Arrive Friday 5th June – Depart Sunday 7th June
Arrive Friday 17th July – Depart Sunday 19th July
Arrive Friday 21st August – Depart Sunday 23rd August
Dormitory Room (3 or 4-bed rooms, single sex where possible)
£140 per person for the full package (not per night)
This includes:
Accommodation at Spurn Bird Observatory
Expert guided walks
An evening presentation
A behind-the-scenes look at the Observatory
An evening meal each night at the Crown and Anchor (one course and one drink per person)
Little Room (1 single bed and 1 double bed)
£170 per person for the full package
Includes everything listed above, plus:
A private bedroom
Bedding and towels provided
Please note: Bedding and towels are only provided in the Little Room. Dormitory guests should bring a pillowcase and a duvet or sleeping bag.
Breakfasts and lunches are not included. Please bring your own food for these meals. A large, well-equipped kitchen is available for guest use at the Observatory. The nearest shops are around a 20-minute drive away in Patrington or Withernsea.
Check-in is from 3 pm on the day of arrival, with check-out by 11 am on the day of departure.
The programme may be adjusted at short notice depending on weather, tides and conditions suitable for bird ringing or moth trapping. Participants should bring clothing and footwear suitable for variable coastal weather and terrain, and be comfortable walking for periods of 2 to 3 hours, with opportunities to rest along the way.
More dates will be announced in due course. Please get in touch if you are interested or would like further information.
