Special interest bird breaks in Portland, Dorset
For the duration of your break you will be guided to some of the best bird watching locations by Bob. Each trip is unique, as the exact itinerary is decided at the introduction meeting. Bob will have up to date local knowledge of what's in the area and you will have your 'target' species; so this will form the basis of your break.
Whether you are new to bird watching or a more experienced observer, you are sure to marvel at the sheer diversity of birdlife Dorset has to offer. You may be interested to see what previous guests have seen on their special interest breaks. Please click here to see what might await you on such a trip.
A typical bird watching itinerary
Friday :
6.00 pm - meet in the hotel for an introductory talk. As well as looking at slides of the birds you are likely to see, Bob will plan the weekend taking into account any particular species you hope to see or sites you wish to visit.
7.30 pm - dinner in the hotel restaurant overlooking Chesil Beach
and The Fleet.
Saturday : 
6.00 am - if it's light we'll get up early for a dawn seawatch at
The Bill
(or you can stay in bed if you prefer!)
8.00 am - back to the hotel for a well-earned Full English Breakfast
9.00 am - board minibus for the first of the day's visits
1.00 pm - packed lunch at one of the stops
5.00 pm - return to the hotel
6.45 pm - meet in the hotel bar to go through the day's checklist
- free drinks all round if we get 100 in the first day!
7.00 pm - dinner
Sunday :
8.00 am - breakfast
9.00 am - board minibus for the first of the day's visits
1.00 pm - packed lunch at one of the stops
4.00 pm - return to the hotel for a Dorset Cream Tea and final checklist
What you will need to bring
Each bird watching weekend is different, but usually we cover up to 5 miles
on foot each day over a wide variety of terrains and in all weathers,
... so you're advised to bring:
- good footwear (walking boots and wellingtons)
- warm waterproof clothing, including over-trousers
- a sun hat and sun block (from April to October)
- a thermos flask
- and of course, binoculars!
List of dates
Below you will find dates for our Bird, Jurassic Coast and Butterflies & Flowers Special Interest Breaks.
We are also able to offer you a bespoke break. This enables you to choose your dates and mix itineraries to suit your exact requirements. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements or for our weekend prices.
2013
Jan 4th - 6th Bargain Birdbreak
Jan 18th - 20th Bargain Birdbreak
Feb 15th - 17th Birdbreak
Mar 15th - 17th Birdbreak
April 12th - 14th Birdbreak
May 17th - 19th Birdbreak
June 21st - 23rd Butterflies & Wildflowers
July 19th - 21st Butterflies & Wildflowers
Sept 20th - 22nd Birdbreak
Oct 11th - 13th Birdbreak
Nov 8th - 10th Bargain Birdbreak
2014
Jan 10th - 12th Bargain Birdbreak
Jan 31st - Feb 2ndBargain Birdbreak
Feb 21st - 23rd Birdbreak
Mar 14th - 16th Birdbreak
April 11th - 13th Birdbreak
May 16th - 18th Birdbreak
June 20th - 22nd Butterflies & Wildflowers
July 18th - 20th Butterflies & Wildflowers
Sept 19th - 21st Birdbreak
Oct 10th - 12th Birdbreak
Nov 7th - 9th Bargain Birdbreak
To avoid disappointment we would strongly advise booking early as these breaks are very popular.
Are you an RSPB member?
Here at Heights Hotel we have designed a number of exclusive incentives for RSPB Members. On production of your membership card on check in, we offer 10% off our rates to all RSPB members. If you are not already a member then follow this link to go directly to their joining page and take advantage of your discount immediately. Please note that this discount cannot be used with our Summer Sensations offer. Choosing us as the base for your next trip offers many advantages
- Comfortable surroundings
- Award winning restaurant
- Groups and Individuals catered for
- Long and Short stays available
Radipole Lake in Weymouth
Lodmoor in Weymouth
Arne in Wareham
- Portland offers a wealth of bird watchng and is one of the UK's major migration routes
- Guiding services available 7 days a week by prior arrangement (extra charge may apply)
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Ample FREE car parking
What you could see and see more with SWAROVSKI
There have been 218 different species logged by us since January 2000. With so much to see it would be a shame to miss anything. Whilst staying with us during your bird watching break you may be interested in borrowing a pair of the SWAROVSKI binoculars we have available for FREE loan, to our residents. After use we require you to fill in a questionnaire which we will return to SWAROVSKI, giving them feedback on your experience of their products. This is a perfect way to trial exceptional optical equipment prior to making a decision to purchase. For a list of what you can expect to see by month and the full list of what has been spotted please click here.
