Go Slow in Hampshire

Tour Code: GBR60

A relaxing 4-day natural history break staying in rural Hampshire

4 days from
£795

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Highlights

This midweek break to rural Hampshire offers some iconic wildlife coupled with a chance for real relaxation. Based at a lovely spa hotel, we will enjoy daily outings to explore the local heaths, downland and coastal habitats in search of a range of special species to include Dartford Warbler, Woodlark, Redstarts and Hobby. Our primary aim will be to watch and learn about the birds of the area but we will also pay great attention to other wildlife with a range of dragonflies, butterflies and wild flowers to be enjoyed at the time of our visit. Nightjars breed nearby and there will be an optional excursion to hear and see this species. An evening with Nightjars is very special indeed. This is an ideal break for those looking to spend time watching and learning about Hampshire’s wildlife with guidance from an expert naturalist, while also enjoying the facilities of this rural retreat. There will be time available for a pre-booked treatment and daily use of the spa facilities, and indeed the grounds here alone can provide some excellent sightings during a relaxed stroll. Whatever your interest this is sure to be a most informative, relaxed and luxurious short break.

Brilliant botany and butterflies
Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Hobby possible
Evening excursion to search for Nightjar
Pyramidal, Common Twayblade, Fragrant and many more orchids possible
Luxury hotel set in 400 acres of picturesque Hampshire countryside
Led by an expert naturalist guide

Grading

Short, easy walks only

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at hotel

Day 2/4

Exploring from the hotel taking short drives to various sites

What's Included

What's Included?

Accommodation:
Elegant 4-star spa hotel framed by glorious Hampshire countryside.
Food:
The tour price includes a 3-course meal on both evenings. Lunches are not included in the tour price and will be taken at cafés featuring local produce, and where light lunches, such as soups and sandwiches are available, as well as more substantive plates of food.

Reviews

The Naturetrek guides took us out during the day (9am - 4pm) on walks to see local nature - lots of orchids, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, etc, with good lunch stops. I've had good experiences with Naturetrek and have been on a number of holidays with them. They always have knowledgeable guides to show us wonderful nature around us that we would struggle to see on our own. They choose good accommodation and attract interesting and enthusiastic participants. They are my "go to" tour operator for all holidays over than those with family or friends.
J.T. Essex, Jun 21

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 30th Jun – Thu 3rd Jul SPACES £795

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Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£795

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Jonathan Mycock

Tour Leader: Jonathan Mycock

Jonathan is a professional conservationist with over 30 years' experience in nature conservation and environmental management. Much of this has been working in protected areas, including the Shropshire Hills & Sussex Downs AONBs and the Peak District, New Forest and South Downs National Parks. He gained a BSc Hons in Applied Biology from Liverpool John Moore's University, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Countryside Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, during the 1980s. His last position was Environmental Project Manager with the Environment Agency in Worthing, from which he retired in October 2023.

Jonathan has been a keen naturalist from a very young age. He honed his birding skills on the moors, dales and reservoirs of the Peak District during his teenage years, together with regular stays at Spurn Bird Observatory. During this period Jonathan gained a detailed knowledge of the songs and calls of British birds which has stood him in good stead when undertaking bird surveys and leading guided walks.

Jonathan has travelled extensively in Europe, Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East, The Gambia, India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, California, Costa Rica and Ecuador in search of birds and other wildlife. Since retiring he spent 3 weeks birding in Madagascar and a week in Taiwan, together with 2 weeks in the Canaries (El Hierro and Lanzarote).

Jonathan has led tours for Naturetrek in the Dordogne, France; the Sorrento Peninsula, Italy; Sicily; the Carpathian Mountains and Danube Delta in Romania; and Finland and Arctic Norway. He has also led various UK tours, including in Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset and the Forest of Dean, as well as local day trips to Pagham Harbour and the Sussex Downs and Heaths. In his ‘spare time’, Jonathan is a voluntary warden at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and undertakes local surveys for the BTO and Sussex Ornithological Society.

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - July 2018

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!