Our Coast, Our Sea - BREAK IS STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS!

2 December 2011

Doxford Hall, Winner of the North East’s “Best Small Hotel of the Year 2100”, is offering birdwatchers a unique three night break in a county often hailed as a bird watcher’s paradise. The break starts on February 19th, and includes guided tours of some of Northumberland’s most celebrated bird watching environments with ornithologist Chris Townsend.

During the three days, incorporating Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Budle Bay, visitors can expect to see the countless species of wintering birds that visit or stay on Northumberland’s natural heritage coast. They can also look forward to the best of local food and hospitality at Doxford Hall. Priced at £280 per person sharing a room this special break is designed for all levels of birdwatcher. It is based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room, and includes Dinner, bed and breakfast each night, 2 packed lunches and tour guide. Single rooms are available at a £30 per night supplement.

Ornithologist Chris Townsend Chairman of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust has been a keen Birdwatcher and bird ringer since his teens. As a result of studying at Newcastle University, he has a great love of Northumberland as he explains: ”Northumberland is a fantastic place for birding. The Northumberland Coast in Winter attracts large numbers of wintering ducks, geese and waders which breed on the arctic Tundra, so people will definitely not be disappointed.“

Giving the background to this package, David Hunter, General Manager for Doxford Hall said: “We have had many ornithologists staying at Doxford Hall so we decided to offer a break to include guided tours of some of the key sites readily accessible from the hotel. It has been specially designed for those who are beginners, or who want to build on a basic knowledge of birding.
Northumberland’s landscape ranges from heather clad hills to moorland, and from ancient woodland to cliffs, beaches and mudflats. This is the reason it is one of the best counties in the whole of the country for birdwatching.

On their first day, after settling in, guests will have a short talk about the birdlife of Northumberland and a guided tour of Doxford’s grounds and the nearby lake to explore the flora and fauna. To see feeding geese, waders, ducks and passerines.
Day two starts at the coastal fishing village of Seahouses and then Monkshouse Pool, this will be followed by taking in the coastal strips of Bamburgh and Budle Bay before diverting inland to Waren Mill.
Day three includes a trip to Holy Island, stopping along its causeway to see waders, geese and ducks and a walk around the island, including a stop at the hide overlooking the Lough .
On their final day, guests will have chance to test out their new found skills on the stretch of coast from Low Newton to Embleton, Craster and Warkworth.Each morning starts with a full Northumbrian breakfast, before guests set out provided with a packed lunch. Each evening will present opportunities to log and discuss the day’s sightings, and to listen to further information from Chris Townsend, as well as a welcoming dinner and relaxation.

Head Chef Paul Blakey sources all food locally – so after experiencing local wildlife, there will be the chance to enjoy local produce in the AA rosette George Runciman restaurant.
Located less than ten miles north of Alnwick, Doxford Hall has 31 bedrooms; its luxury Spa, Swimming Pool and Health Club are open to residents and non-residents.

Anyone interested in receiving further information about Doxford Hall should contact: David Hunter, General Manager on Tel. 01665 589700 or visit www.doxfordhall.com www.doxfordhall.com