If you count yourself as being a twitcher, then there is nowhere better to have a holiday than Tan Rallt Holiday Park. That’s because the surrounding region is unquestionably one of the birdwatching capitals of the UK, with an array of idyllic viewing sites and fascinating species which are just waiting to be explored.

Researching the best places to visit for bird watching in North Wales can prove to be quite time consuming. We have therefore utilised our knowledge of the local area to put together a short list of the best places to go bird watching in North Wales so that you can arrive for your next holiday with a clear idea of the best locations to visit. Let’s kick off with one that is pretty much right on our doorstep…

Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve

Located less than 10 miles away from Tan Rallt Holiday Park, the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve which is said to have been home to over 220 different species of bird since its creation in the mid 1990s.

Covering over 114 acres, the reserve was opened as compensation for the many wildlife habitats that were destroyed to make way for the creation of the famous A55 tunnel road. Waste from the tunnel site was dumped onto the area which would later become the nature reserve where it was landscaped to create a number of pools for wetland wildlife. 

The Nature Reserve has since blossomed with a visitor centre and popular café being built on-site to provide animal lovers with all the amenities they will need during their day out strolling along the many boardwalks and walking paths. You will also be able to take advantage of the four hides that are available with adjacent viewing screens; perfect for birdwatching.

The types of bird you will encourage will naturally vary depending upon the season. Little Egrets and ducklings are common during the summer months, with autumn being peak season for those interested in catching a glimpse of the migrant birds who head to the reserve for a brief respite before continuing their journey to their overwintering territories. 

Glaslyn Osprey Project

If you are willing to travel a little further, then we’d highly recommend paying a visit to the Glaslyn Valley near Porthmadog. This is the HQ of the Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife group who were established in 2004 with the intention of reintroducing Osprey’s to the North Wales region. 

The Glaslyn Osprey Project ultimately proved to be successful in 2011 when Osprey’s were bred in the area for the first time in over 400 years. 

You can now pay a visit to the Glaslyn Valley and take advantage of the facilities which have been created by the group. These facilities include a visitor centre, hide and telescopes. The group has even invested in its online facilities, setting up a live webcam overlooking that all important Osprey nest. 

South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve

Anglesey is another popular destination for bird watching in North Wales and on the far North West coast of the island you will find another of the RSPB’s nature reserves in the form of South Stack Cliffs.

While this Anglesey site may only be little over 40 miles away from Conwy Nature Reserve, the coastal location ensures that it offers a home to a different variety of species. The cliffs here provide nesting sites for as many as 9,000 seabirds made up of puffins, guillemots and even peregrine falcons. 

There are a number of open air vantage points along the cliffs to take advantage of where you can also enjoy breathtaking views. Viewing is also possible from Ellin’s Tower, an enchanting Victorian building which provides shelter during any rainy days.