Spurn Bird Observatory
Spurn Bird Observatory
5
About
The all new Spurn Bird Observatory building is situated in Kilnsea, at the northern end of the Spurn Peninsula, 3 doors to the north of the Crown and Anchor Pub. Late in 2015 we took over an existing property in the village and renovated it extensively during the winter of ‘15/’16, decorating throughout, splitting the bathroom into two rooms and adding a boot room onto the back. After many hours of hard work by many dedicated volunteers it was opened by Mike Dilger on Easter Sunday, 27th March 2016. We can now offer fresh modern hostel-style accommodation for 13 guests. Our accommodation consists of three bedrooms upstairs, with three beds in the back room (with views over the large garden) and five beds (one bunk) in the two front rooms (with impressive views over the Humber estuary), one downstairs bedroom with two single beds, two bathrooms upstairs each with a toilet/washbasin and shower cubicle, as well as a down stairs toilet, boot room, large modern kitchen/diner and extensive common room with log burner providing the central heating, three double seater sofas and a PC kindly provided by Rare Bird Alert. Rates for a bed in the three upstairs rooms at the Observatory are £20 PPPN for non-members £16 for Friends of Spurn and £13 for gold star members (members who have stayed for more than 30 nights in the previous year). A bed in the downstairs bedroom is £23 PPPN for non-members, £19 for Friends of Spurn and £16 for gold star members. Bed linen and towels are provided in the downstairs bedroom, but you will need to bring your own bedding or a sleeping bag for the upstairs bedrooms, pillows and slips are provided. We recommend bringing indoor footwear along, as no outdoor footwear is allowed beyond the boot room. We also still have the Warren Cottage where prices remain at £14 PPPN for non-members and £10 for Friends of Spurn. No meals are provided but cooking facilities are provided in the new modern Kitchen at the Observatory with all cutlery, crockery and utensils provided and extensive cupboard space for you to use during your visit. A kettle, two microwaves, double oven with seven electric rings, toaster and large fridge/freezer are all provided and we also have a dishwasher and washing machine. The closest food and supplies can be purchased at the shop in Easington (on the south side of the square) which is open Monday-Saturday (closed Tuesday afternoons), or Patrington/Withernsea (10 miles to the north). Visitors under the age of 16 can only be accepted if accompanied by a responsible adult. Rooms are to be kept clean and tidy and any breakages replaced. Please respect other Observatory residents and keep noise to a minimum at night time. If you wish to stay at the Observatory you should contact Paul Collins the Warden. Visitors wishing to take part in ringing should email the Warden, Paul Collins and should hold a current BTO permit. Traps must not be driven without the Wardens permission and only rings provided by the Observatory are to be used. How to get to us By Car: From Hull follow the A1033 towards Withernsea till Patrington, then turn right towards Spurn (on the B1445). Follow this until you reach Easington then turn right to continue towards Spurn, as you reach Kilnsea Village look out for us on the left before the Crown and Anchor Pub. By Public Transport: From Hull you’ll need to take the 75 bus to either Patrington ( 8.7 miles to the north of the Obs) and either get a taxi or a lift/walk/cycle to the Observatory. Spurn Bird Observatory owns and manages a small Caravan Club CL site at the rear of Kew Villa. This sheltered and secluded site is a haven for migrant birds. There are mains hook up points for each pitch together with a toilet block and shower room. The charges are £13 per night April 1st-Sept 30th and £14 per night October 1st-March 31st which is inclusive of all services and as such offers great value for money in this private bird rich hot spot. Who knows you might even find the Big One when you stay!!!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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5.0
74 reviews
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65
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9
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Annemarie K
1 contribution
Feb 2023
My second visit to Spurn Bird Observatory and it just feels like home from home. It's light, bright, warm and has everything you need for a perfect birding weekend. Cosy common room with log burner and a great library of books, well equipped kitchen. Great birding and wildlife watching right from the doorstep. Thanks for the warm welcome again, I'll be back.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario
2 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
The observatory is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed. It was very clean, very well equipped and there was always someone to help. People there are lovely and very helpful. Even if birds isn’t your thing this is a lovely place with lovely people.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chettachet
Sheffield, UK2 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
I booked the private double room as a birthday present for my husband, and we loved every minute.
Our superb host and the site manager Jonnie met us on arrival and showed us around the observatory and explained how things work.
Apart from our bedroom the rest of the accomodation and facilities (kitchen and bathroom) are shared.
Everything was really clean, modern, warm and well stocked (plenty of utensils).
Apart from your own food all you need to bring is a towel, a pair of slippers (no boots allowed inside ...great) and your binoculars.
The energy of the place is its unique attraction for me. The 8pm sea watch roll call was fantastic with an almost "shipping forecast" like quality to it and should not be missed.
As my husband and I are "new birders" the knowledge and expertise of all involved eager to share and advise was beyond compare.
Jonnie never stopped. Professional, super friendly and a passionate ornithologist his guided walk the next morning despite horizontal hail was stunning.
We met fantastic people, slept in a warm clean bed and can't wait to go back.
Our superb host and the site manager Jonnie met us on arrival and showed us around the observatory and explained how things work.
Apart from our bedroom the rest of the accomodation and facilities (kitchen and bathroom) are shared.
Everything was really clean, modern, warm and well stocked (plenty of utensils).
Apart from your own food all you need to bring is a towel, a pair of slippers (no boots allowed inside ...great) and your binoculars.
The energy of the place is its unique attraction for me. The 8pm sea watch roll call was fantastic with an almost "shipping forecast" like quality to it and should not be missed.
As my husband and I are "new birders" the knowledge and expertise of all involved eager to share and advise was beyond compare.
Jonnie never stopped. Professional, super friendly and a passionate ornithologist his guided walk the next morning despite horizontal hail was stunning.
We met fantastic people, slept in a warm clean bed and can't wait to go back.
Written 7 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Danny. Apologies for the slow response, I've been having problems with the TA account, but such positive responses like this are always very welcome!!!
I particularly loved your shipping forecast analogy for the bird log. And yes, Jonnie is an ornithological dervish!
Written 11 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
grimsby30
Lincoln, UK2 contributions
Aug 2019
12 years since I last visited Spurn one of my favorite UK spots .
This time I decided to cycle from my home town Caistor in Lincolnshire and wanted to spend some time on Spurn, I needed to find somewhere to stay over and let my legs recover for my cycle home
I found and booked this real gem that is the Bird Observatory,This really is best in class excellent hostel-type accommodation. clean rooms. smart shared areas with spacious lounge and kitchen. The locals looking after it and all the people I met were so accomodating and friendly.I'd got bedding boots clothing and tea bags on the back of my bike but forgot my milk - Thank you so much to one of the lads for providing milk for my morning cuppa.I could even see Blundell Park from the bedroom window !! - icing on the cake
Keep up the good work Jonnie et al ,you're doing a fantastic job, I am coming back soon with some friends after I've told them how good it is
This time I decided to cycle from my home town Caistor in Lincolnshire and wanted to spend some time on Spurn, I needed to find somewhere to stay over and let my legs recover for my cycle home
I found and booked this real gem that is the Bird Observatory,This really is best in class excellent hostel-type accommodation. clean rooms. smart shared areas with spacious lounge and kitchen. The locals looking after it and all the people I met were so accomodating and friendly.I'd got bedding boots clothing and tea bags on the back of my bike but forgot my milk - Thank you so much to one of the lads for providing milk for my morning cuppa.I could even see Blundell Park from the bedroom window !! - icing on the cake
Keep up the good work Jonnie et al ,you're doing a fantastic job, I am coming back soon with some friends after I've told them how good it is
Written 5 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not sure about the Blundell Park bit ( ;-) ), but thanks for this review Jim; again all so positive and accurate.
Great effort cycling from Caistor too, comparatively flat I am sure but a long way on those busy, windy roads.
Always great to hear how welcoming a place the observatory accommodation is, and how welcoming Jonnie, et al., are.
Please do spread the word!
Written 28 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizzie0909
Munlochy, UK3,335 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
This is a lovely area to bird watch and walk. Don't pay the £4 to go through the barrier and park, just park where the toilets and car park are or at the scrape hide. I can't see why they are still charging as you can't drive to the point because of the road damage. There were lots of bird watchers there when we were there was a Masked Shrike was in the area. The Bluebell café was good for hot drinks and cakes but the woman in the café made it quite clear that she wasn't a people's person and didn't want to be there!
Written 5 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CathyGilman
London, UK948 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Close to the observatory are the fields where the bird ringers display their awesome talent. Nearby on the edge of a field sunflowers have been left to attract finches.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ERIC B
Dodworth, UK2,163 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
This is a modern visitor centre at the start of a brilliant area for birdwatchers, a nice cafe, which as a nice outside area, and the only toilets around, parking is free to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust members.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy P
Oxfordshire, UK61 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Spurn Head is certainly out of the way, but it's on most birders' hit lists and it certainly doesn't disappoint. In addition this newly built hostel style accommodation Is very fine - comfortable and well equipped, and full of keen, knowledgeable, and (mostly!) friendly birders. And, if the kitchen is a bit busy, the incredibly cheap and superb Crown and Anchor is barely a stone's throw away. Keep it up!
Written 29 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this Judy P.. It is always a pleasure to get such positive reviews; makes my job very easy! We will have words with the birds you found unfriendly ;-)
As you say the juxtaposition of the new observatory accommodation and the Crown and Anchor is a dream ticket, not necessarily good for early morning birding!!
Written 31 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave T
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK31 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
We visited Spurn Bird Observatory recently, we found the local residents warm and welcoming, so amazing birds in what can only be described as the last Serengeti of Yorkshire. Spurn is a fabulous place, lets hope it never suffers financial tourism
Written 24 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review Dave T.
I think you should copyright the 'last Serengeti of Yorkshire' phrase before I give it to the Yorkshire tourism people!
Written 26 August 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil D
Redditch, UK439 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
Friendly self catered accommodation in amazing location. Various of options and prices. Kitchen has everything you could want. Great views from all upstairs rooms.
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It becomes challenging to come up with a response that is different to such positive and accurate reviews.
Thanks very much for this neild529!
Written 28 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi - is it possible to have a private room for a couple? And what are the bathroom arrangements please?
Written 18 January 2024
Is the observatory open at present? Thank you.
Written 16 August 2020
I am not sure which cafe you are referring to. The observatory is not a cafe per se and believe , as more of a hostel, that it is only open to residents and members but e mail the OBS as they are v friendly and efficient.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust run a cafe at Kilnsea but I can't help with that I'm afraid .
Nick
Written 3 September 2019
Hi Angie. The answer to that is no, as the entire peninsula is a wildlife reserve owned and managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Hope this helps,
Brian Minshull
Written 6 November 2016
have been to spurn a few times now and love the whole area including kilnsey but have never yet been able to find the observatory lol where is it? sounds hilarious I know
Written 6 January 2016
Very many apologies for such a tardy response; I am new to this online management process.
The Obs is now alongside the main road as you come into Kilnsea from the north - just a few properties north of the Crown and Anchor pub. It is very obvious now (signs, etc.). (The old Obs is the group of old buildings at the start of the peninsula proper).
Written 24 July 2016
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