LOOK AT THE BIRDS at Launde Abbey
Date: Tue, 11th Nov 2025 16:00
Our Launde Abbey spring retreats have proved very popular since we launched them in 2021. This year we are adding an autumn one from Tuesday 11th until Friday 14 November @ 495 pounds for a standard room or an early bird discount of 465 pounds.
The Abbey is a delightful Christian retreat and conference near to Oakham in Rutland at the heart of England. It was originally founded by Augustinian monks in the twelfth century and became a Tudor manor house, allegedly owned by Thomas Cromwell as an intended retirement home before his execution by Henry the Eighth! The abbey sits among 450 acres of historic parkland and is situated in beautiful rolling countryside with two impressive ancient woodlands looking at their best in rich autumn colours. It has lovely en-suite accommodation and wonderful cuisine which we personally recommend from our experiences over the past four years.
Expect to see a good range of woodland, parkland and farmland birds around the abbey itself including Green Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Stock Dove, Bullfinch and Barn Owl. We also spend a full day at Rutland Water - a brilliant nature reserve with an impressive range of wintering water birds like Slavonian Grebe, Pintail, Shoveler, Green Sandpiper and Snipe.
This retreat will be led by Dale Hanson. Dale has recently retired after almost 40 years of Anglican ministry that has taken him around the world from the UK to Hong Kong (twice) and France. It just so happens that these places are exceptionally good for bird watching! He is passionate about his faith, an experienced retreat leader and has been an enthusiastic bird watcher and wildlife photographer for most of his life.
Contact Launde Abbey website to book your place. Go to https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/birdwatchingretreatnovember