June 2026
Fledgling Fanatics: Britain’s best road trips for the new generation of young ‘twitchers’
Chief adventurer of CamperDays, Max Schmidt, shares his top birdwatching road trips amid a generational revival of the budget-friendly hobby
With a 1,088% increase in Gen-Z birdwatchers recorded since 2018, many young Brits have discovered the age-old benefits of this calming, low-maintenance hobby. From birdsong-induced serotonin boosts to blissful escapism from technology, birdwatching caters to the shifting desires of today’s young adults, with 53% of Gen-Z intending to plan their travels around ‘peace and quiet’ in 2026, and 93% claiming to prioritise their mental wellbeing when choosing how to holiday.
The money saving aspect of birdwatching has also positioned the hobby as a low-cost alternative to other popular wellness activities like Padel and Pilates – both largely accessible in terms of locations across the UK yet exclusive in terms of financial commitment. Similarly, with 38% of young Brits looking to stretch their holiday savings with budget-friendly stays, the same budget-minded sentiment is evident in Gen-Z's attitude towards travel, making the concept of a ‘twitching’ holiday ever more attractive to its new fanbase.
Max Schmidt, CEO and Chief Adventurer of CamperDays, Europe’s leading campervan and motorhome tour operator, notes how ‘twitching’ - also known as the act of traveling long distances to spot specific or rare birds – embodies the rise of slow, mindful and nature-oriented travel.
Max says: “There’s no doubt that travellers are prioritising two things when booking their trips this year; nature over noise and simplicity over stress.
“Similarly, the ongoing resurgence of outdoor hobbies like birdwatching indicates a wider shift towards more minimalist pastimes and a growing appreciation for the UK’s rich wildlife and off-the-beaten-track destinations – often best travelled and most accessible in a campervan.
“Perfect for a stripped-back retreat into nature, the old-fashioned charm of a birdwatching road trip is an easy and highly accessible way for wildlife enthusiasts to explore the vast array of twitching hotspots across Britain.
“Plus, with many young people in the UK prioritising travel that won’t break their bank accounts, having accommodation and in-destination travel wrapped up in one nifty vehicle is a great travel hack that many can utilise to keep costs down - the only thing left to purchase is a good pair of binoculars.”
Discover Max’s recommended ‘twitching’ routes for the best chance of spotting Britain’s top bird species this summer...
1. Farne Islands, Northumberland – The Puffin
From £808 for 5 nights in a 2-person Urban Plus campervan from 9-14 July (£161.60pn)
Route: Manchester > Bempton Cliffs > Seahouses > Farne Islands
Distance: 271 miles
Campsite: Springhill Farm Caravan & Camping Site
Pick up a fully equipped campervan from CamperDays’ Manchester base and journey up to Northumberland, stopping off at the RSPB managed Bempton Cliffs to spot England’s largest mainland seabird colony, including Gannets, Kittiwakes, and more.
Continue on to Seahouses, where the UK’s most famous Puffin colonies await on the nearby Farne Islands. Park up at the Springhill Farm Caravan & Camping Site for rolling views across to the Islands, with the scenic surroundings of Bamburgh Castle and the Cheviot Hills.
Take a short boat trip over to the Farne Islands, home to roughly 38,500 Puffin breeding pairs. Make sure to visit during the summer nesting season, when this adored species flock to this region of islands to raise their young.
2. The Isle of Wight – The White-tailed Eagle
From £878 for 5 nights in a 4-person Family Plus campervan from 21-26 August (£175.60pn)
Route: London > Farlington Marshes > Isle of Wight
Distance: 90 miles
Campsite: Orchards Holiday Park
Pick up a fully equipped campervan from CamperDays’ London base and journey down to the Farlington Marshes in Hampshire; a coastal nature reserve managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Renowned for its abudant birdlife, here you will find avocets, redshanks and reed warblers in the summer months.
Next take the short ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne to arrive on the stunning Isle of Wight – the centre of the reintroduction of the White-tailed Eagle in England. Park up at the five-star Orchards Holiday Park, where panoramic views offer a tranquil base and ideal spot for spying vibrant resident birdlife.
After an absence of over 240 years, 2019 marked the beginning of the reintroduction of the White-tailed Eagle. The project has proven highly successful, with 45 young birds released into southern England. To spot them here, make sure to visit between April-September, and head to elevated cliffs to spy broad wingspans of nearly 2.5 metres.
3. Snowdonia, Wales – The Osprey
From £723 for 5 nights in a 4-person Zefiro 675 campervan from 3-8 August (£144.60pn)
Route: Birmingham > Lake Vyrnwy > Snowdonia
Distance: 137 miles
Campsite: Morfa Bychan Holiday Park
Pick up a fully equipped campervan from CamperDays’ Birmingham base and journey north-west into the rolling hills of North Wales. Make a pit stop at the RSPB managed Lake Vyrnwy for excellent scenery, charming cafes and a chance to spot Red Kites and Peregrine Falcons.
Once refreshed, continue the journey on to Porthmadog - home to the Glaslyn Osprey Project, one of the UK’s best rated spots for Osprey sightings. Park up at Morfa Bychan Holiday Park for panoramic views of the west coast, direct beach access and a 3-mile coastal trail, perfect for a laidback birdwatching hike.
Promising excellent viewing hides with unobstructed views of nesting Ospreys and pre-locked telescopes for an up-close experience that prioritises the safety of the birds, the Glaslyn Osprey Project is praised for being one of the most well-managed conservation hubs in the UK. Ran by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers, the resident team is on hand to assist visitors with identifying this elusive species, an explain their uniquely evolutionary traits.
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 1,000 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 40,000 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.