A Goose Flight Safari

February 25, 2025 | The Victoria | 4 minute read

Here at Holkham, we are passionate about sharing our incredible landscapes and showcasing the vital work we do as custodians of this estate. That’s why our hotel, The Victoria, decided to partner with our Holkham National Nature Reserve Wardens to offer their guests an unforgettable and quintessentially ‘Norfolk’  experience – a Goose Flight Safari. Lauren, a member of  The Victoria team, set her alarm and joined the last safari of the year. She shares her experience with us below.

A Goose Flight Safari

I was lucky enough to go on a Goose Flight Safari on 21st January and what an experience… 

We set off at 7am as the sun was rising and the birds were waking up ready for a day of feeding. I was in a group with Paul who is one of the Nature Reserve Wardens at Holkham. We went to a private area on the National Nature Reserve between Wells and Stiffkey, and waited patiently for the geese to take flight. We didn’t have to wait long.

The number of geese that took flight was extraordinary. I have never seen a spectacle quite like it. The sheer number of birds and the noise they made as they took flight and travelled towards the fields for feeding was amazing. A truly magical way to start the day. The main breed we saw were the iconic Pink Footed Geese but we also had a few Brent Geese go overhead too.

Paul was so knowledgeable and explained about their migration paths and the summer spots they would have traveled from. He knew exactly where they would be taking off from and the general direction that they would be traveling. Even when we were waiting for the first flights or watching the last few geese go overhead, he was looking out for other wildlife and talking to us about them too. Excitingly, we did also see a Hen Harrier which was brilliant to see.

Once we had seen the last few geese, we returned to The Victoria for a hearty breakfast. In the afternoon, we joined Paul again who took us to a different spot on the reserve to see the other incredible wildlife that call Holkham their home. For me this was the perfect day.

I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone as it was so interesting, the geese are a wonder to behold. You don’t need to have a great knowledge of wildlife to partake as the whole team have a wealth of facts and insights that are frankly fascinating.

While the Goose Flight Safaris have now ended, The Vic are now offering a Conservation Experience package which includes breakfast with a nature reserve warden before heading out for a day on the reserve learning all about the conservation work they undertake. This package is only available from 3rd-28th March 2025. Single occupancy £680, double/twin occupancy £1100 for two nights dinner, bed and breakfast. You’ll receive the best available room on booking. Must be booked at least two weeks in advance by calling 01328 711008.