England’s must-visit natural wonder is completely free and tourists say it’s ‘mesmerising’
Date: 2024-10-30
Summer is over, and the nights are drawing in, but just because it’s dark out, it doesn’t we have to stay inside.
Travellers are more eager than ever to experience the wonders of the great outdoors, with people seeking to witness natural sites IRL set to be a big trend for 2025.
New statistics by the Expedia Group found that the Northern Lights are the top phenomenon travelers want to see, followed by geological sites like volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.
And one of their top picks to see in 2025 is right here in the UK. Head down to Dorset to see the ‘mesmerising’ starling murmurations.
Described as ‘amazing’ by tourists, the natural wonder occurs when a large gathering of starlings forms at dusk and dances through the air before dropping into the treelines.
Seen twisting and turning in perfect synchronisation, the gathering makes a shockingly loud noise and attracts a crowd of people all eager to catch a glimpse.
So, how do you see it for yourself?
The starling murmurations most commonly occur between late November and February. In fact, the birds have already started to arrive in Dorset from Northern Europe.
The best time to see them is in December and January, when there is the highest number of birds.
Once you’ve picked the perfect dates to visit the town, you will need to block out your calendar for the latter half of the day as the birds only take to the skies for their dance when the sun is going down.
What is a starling murmuration?
Starling murmurations are when a large group of starlings take to the sky and fly in synchronicity.
Appearing to dance with each other, the birds are seen twisting, swirling and twirling, creating a ‘mesmerising’ view for those on the ground.
Occurring only at sundown, the dance makes a shockingly loud noise and concludes with the birds diving into the treelines.
While a beautiful sight, the murmuration also has practical reasons for its occurrence, and it’s understood the birds do it to keep warm, swap information about good feeding spots and protect themselves from predators.
Time and dates aren’t the only important factors for catching a glimpse of this special occurrence, though. Location is also important to consider.
According to the locals, the exact spot of the murmuration changes every year, but Ulwell Holiday Park recommends setting yourself up at the dunes at Knoll Beach, as it is a popular vantage point. Another hot spot is Shell Bay, which overlooks Poole Harbour.
Since the wonder is of such high interest, it’s worth arriving at the viewing point early so that you can get a good spot without having to fight the crowds. The good news is that you don’t have to pay to see the sight – you just need to get yourself down to the beach.
And according to tourists, the murmuration is a worth while watch.
Posting on Trip Adviser, Tony B said: ‘What a fascinating place… the murmuration was brilliant and at the end everyone burst into applause’.
Staying in Dorset
Just a short two-hour and 40-minute drive from London or a four-hour and 40-minute connecting train, the coastal town is the perfect weekend getaway.
Stay at The Frampton Arms for just £85 for one night on December 7, or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Plumber Manor Hotel for £303 for one night.
(Prices checked on Booking.com on October 30)
While Nicky Adam F said the activity is a ‘must do’, adding: ‘This is really not to be missed, just amazing.’
Elsewhere, Fab Clark wrote: ‘What a sight. Hundreds if not thousands of starlings flock here around sunset to murmur… it is certainly an amazing site, mesmerizing in fact.’
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