Red kites at Watlington Hill

Watlington Hill Christmas Common Buckinghamshire OX49

Introduced from Spain in the 1980s, red kites have been a spectacular conservation success story in the Chilterns. With their forked tails, chestnut-and-white plumage and 2m-wingspan, they are easy to spot wheeling over the M40 – nicknamed 'kite alley' – and the countryside around High Wycombe, especially between October and April. If you're on foot, one of the best places to see them is Watlington Hill in Oxfordshire. Part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hill is a mix of rabbit-nibbled grassland, scrub and woodland where the kites like to roost. Largely owned by the National Trust, it rises to 230m, giving impressive views of the county, and in summer it's alive with butterflies as well, making it a grand spot for a picnic. For more places to spot red kites in the area, download the Chilterns AONB's special leaflet.

Best Places to stay near Red kites at Watlington Hill

What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer