10 best coastal birdwatching spots

For summer migrants

Dungeness Bird Reserve, Kent

Dotted with trails, hides and swathes of shingle, this reserve offers a clear view of migratory birds arriving and leaving these shores. Masses of swallows pass by en route to warmer climes in August and September; and large numbers of little ringed plovers arrive from Africa in March - this is the place to see a ball-of-fluff little ringed plover chick picking its way along the shore behind its parents. You might also catch a glimpse of the marsh harrier pair first spotted here in 2007.

Open daily except 24-25 December, 9am-6pm or sunset (01797 320588, rspb.org.uk).