One object will attract the UK’s most beloved birds to your garden this summer and make them want to spend more time there.10:41, 25 Jun 2026Robins are widely regarded as the UK's unofficial national bird and are arguably the most cherished feathered species in the country. Catching a glimpse of these striking red-breasted birds in our gardens is always a joy, but persuading them to stick around is another matter entirely.‌For those looking to attract these beloved birds and encourage them to return to your garden regularly, the key lies in the type of accommodation you're offering these stunning creatures.‌Garden experts say that robins have a very particular preference when it comes to bird boxes, and these delightful birds will only frequent your garden if they're given precisely the right kind of birdhouse to call home.‌Robins' favourite bird boxRobins can be incredibly fussy about where they choose to settle, and if the bird box in your garden is the wrong shape or positioned in an unsuitable spot, the UK's favourite bird simply won't go near it.Robins will only use open-fronted bird boxes, so unless you provide them with this specific style, they won't nest in your garden, reports the Express.‌James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, tells Ideal Home: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view."Robins like to keep an eye on their surroundings, and they tend to nest lower to the ground. Something simple and open - ideally made of natural wood - is perfect."Positioning your bird boxSimply providing robins with the ideal bird box isn't enough — you also need to place it in precisely the location they favour, away from predators and specifically facing between north and east.‌The reasoning behind this is straightforward. Jose Escalante, wildlife expert at Roofing Craftsmen, tells Ideal Home: "Robins prefer open-fronted boxes placed between north and east to avoid direct midday sun and prevailing winds. This orientation keeps the interior shaded and dry, mimicking the sheltered nooks they naturally nest in."The wildlife expert advises mounting your open-fronted bird box roughly 1.5 meters off the ground, "ideally tucked among vegetation like shrubs or hedges for a sense of cover."Article continues belowAs territorial creatures that value their privacy, robins are far more likely to nest in bird boxes positioned in a "quiet corner of the garden", according to the specialist.James adds: "Once they know your garden's a safe, welcoming space, they'll often come back year after year. And trust me, once you have robins nesting, it's a real joy. Many of us associate robins with spirituality, or the afterlife, so it is rather lovely and rewarding for us to be in company with these little red visitors."It's also worth bearing in mind that during winter, making sure bird boxes are properly insulated and warm is absolutely essential — otherwise these red-breasted birds will simply give them a wide berth.