Birds of Prey: A Guide to Falconry Experiences in the UK
- SEP 25, 2018
- Category : GUIDES
- WRITTEN BY: Admin
Hello, and welcome to our guide to falconry experiences in the UK. Here, you find loads of useful information about the country’s top birds of prey experiences and falconry centres, including where to fly majestic owls, hawks, buzzards, eagles, and more! We’ll tell you what to expect during a typical encounter, plus a little on the history of falconry and the most commonly flown birds. Falconry experiences make unique gifts for animal-lovers of all ages, so watch out for links to purchase gift vouchers throughout.
From Fife to the Isle of Wight, the UK is home to some of the world’s most charismatic feathered creatures. We sense you’re eager to meet them, so – without further ado – let’s begin by asking…
Table of Contents [ hide Show ]
Where can I find a falconry
experience near me?
Haven Falconry, Isle of Wight
Yarak Birds of Prey Centre, Devon
UK Owl and Raptor Displays, Kent
Millets Farm Falconry, Oxfordshire
Hilltop Birds of Prey, Herefordshire
Herring’s Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre/The
English School of Falconry, Bedfordshire
Arden Falconry, Warwickshire
Icarus Falconry, Northamptonshire
Falconry Experiences, North Wales
Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Cheshire
Fixters Falconry, Lincolnshire
Bridlington
Birds of Prey & Animal Park, Yorkshire
Elite
Falconry, Fife
Shake a
Tail Feather! (The End)
Where can I find a falconry experience near me?
As you can see, our top falconry centres are dotted all over the UK – so, hopefully there’s one near you!
Read on to find out more, as we focus on each in turn. Starting with…
Haven Falconry, Isle of Wight
Havenstreet, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4DS
Haven Falconry was founded by husband and wife team Paul and Sally Martin. Birds have fascinated Paul since he was a child (he trained a kestrel when he was just eight years old!), and he now leads a team of dedicated falconers at the Isle of Wight’s only bird of prey centre. They specialise in private group sessions with a hands-on, educational approach. With over 50 birds and 21 species from around the world represented, visitors can expect variety, excitement, and plenty of fun!
Bird Species
African Spotted Eagle Owl, Asian Brown Wood Owl, Barn Owl, Bengal Eagle Owl, Black Kite, Burrowing Owl, Chaco Owl, Common Buzzard, Crested Caracara, Doves, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Golden Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Harris Hawk, Hooded Vulture, Hybrid Falcons, Kestrel, Lanner Falcon, Little Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Peruvian Striped Owl, Saker Falcon, Snowy Owl, Tawny Owl, White Faced Scops Owl
Welfare
The mental and physical welfare of all avian residents is a top priority. Every bird is registered, trained and monitored to and beyond the required standard. Haven falconry is also committed to supporting a number of conservation projects at home and abroad, including British Barn Owl preservation and the International Vulture Programme.
Other stuff to do
Younger visitors will love Pets Corner, Insect Hotel, and the Ferret Skywalk. There’s also a gift shop and picnic area, and the centre is within the grounds of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
£90 for one person, £45
for extra participants
During this five-hour experience, you’ll shadow one of Haven’s LANTRA-qualified falconers as they make their rounds. You’ll get to meet and handle loads of different birds, learn to tie a falconer’s knot, and even practice flying raptors from your leather-gloved arm!
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Falconry Facts
Falconry – the art of hunting quarry using live birds of prey – has been practiced for thousands of years. In fact, the first known depiction is believed to be an ancient Assyrian bas-relief dating to around 720 BC!
From the Arabian Peninsula, falconry spread to every corner of ancient Eurasia – and, by 875 AD, the sport had been enthusiastically adopted by the nobility of medieval England.
Yarak Birds of Prey Centre, Devon
Langford Mill Farm, Langford, near Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1RG
Yarak Birds of Prey Centre moved to Devon in 2002 and has since become the region’s no.1 destination for appointment-only falconry experiences. The owners, John and Di, don’t consider it a public attraction, so you can’t just wander in off the street. Instead, they prefer to host pre-booked guests in a private, uninterrupted environment that’s better for the birds and more engaging for you!
Bird Species
Barn Owl, Golden Eagle, Kestrel, Southern White Faced Scops Owl, Tawny Owl, Tropical Screech Owl
Welfare
At Yarak, birds are treated as family, and their happiness comes first. Many have been rescued from difficult backgrounds, where they may have suffered psychological or physical trauma. The centre provides a peaceful ‘retirement home’ for them – one which allows their unique personalities to shine!
Other stuff to do
There’s an onsite café, but otherwise it’s all about the birds here!
£90 for one person,
£170 for two, £250 for three
This six-hour experience is a chance to handle several birds of prey in the tranquil setting of Langford Mill Farm. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced falconer who’ll happily answer your questions whilst demonstrating the birds’ breathtaking grace and agility in flight.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
UK Owl and Raptor Displays, Kent
The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY
UK Owl and Raptor Displays offer falconry experience days, educational school visits, and event services. They pride themselves on delivering excellent customer service and support while promoting a better understanding of birds’ behaviour, conservation and habitats in the wild. Their professional, knowledgeable trainers are also great communicators, and the winged stars of the show will never fail to charm!
Bird Species
Barn Owl, Boobook Owl, Indian Eagle Owl, Kestrel, Long Eared Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Welfare
The company is committed to maintaining animal welfare standards and promoting conservation through educational workshops.
Other stuff to do
The Hop Farm family park has plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. These include an outdoor adventure play area, hovercrafting, a 4D cinema, and a combat laser game arena. There’s also horses, ponies, llamas, rabbits, and more animals to pet.
£49 for one person, £69
for two, £84 for three
This is an interactive, 90-minute experience led by one of the company’s experienced handlers, during which you’ll get up-close-and-personal with four mesmerising owl species. Each has bagfuls of character – so expect plenty of great photo opportunities!
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Falconry Facts
Hunting with eagles is a proud tradition across the Central Asian steppe, where it’s been practiced for millennia. Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan are thought to have owned thousands of hunting birds, and legend has it these were even deployed against enemies on horseback!
Check out this article to find out about the 21st century hunters who’re keeping the art of berkutchi alive.
Millets Farm Falconry, Oxfordshire
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, Near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5HB
Millets Farm Falconry is owned and run by another husband and wife team, James and Sharon Channon. James created his first falconry business when he was just 16, and now his and Sharon’s motley flock of over a hundred birds makes Millets the largest attraction of its kind in the region. The visitor centre is open daily, offering regular flying demonstrations plus an awesome range of hands-on experience days.
Bird Species
Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Bengal Eagle Owl, Black Shouldered Kite, Boobook Owl, Burrowing Owl, Chaco Owl, Chilean Blue Eagle, Common Buzzard, European Eagle Owl, Ferruginous, Buzzard, Goshawk, Great Grey Owl, Great Horned Owl, Gyr Hybrid Falcon, Harris Hawk, Hawk Owl, Kestrel, Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Red Footed Falcon, Saker Falcon, Snowy Owl, Sparrowhawk, Spotted Eagle Owl, Striated Caracara, Tawny Eagle, Tawny Owl, Turkey Vulture, Ural Owl, White Backed Vulture, White Faced Owl, Yellow Billed Kite, Yellow Headed Caracara
Welfare
In its mission statement, Millets champions raptor welfare and conservation. All birds are kept in modern, naturalistic enclosures, and the centre is involved in a variety of educational and fundraising projects to support threatened and endangered species in the wild.
Other stuff to do
Millets Farm is home to plenty more weird and wonderful wildlife, including meerkats, skunks, ferrets and reptiles!
£150 for one person,
£285 for two
A cut above the traditional meet-and-greet falconry experience, this is a unique opportunity to hunt with Harris hawks. It’ll take you into the great outdoors – walking, beating for quarry, and marvelling at the birds’ aerial prowess.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Bird Profile:Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)
Harris hawks are medium-large birds of prey, native to the United States and parts of South America. Named after a nineteenth century naturalist, they’re the most popular hawk among Western falconers – largely due to their sociable nature and responsiveness to training.
Versatile and cunning, Harris hawks have even been used to control the pigeon populations of Trafalgar Square and Wimbledon!
Hilltop Birds of Prey, Herefordshire
Trecilla Farm, Llangarron, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6NQ
Hilltop Birds of Prey is home to a small but perfectly formed collection of eagles, owls, hawks and falcons. Their trainers are Mike Hill and Lorna Davies – a knowledgeable pair who love sharing their passion for falconry with visitors. Together, they train and care for birds, indigenous and exotic, while spreading the word about wildlife and habitat protection. Experiences are by appointment only.
Bird Species
Buzzard, European Eagle Owl, Harris Hawk, Lanner Falcon, Little Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Steppe Eagle
Welfare
Lorna is a qualified Veterinary Nurse, so naturally birds receive the best medical care! Her ambition is to set up a ‘hospital’ for the purpose of rehabilitating injured raptors – what a hero!
Other stuff to do
Sorry, it’s all about the birds here!
A three-hour introduction to falconry that’ll have you flying birds to and from your arm in no time. Meet a few of the Hilltop aviary’s well-trained (though occasionally mischievous) residents and learn all about their individual habits and personalities.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Herring’s Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre/The English School of Falconry, Bedfordshire
Herring's Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedford, MK45 3DT
Herring’s Green Activity Farm boasts one of the country’s largest collections of predatory birds – with over two hundred on display! They offer a whole range of two-hour, half and full day experiences led by expert falconers with a knack for keeping things light-hearted, entertaining and fun. The English School of Falconry also takes birds on the road for displays at country fetes, corporate events and private parties.
Bird Species (includes but not limited to)
Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Coastal Eagle, Golden Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Snowy Owl, Tawny Owl, Vultures
Welfare
Lorna is a qualified Veterinary Nurse, so naturally birds receive the best medical care! Her ambition is to set up a ‘hospital’ for the purpose of rehabilitating injured raptors – what a hero!
Other stuff to do
Where do we start? Alpacas, shire horses, reptiles and creepy critters, gold panning, cow milking, an ice cream and milkshake shack…
Who doesn’t love owls, eh? They’re some of nature’s most beguiling creatures, and you’ll meet plenty of them during this three-hour introduction. Chat with the friendly falconer and have your cameras at the ready!
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Falconry Facts
In 1486, the Book of St Albans (or ‘The Book of Hawking, Hunting, and Blasing of Arms’) placed birds of prey into a hierarchy, according to which each social rank was allocated their appropriate raptor. An emperor, for example, could fly an eagle, vulture or merlin, whereas his servant had to make do with a kestrel. A peregrine falcon best suited an earl, and the sparrowhawk made the perfect companion for a priest!
Arden Falconry, Warwickshire
Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA
Arden Falconry relocated to Hatton Country World in 2011 and have since built twelve new aviaries – doubling the number of birds they’re able to house and display. Trainers David Feilden and Danielle Shearsby are now responsible for over ten different species of owls, falcons and hawks. They offer public flying demonstrations, falconry experience days, and a thrilling ‘hunting with hawks’ walk in the scenic Warwickshire countryside.
Bird Species
Barn Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Great Grey Owl, Harris Hawk, Kestrel, Little Owl, Long Eared Owl, Snowy Owl, Tawny Owl
Welfare
Arden Falconry take excellent care of their birds, some of whom require extra TLC. Walter the great grey owl, for example, arrived in a dreadful state after being neglected by a previous owner. Thanks to David and Danielle’s efforts, however, he’s now grown back most of his feathers and is on course to fly again!
Other stuff to do
There are plenty more family attractions to explore at Hatton Country World.
£95 for one person,
£180 for two people
A great day out for young animal-lovers, this six-hour experience is an opportunity for teenagers (aged 13 – 16) to meet, handle and fly several of Arden Falconry’s finest specimens. Under the supervision of expert trainers, they’ll learn a skill that’s hardly changed in a thousand years.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Bird Profile:Barn owl (Tyto alba)
Barn owls are one of the most widespread birds of prey, found on every continent but Antarctica. In the UK, there are believed to be around 4,000 breeding pairs, though this population is under threat.
Perfectly adapted to hunt small mammals, like voles and mice, nocturnal barn owls use their heart-shaped faces to collect tiny sounds from the ground. They’re able to fly almost silently, and this – combined with their eerie shriek – has earned them the nickname, the ‘ghost owl’.
Icarus Falconry, Northamptonshire
Holdenby House, Holdenby, Northampton, NN6 8DJ
Icarus Falconry is set in the grounds of Holdenby House, a historic Grade II* listed mansion. Head falconer Tom Morath oversees a dedicated team providing regular one-to-one experiences, as well as touring displays at schools, weddings, carnivals, and more. Since 2002, their collection of birds has grown to include everything from the hooded vulture to the diminutive burrowing owl. They love to pose – so check out Icarus’ unique photography workshops too!
Bird Species
Barbary Falcon, Barn Owl, Black Kite, Burrowing Owl, Chilean Eagle-Buzzard, Great Grey Owl, Gyr Falcon, Harris Hawk, Hooded Vulture, Lanner Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Red-Tailed Buzzard, Spectacled Owl, Tawny Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle
Welfare
Icarus aims to be a falconry centre of excellence, promoting raptor conservation through public interaction.
Other stuff to do
The Holdenby House gardens are open on Sundays during the spring/summer season.
£120 for one person,
£108 for extra participants
After a guided tour of the aviary, visitors are introduced to a variety of magnificent birds of prey. During the full day experience, you’ll also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the estate – with hawks swooping overhead!
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Falconry Experiences, North Wales
2 Fron Dirion, Llangynhafal, LL15 1RU
Falconry Experiences is the company to call for a uniquely personal bird of prey encounter. It’s run by Rich, a falconer with over a decade’s experience working in Italy, Morocco, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK. Today, he’s settled in the scenic North Wales countryside, where he keeps five gorgeous birds. His private, one-to-one falconry experiences allow visitors to build a real relationship with them, as they fly to and from your leather-gloved arm.
Bird Species
Barn Owl, Harris Hawk
Welfare
Working fewer birds means Rich can give them all the individual care and attention they need. Storm, Alan, Edgar, Rene & Sharpie are very lucky birds!
Other stuff to do
The nearby Clwydian Range is home to great walking, cycling, horse riding and other outdoor activities.
£90 for one person, £30
for extra participants
Join falconer Rich for a wander through the Welsh countryside, accompanied by one of his mischievous Harris Hawks. Learn to fly both a hawk and a barn owl – and have all your falconry questions answered.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Falconry Facts
Ken Loach’s 1969 drama, Kes, is regularly voted among the greatest British films of all time. It follows the story of fifteen-year-old Billy Casper, a tormented working-class boy who adopts a kestrel and discovers the joy of falconry. ‘Kes’ becomes a ray of hope in Billy’s life, before one of the most heart-breaking endings in cinema – seriously, it’s bleak.
Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Cheshire
Manchester Road, Knutsford, WA16 0SX
Gauntlet Birds of Prey was established in 1996 and is now home to 120 birds from 46 different species. It’s the largest attraction of its kind in the North West and part of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). The centre offers daily talks, meet & greets, and flying demonstrations, in addition to a whole range of wildlife experience days for visitors, young and old.
Bird Species
Here goes… African Fish Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, African Hooded Vulture, African Spotted Eagle-Owl, African Tawny Eagle, African White Backed Vulture, American Black Vulture, Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Bateleur Eagle, Bengal Eagle-Owl, Black Crested Buzzard Eagle, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Buzzard, Chaco Owl, Crested Cara Cara, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, European Eagle-Owl, Golden Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Great Horned Owl, Harris Hawk, Kestrel, Kookaburra, Lanner Falcon, Little Owl, Long Eared Owl, Malaysian Wood Owl, Marabou Stork, Milky Eagle-Owl, Pied Crow, Pink Backed Pelican, Raven, Red Kite, red Legged Seriema, Red Tailed Hawk, Ruppells Vulture, Secretary Bird, Snowy Owl, Steppe Eagle, Striated Cara Cara, Tawny Owl, Turkey Vulture, White Faced Scops Owl, White Stork, White Tailed Sea Eagle, Yellow Headed Cara Cara
Welfare
A team of dedicated staff (including company founder Graham Bessant) ensure all birds are kept in tip-top condition. Conservation and education are at the heart of Gauntlet’s ethos, and it’s involved in several charity projects working in the UK and overseas.
Other stuff to do
For kids, there’s also goat feeding, meerkats, a play fortress and sandpit. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
£100 for one person,
£90 for extra participants
During this full day workshop, you’ll learn to capture stunning images of some of Gauntlet Birds of Prey’s most photogenic residents. Led by professional instructor Peter MacArthur, it’s perfect for budding wildlife photographers of all ages and abilities.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Fixters Falconry, Lincolnshire
Hardy's Animal Farm, Anchor Lane, Ingoldmells, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 1LZ
Fixters Falconry is a family-owned bird of prey centre based in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside. Falconers Dean and Natasha share a passion for educating visitors on the behaviour, habitats and conservation of predatory birds from around the world. They offer experience days for adults and children, as well as photography workshops, wedding displays, school visits and pest control services.
Bird Species (includes but not limited to)
Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Harris Hawk, Malaysian Wood Owl, Peregrine Falcon
Welfare
Dean has been working with raptors for years, and his birds’ physical and mental wellbeing is Fixters’ top priority.
Other stuff to do
See what else is on at Hardy’s Animal Farm, here.
Budding ornithologists will be delighted by this hour-long falconry experience in Lincolnshire. Kids are sure to be enchanted by a variety of feathered friends during a session specifically tailored to a younger audience.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Bird Profile:Golden eagle
Golden eagles are among the best-known birds of prey in the world. They’re also the second-largest in the UK (after the sea eagle) and can be spotted soaring high over the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland.
Humans have admired the golden eagle’s hunting ability since ancient times, and it’s acquired a mystical significance in many world cultures. Interestingly, it’s now the most common national animal – representing Albania, Austria, Germany, Kazakhstan and Mexico.
Bridlington Birds of Prey & Animal Park, Yorkshire
Covert Lane, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO15 3QF
Bridlington Birds of Prey & Animal Park is an award-winning, family-run business with plenty to offer all you animal-lovers out there. As well as an impressive collection of owls and raptors, you’ll find ostriches, parrots, alpacas, wallabies, reptiles, and plenty more familiar and exotic creatures from around the world. There’s a daily programme of feeding times and flying displays, plus owl handling sessions every afternoon.
Bird Species
Barn Owl, Bengal Eagle-Owl, Boobook Owl, Buzzard, European Eagle-Owl, Great Grey Owl, Kestrel, Lanner Falcon, Little Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Snowy Owl, Tawny Owl.
Welfare
The park is a not-for-profit organisation working hard to raise awareness of threatened and endangered species at home and abroad. All it’s animals receive quality care in accordance with best practice.
Other stuff to do
Plan the rest of your visit, here.
Owls must be some of the most characterful creatures in the whole animal kingdom, and this is your chance to make their acquaintance! Handle one of Bridlington’s beauties and learn all about their behaviour in the wild.
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Bird Profile:Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Peregrine falcons are one of the most widely found bird species and the fastest member of the animal kingdom. During their characteristic high-speed dive, they can hit speeds well in excess of 200mph!
Peregrine are prized by falconers for their aerial prowess, eagerness to hunt, and unruffled disposition. In recent years, they’ve also become a successful example of urban wildlife – watch out for them perched on steeples, skyscrapers and other city vantage points!
Elite Falconry, Fife
The Falconry Barn, Cluny Mains Farm, Cluny by Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY2 6QU
Elite Falconry have two decades’ experience working with birds of prey in Scotland, and their collection includes a variety of indigenous and exotic species. They’re not open to the general public, but you can still book a private, one-to-one experience day with one of their knowledgeable falconers. That way, visitors benefit from their instructor’s full attention while maximising flight time with the birds.
Bird Species
African Fish Eagle, African Spotted Owl, Black Chested Buzzard Eagle, Brown Asian Wood Owl, European Eagle-Owl, Golden Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Gyr Falcon, Harris Hawks, Lanner Falcon, Northern Hawk Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Striated Cara Cara, Tawny Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, White Faced Scops Owl, White Tailed Sea Eagle
Welfare
All hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and vultures are trained with respect for their natural instincts and individual behaviours – an approach, approved by the SPCA, that keeps Elite at the cutting edge of raptor care and husbandry.
Other stuff to do
It’s all about the birds here!
During this classic three-hour falconry experience, you’ll be taught to fly owls and hawks from the glove. Enjoy an expert’s commentary as you admire the birds’ grace and agility in flight – then tempt them back to your arm with a tasty treat!
For more information and to purchase gift vouchers, head here.
Shake a Tail Feather! (The End)
Phew! That brings us to the end of our guide to falconry centres and birds of prey experiences across the UK. We’ve cast our eagle eye over some of the best wildlife encounters the country has to offer, and we hope you’ve found something near to you.
To browse our full range of birds of prey experiences, head here now. Alternatively, if you’ve questions or comments concerning anything we’ve discussed – don’t be a stranger! Please do get in touch via the comments section below.
