Have you ever wondered what it would be like to look an eagle in the eye, handle a hawk or watch a falcon feed? You can nourish that curiosity at one of these fantastic birds of prey centres.
The ideal unusual day out, a trip to a birds of prey centre is family-friendly, awe-inspiring and educational. Most of the centres also double up as conservation sites, so your visit will help support the predators who play a vital part in their ecosystems and are under threat of habitat loss.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Located on the outskirts of Helmsley, in the wonderful ancient woodlands of Duncombe Park is the National Centre for Birds of Prey. Though the centre was established in 2012, the site has a long history of hosting raptors and their enthusiasts, stretching back to the late 17th century when it was home to the Old Hawking Club. Today, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including flying demonstrations, access to 300 acres of gorgeous park land and tailored experiences where you can get hands on with the raptors.
Where is it? The National Centre for Birds of Prey is at The Parkland Centre, Duncombe Park, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5EB.
How much? Entry starts at £15 for adults, £11.50 for children and under 4s go free.
York Bird of Prey Centre
Established in 2011, York Bird of Prey Centre sits within the walled garden at Burn Hall Hotel in Huby. It’s home to over 100 birds from 45 different species, and visitors will get to meet and handle them throughout the day. Prepare to get involved because the centre prides itself on its heightened level of audience participation in the displays. No need to worry though – the majority of the birds are hand-reared and used to being handled. Plus, you’ll be fully supervised by experts the entire time.
Where is it? York Bird of Prey Centre is at Burn Hall, Tollerton Road, Huby, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 1JB.
How much? Entry starts at £11 for adults, £8 for children and under 3s go free.
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
Boasting one of the largest collections of airborne creatures in the North, Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre promises an inspiring and uplifting experience every time. During the flying displays, you can watch their selection of owls, vultures, eagles and kites soar above the beautiful Yorkshire countryside while skilled staff members provide light-hearted, informative commentary. You’re also encouraged to explore the aviaries in between displays and observe the birds in their rest areas or perch on one of the benches and enjoy your own picnic or a lunch bought at the well-stocked gift shop.
Where is it? Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is at Sion Hill Hall, Kirby Wiske, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4ET.
How much? Entry starts at £10.95 for adults, £7.95 for children and under 3s go free.
Settle Falconry
You can find Settle Falconry nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, in the secluded hamlet of Feizor, which makes for the perfect oasis to cosy up to their magnificent birds of prey. They offer pre-booked, handling experiences, ensuring they have lots of time to dedicate to each of their visitors who can watch the birds free-fly above the picturesque countryside, learn about their vital conservation efforts and get hands-on with the birds. What’s more, they also offer a ‘spectator’ option for anyone who wants to view and photograph the raptors without getting their hands dirty.
Where is it? Settle Falconry is at Elaine’s Tearoom, Home Barn, Feizor, North Yorkshire, LA2 8DF.
How much? The one-hour Dales Bird of Prey Experience is £50 for one participant, £90 for two and £10 for a spectator. The three-hour Half-Day Birds of Prey Experience is £95 for one participant, £180 for two and £25 for a spectator. The one-hour Friday Falconry Experience is £45 for one participant and £85 for two.
Thorp Perrow
Credit: Phillip Thompson
Every nature lover’s dream, Thorp Perrow is much more than just a birds of prey centre. The grand estate is home to a stunning arboretum, a secret garden of sorts, containing a collection of rare, unusual and ancient trees from all over the world. After taking in the gorgeous scenery, you can head across to the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre, located in a walled garden 10 minutes north of the arboretum. There, you’ll be greeted by bird species from every continent in the world, as well as exotic mammals such as meerkats, wallabies and pygmy goats.
Where is it? Thorp Perrow Arboretum is at Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PS.
How much? When booked in advance, entry starts at £14.75 for adults, £9.75 for children and under 4s go free.
Kirkletham Owl Centre
Established in 1990, Kirkleatham Owl Centre is one of the oldest in the world. These days, it’s home to many more animals than owls, winged and otherwise. Joining the nocturnal raptors are kookaburra, vultures, peacocks, porcupines, meerkats and more. Pay them a visit in the historic village of Kirkleatham and you can learn all about these fantastic creatures, as well as the rehabilitation work the centre does to help heal injured wildlife.
Where is it? Kirkleatham Owl Centre, Kirkleatham Village, Redcar, North Yorkshire, TS10 5NW.
How much? Entry starts at £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children and a family of two adults and two children pay £10.
SMJ Falconry
SMJ Falconry is one of the only places in the region where you can enjoy the undivided attention of a falconry expert. Their experiences are entirely exclusive, with engaging, interactive, one-to-one sessions where you can build confidence handling raptors. Find them and their diverse collection of birds in the idyllic Brontë Country just outside of Haworth – you’re guaranteed a thrilling and memorable experience.
Where is it? SMJ Falconry is at Ox Heys, Long Ridging Farm, Hawksbridge Lane, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire, BD22 9QY.
How much? A full experience day is £195 per person or £40 for a spectator. A half day is £120 per person or £30 for a spectator. The Owl Experience is £120 per person or £30 for a spectator, the Hawk Walk is £55 per person or £10 for a spectator and a Hunting Day is £120 per person or £30 for a spectator.
Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue
Wise Owl is a bird of prey centre with a twist – they come to you! They’re fully mobile and provide static and flying displays anywhere within an hour’s drive of their base near Wakefield. You can hire out their incredible services for educational workshops, birthday celebrations, weddings and more, and experience their collection of raptors up-close. This includes owls, kestrels, hawks and falcons. All their birds are trained and experienced in human interaction, so you can participate with no fear. Plus, your custom helps them rescue, rehabilitate and re-home birds in a bind – what’s not to love?
Where is it? Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue is based in 47 Sunnymead, Scissett, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9JA but their services are 100% mobile.
How much? Educational workshop sessions start at £120 for the first hour and cost an £100 more per additional display. They offer a full day of workshops for £440 and prices for all other events are available on request.
