The Eagle & Vulture Experience is a unique opportunity to handle some of our largest birds. Participants will start by flying a hawk to learn how the birds will fly and land on their glove. During the experience you will fly, handle, or feed at least five Eagles and/or Vultures. You learn all about these magnificent birds from our experienced and knowledgeable falconers.
The Eagle & Vulture Experience costs £100 for one Participant (which also includes a free Observer) or £180 for two Participants. The Eagle & Vulture Experience commences at 2:00pm and finishes at 3:30pm. This Experience is only available for booking from 1st March until 30th November each year. Gift vouchers can be purchased at any time and are valid for 12 months.
About this Experience
The Eagle & Vulture Experience is intended for people who have already done one of our other Experiences and are looking to fly and handle some of our larger birds. It is not suitable for anyone who may be nervous around birds. If you are looking for a “beginner” flying experience, we suggest you try the Owl Experience or the Half Day Bird Handling Experiences first.
Minimum Age
Participants and Observers must be at least 18 years old. Due to the size and weight of the birds involved in this experience, Participants must have a good degree of physical fitness and mobility. It will involve flying birds up to 10lbs (5kg) in weight onto your outstretched left arm. We regret that this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. We therefore recommend the Half Day Bird Handling Experience as an alternative for anyone who feels this experience may not be suitable for them.
Group Size
This experience will have fewer Participants than our other experiences. Observer places are strictly limited for this experience. Observers may accompany the Participant at all times. Any other person wishing to be present for the experience must pay the normal visitor admission charges, but will not be permitted to enter the flying arena.
Vouchers purchased online will be valid for 12 months. To book a date, please telephone us on 01562 700014 during our opening hours.
Purchase an Eagle & Vulture Experience Gift Voucher
Frequently Asked Questions about our Eagle & Vulture Experience
How often do you run the Experiences and far ahead do I need to book a date?
The Eagle & Vulture Experience is available to purchase all year around but can only be booked from 1st March until 30th November each year. During this period, it is available on various days to suit demand (weekend and weekdays). We operate on a first-come, first serve basis for all dates. To book a date we generally say as far in advance as possible. Occasionally we can accommodate people at short notice if places are available. Weekend dates are the most popular and can book up very quickly at certain times of the year.
Any vouchers purchased after 1st October 2023 will include a link to our online booking system, which will show current available dates. To book over the telephone, please call us on 01562 700014 during our Visitor Centre opening hours.
I have paid on-line, how long does it take to receive the voucher?
Vouchers are emailed automatically upon successful completion of the payment form. It can take a few minutes for the email to arrive in your inbox. Please check your junk/spam folder before contacting us if you have not receive it. If you have requested a printed voucher, please allow at least 7 days for delivery; you will also receive a copy of the voucher by email.
How do I book a specific date when I pay for the voucher?
If you wish to book a date when you purchase the experience, please call us to pay and book the date. If you prefer not to pay by card over the phone then you can arrange the date with us over the phone first and then pay online using the form above.
How many participants are in a group?
We limit the number of Participants flying and handling the birds to a maximum of four. There may also be Observers present.
I wish to purchase a voucher for two Participants – can they book separate dates?
The reduced price for two Participants is on the provision that they do the experience together on the same date. Unfortunately it is not possible to book an experience for two on separate dates. Therefore, we will normally only issue one voucher with one reference number for booking.
Can we take photographs?
Participants and Observers on our Bird Handling Experiences are welcome to bring their own camera/ video cameras to take photographs during their time with us.
What happens if the weather is bad on the date of my experience, or I cannot attend on the date I have booked?
We will run the experiences in most weather conditions, but we also want you to enjoy your experience. If the weather is predicted to be bad before your booked date, it is up to you if you wish to cancel/rearrange.
If you cancel/rearrange your experience on less than 5 days’ notice, cancellation fees will apply. Please see your Booking Confirmation for full details.
Is admission to the visitor centre included?
Yes – all of the experiences take place at our visitor centre, so there will be time either before or after your experience to look around the aviaries. Once you have booked a date for your experience, your booking confirmation will include the start time of the experience to help you plan your visit around our opening times.