This Experience gives you the chance to handle and fly a selection of birds of prey. The Half Day starts at 10:15am with tea/coffee, followed by a guided tour of the centre where you will see a large variety of species housed here. We start by flying a selection of our smaller birds, usually from a selection of Kestrels and Owls. After a midday tea/coffee break, Participants then fly a selection of larger birds, such as Owls, Hawks, and/or Buzzards. The Half Day finishes at 12:45pm. Minimum Age: Participants and Observers must be at least 16 years old. The Half Day Experience costs £55.00 for one Participant or £100 for two Participants.
The Experience
Participants will fly a minimum of at least 8 birds during their experience. We cannot guarantee any particular bird or species as we regularly change the birds flown each day. Any relative or friend wishing to be present for the duration of the experience will be classed as an “Observer” for which a charge of £15.00 per person will be made. This will entitle the Observer to accompany the Participant at all times, and includes complimentary tea/coffee.
Vouchers purchased online will be valid for 12 months. To book a date, please telephone us on 01562 700014 during our opening hours.
Purchase a Half-Day Bird Handling Experience Gift Voucher
Frequently Asked Questions about our Half Day Experience
How often do you run the Experiences and how far ahead do I need to book a date?
We run this Experience throughout the year and 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 to book as far in advance as possible, but 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 online, 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 discuss availability. 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 above.
How many participants are in a group?
We limit the Half Day Experience to a maximum of 6 Participants during the week and up to 8 Participants at weekends. There may also be Observers present.
Is this Experience suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?
Yes, the Half-Day Experience is suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Participants should be aware that the experience will involve a short tour around the Visitor Centre before going into the arena (a lawn area). Those with limited mobility/difficulty walking may elect not to join the guided tour and may request a chair to sit on during the flying and handling of the birds. To ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your experience, please let us know when booking if you will be using a wheelchair or if you will require seating in the arena. If you are not certain that this Experience is suitable for you or your intended recipient, please telephone us on 01562 700014 and we will be happy to assist you.
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, so unfortunately it is not possible to book an experience for two on separate dates. Therefore, we will only issue one voucher with one reference number for booking.
Can we take photographs?
Participants and Observers on our Experiences are welcome to bring their own camera to take photographs during their time with us.
Can other people come and watch / take photographs?
Instead of being an Observer (see above), from time to time Participants ask if relatives or friends may also attend just to take a few photographs of them with the birds. Anyone wishing to attend to watch all or part of the experience without being an “Observer” can just pay our Visitor Admission charge on the day of your experience. Please be aware that visitors are not permitted to enter the flying arena or join the Participants and Observers for tea/coffee. Any children coming as visitors to watch an experience must also be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
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.