Leeds Castle in Kent, England, is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and captivating history. But one of the most popular attractions at this iconic castle is the Falconry Display, where visitors can witness the majestic flight of birds of prey and learn about the ancient art of falconry.
Falconry Displays at Leeds Castle
The Falconry Displays at Leeds Castle are a must-see for any castles touring enthusiast. These captivating shows feature a variety of birds, including hawks, falcons, owls, and even the impressive European Eagle Owl. The displays are scheduled throughout the year, with different timings depending on the season.
Seasonal Schedules
- April to September: Daily Falconry Display at 2 pm and Meet the Birds at 3:30 pm.
- October to March: Falconry Displays and Meet the Birds on weekends and school holidays only, both at 2 pm and 3:30 pm respectively.
Location and Birds Featured
The Falconry Displays take place at the Falconry Arena, located behind the Maze on the castle grounds. Visitors can expect to see a range of impressive birds, including the Harris Hawk, Ural Owl, and the majestic European Eagle Owl.
Falconry Experiences at Leeds Castle
In addition to the public Falconry Displays, Leeds Castle also offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of falconry through various experiences.
Falconer for the Day
This unique experience allows participants to fly different birds, learn handling techniques, and even assist with the public falconry display. The cost for this experience ranges from £30 to £150, and the duration is approximately 7 hours.
Bird of Prey Experience
The Bird of Prey Experience includes the opportunity to fly a range of birds, an afternoon Hawk Walk, a behind-the-scenes tour, and a day ticket to the Castle and grounds. The cost for this experience ranges from £30 to £150, and the duration is either 6 hours (full day) or 3 hours (half day).
The Bird of Prey Centre at Leeds Castle
Visitors to Leeds Castle can also explore the Bird of Prey Centre, where the birds are on display daily (weather permitting) on the weathering ground and in their aviaries. The Falconry & Wildlife team at the castle includes experienced staff, such as Mark Brattle, Hannah James, and Sam Weir, who are passionate about birds of prey and dedicated to their care.
Reviews of the Leeds Castle Falconry Display
The Leeds Castle Falconry Display has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Many have praised the staff for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
One TripAdvisor review states, “The falconry display was fantastic. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the birds. We were able to get up close to the birds and learn about their behaviors and characteristics. It was a highlight of our visit to Leeds Castle.”
Conclusion
The Leeds Castle Falconry Display is a truly unique and captivating experience for any castles touring enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in the public displays, the immersive falconry experiences, or simply exploring the Bird of Prey Centre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this historic castle. So, if you’re planning a visit to Leeds Castle, be sure to add the Falconry Display to your itinerary for an unforgettable day out.
References
- https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/falconry-displays/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1927273-d20990395-Reviews-Leeds_Castle_Falconry_Experiences-Leeds_Maidstone_Kent_England.html
- https://leeds-castle.com/product/falconer-for-the-day/
- https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre/
- https://leeds-castle.com/product/bird-of-prey-experience/