The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of magnificent birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, and owls. This immersive experience allows you to fly these impressive creatures across the stunning grounds of the historic Leeds Castle, providing an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and castle lovers alike.
What is the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience?
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience is a hands-on, interactive encounter that allows visitors to engage with a diverse array of birds of prey. Participants have the chance to fly these majestic raptors, learn about their behaviors and adaptations, and gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
The experience is led by a team of experienced falconers, who share their extensive knowledge and passion for these birds. Visitors can expect to encounter a range of species, from the powerful and agile hawks to the silent and stealthy owls.
Key Details of the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience
Here are the key details you need to know about the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | £30.00 – £150.00 |
| Duration | Full day (6 hours) or half day (3 hours) |
| Minimum Age | 7 years (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) |
| Maximum Participants | 4 (plus up to 2 spectators each) |
| Fitness Level | Good level of fitness required |
| Clothing | Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear |
What to Expect During the Experience
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience offers a range of activities and opportunities for visitors to engage with the birds:
Fly the Birds
The highlight of the experience is the chance to fly a variety of birds of prey across the estate. Participants will have the opportunity to handle and fly hawks, falcons, and owls, under the guidance of the expert falconry team.
Afternoon Hawk Walk
Included in the full-day experience, the Afternoon Hawk Walk allows visitors to accompany the falconers and their birds on a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Both the full-day and half-day experiences include a behind-the-scenes tour, where visitors can learn about the daily care and training of the birds of prey.
Day Ticket
The experience includes a day ticket to the Leeds Castle and its grounds, allowing visitors to explore the historic site and its beautiful gardens.
Lunch
For those who opt for the full-day experience, a delicious lunch is provided, adding to the overall enjoyment of the day.
Falconry Displays and Meet the Birds
In addition to the hands-on experience, the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience also offers visitors the opportunity to witness the birds in action during scheduled falconry displays and “Meet the Birds” sessions.
Falconry Displays
- April to September: Daily at 2 pm
- October to March: Weekends and school holidays only at 2 pm
Meet the Birds
- April to September: Daily at 3:30 pm
- October to March: Weekends and school holidays only at 3:30 pm
These events allow visitors to see the birds in flight and learn more about their unique characteristics and behaviors from the knowledgeable falconry team.
The Falconry Team
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience is led by a dedicated team of falconers, each with a deep passion for these magnificent birds:
- Mark Brattle: Falconry & Wildlife Manager, with a lifelong fascination with birds of prey
- Hannah James: Head Falconer, with a passion for birds of prey since age 10
- Sam Weir: Falconer, with a love for birds of prey since a young age
These experts are committed to providing visitors with an unforgettable and educational experience, sharing their knowledge and insights into the world of falconry.
What Visitors Say
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors, who have praised the unique and engaging nature of the experience. Here’s a sample of what people are saying:
“A wonderful and fascinating experience! I flew many different birds and learnt all about them from our guide, Milly. The Castle and grounds are spectacular and well worth a visit.” – TripAdvisor Review (5/5 stars)
Conclusion
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience is a must-visit attraction for anyone with a love for nature, wildlife, and the rich history of Leeds Castle. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and memorable day out, this immersive encounter with birds of prey is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre/
- https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/falconry-displays/
- https://leeds-castle.com/product/bird-of-prey-experience/
- https://leeds-castle.com/product/owl-experience/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1927273-d20990395-Reviews-Leeds_Castle_Falconry_Experiences-Leeds_Maidstone_Kent_England.html