The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the fascinating world of birds of prey. Located within the stunning Leeds Castle estate in Kent, England, this centre offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse collection of raptors, from the smallest Burrowing Owl to the majestic Russian Steppe Eagle.
Overview of the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre is managed by a team of passionate falconers, led by Mark Brattle, the Falconry & Wildlife Manager. The centre houses a variety of bird species, each with its own captivating story and unique characteristics. Visitors can expect to encounter a range of birds, including Hawks, Falcons, and Owls, during the centre’s daily falconry displays and behind-the-scenes tours.
The Falconry Team
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre is home to a talented team of falconers, each with a deep-rooted passion for birds of prey and a wealth of experience in the field of falconry.
Mark Brattle, Falconry & Wildlife Manager
Mark Brattle has a lifelong fascination with birds of prey and has managed the Falconry Department at Leeds Castle since 2012. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the centre’s exceptional offerings.
Hannah James, Head Falconer
Hannah’s passion for birds of prey began at the tender age of 10, and she has since amassed extensive experience in the world of falconry, including running her own bird of prey centre.
Sam Weir, Falconer
Sam’s love for birds of prey started at a young age, and he has been an integral part of the Leeds Castle Falconry & Wildlife Team since 2019, contributing his expertise and enthusiasm to the centre’s operations.
Experiences and Displays
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre offers a range of immersive experiences and captivating displays for visitors to enjoy.
Bird of Prey Experience
This unique experience allows participants to fly a variety of birds of prey across the Leeds Castle estate, including a behind-the-scenes tour and a day ticket to the castle and grounds. The experience can be tailored to a full-day or half-day duration, catering to a maximum of 4 participants and up to 2 spectators.
Falconry Displays
The centre’s daily falconry displays feature a diverse array of birds, including Hawks, Falcons, and Owls, showcasing their impressive aerial maneuvers and natural behaviors. These displays take place in the Falconry Arena behind the Maze, with different schedules for the spring/summer and autumn/winter seasons.
Bird of Prey Centre Tours
For those seeking a more in-depth look into the centre’s operations, the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre offers behind-the-scenes tours over the Easter weekend. These tours provide valuable insights into the daily care and management of the birds, and are limited to 12 participants per session, requiring a valid Leeds Castle ticket.
Testimonials
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre has received glowing reviews from visitors, who have praised the knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as the exceptional experiences offered.
“We spent the day with Reece and Mark, who welcomed us warmly and looked after us well. Not only are they just nice, friendly people who put us at ease, but their knowledge, experience and sheer love of the birds shone through. We handled eight birds altogether of various types and sizes. We watched the display in the afternoon which was as interesting and awesome as it always is. We enjoyed a lovely lunch, finished the day with a stroll through Lady Baillie’s Garden which is so very pretty now and smells gorgeous, and sat in the shade looking across to the castle with a soft ice cream. Bliss. There is so much more I could say, but I can sum it all up with what I emailed my brother… ‘We have had the most wonderful day.'” – Heather Ford
Practical Information
- Cost: The Bird of Prey Experience costs between £30.00 and £150.00, depending on the duration and type of experience.
- Timings: The experience lasts 6 hours for a full day and 3 hours for a half day.
- Location: The Bird of Prey Centre is located within the Leeds Castle estate.
- Hours: The centre is open during the castle’s operating hours, with specific timings for falconry displays and tours.
- Value: The experience provides a unique opportunity to interact with a variety of birds of prey and learn about their care and conservation.
The Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Centre is a captivating destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for castle touring enthusiasts. With its knowledgeable team of falconers, diverse collection of raptors, and immersive activities, the centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone with a passion for the natural world and a fascination with the majestic birds of prey.
References
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Experience – Leeds Castle. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/product/bird-of-prey-experience/
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Centre – Leeds Castle. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre/
- TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Leeds Castle Falconry Experiences – All You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1927273-d20990395-Reviews-Leeds_Castle_Falconry_Experiences-Leeds_Maidstone_Kent_England.html
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Falconry Displays – Leeds Castle. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/falconry-displays/
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Centre Tours – Leeds Castle. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/events/bird-of-prey-centre-tours/.