Leeds Castle offers a remarkable bird-related experience, featuring the Falconry Displays and the Bird of Prey Centre. Visitors can witness the grace and power of these magnificent birds, learn about their unique characteristics, and even have the opportunity to interact with them.
Falconry Displays at Leeds Castle
The daily Falconry Display at Leeds Castle is a must-see event for visitors. Held at 2 pm from April to September and on weekends and school holidays from October to March, the display showcases a variety of birds, including Hawks, Falcons, Owls, and other species such as the European Eagle Owl, Harris Hawk, and Ural Owl.
The Falconry Arena, located behind the Maze, is the stage for these captivating performances. Visitors can witness the birds’ impressive aerial maneuvers and learn about the rich history and traditions of falconry.
The Bird of Prey Centre at Leeds Castle
Nestled within the Leeds Castle estate, the Bird of Prey Centre houses a diverse collection of bird species, from the smallest Burrowing Owl to the largest Russian Steppe Eagle. After the Falconry Display, visitors can meet the birds and learn more about them during the Meet the Birds session, held at 3:30 pm from April to September and on weekends and school holidays from October to March.
The Bird of Prey Experience at Leeds Castle
For those seeking a more immersive encounter, the Bird of Prey Experience at Leeds Castle offers a unique opportunity. Priced between £30.00 and £150.00, depending on the duration and type of experience, the program allows participants to fly a range of birds of prey across the estate, participate in an afternoon Hawk Walk (full day only), and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.
The full-day experience lasts for 6 hours, while the half-day option is 3 hours long. Visitors can expect to handle and fly various birds, gaining a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Leeds Castle
For those interested in a more exclusive look at the Bird of Prey Centre, Leeds Castle offers Behind-the-Scenes Tours over the Easter Weekend. These tours, available at 11 am and 12 pm, last approximately an hour and provide a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about the castle’s bird-related activities.
Visitors must book their place in advance by emailing falconry@leeds-castle.co.uk to secure their spot on these exclusive tours.
Testimonials from Visitors
Heather Ford, a visitor to the Leeds Castle Bird of Prey Experience, shared her enthusiastic review:
“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 were introduced to the baby kookaburras and took Jackson the Harris Hawk on his first woodland experience… and what an experience that was for us… what a privilege to see his courage develop in that short time. We were introduced to the baby kookaburras and took Jackson the Harris Hawk on his first woodland experience… and what an experience that was for us… what a privilege to see his courage develop in that short time. 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.’ And so we did.”
The Leeds Castle Bird Show offers a truly captivating and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to witness the grace and power of these magnificent birds up close. Whether it’s the Falconry Displays, the Bird of Prey Centre, or the exclusive Bird of Prey Experience, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this remarkable castle.
References
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Experience. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/product/bird-of-prey-experience/
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Centre Tours. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/events/bird-of-prey-centre-tours/
- TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Leeds Castle Falconry Experiences. 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. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/falconry-displays/
- Leeds Castle. (n.d.). Bird of Prey Centre. Retrieved from https://leeds-castle.com/attraction/bird-of-prey-centre/.