Harris Hawk at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

Raptor Experience

RAPTOR (BIRD OF PREY) EXPERIENCE

Want to get hands on? Then this chance to have a true bird of prey experience is for you.

Hawks, owls, falcons and kites – it’s an awesome experience to have these birds of prey fly straight to your gloved hand against the splendid backdrop of Duncombe Park. Both adults and children (10 and over) are welcome.

Steppe Eagle at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

ITINERARY OF THIS BIRD OF PREY EXPERIENCE

10am Start and introductions. We lend everyone a glove and head straight to the flying ground to fly some of the trained birds straight to your hand. A camera is a good idea.

Break for a drink (included in the price)

Then a chance to hold and handle some more of our birds – all the time a member of our staff will be on hand to help and answer any questions.

11.30am – flying demo, your chance to see a range of our birds doing their thing.

Then we head out into the surrounding parklands with one of our Harris Hawks following us through the trees. Everyone will get a number of opportunities to call the hawk down to them.

1pm (approx) Finish. You are welcome to spend the rest of the day at the centre if you wish.

Yellow Billed Kite at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

AVAILABILITY

The Raptor Experience is available on selected days throughout the year. Dates are found below. Please note – we tend to fill up pretty quickly, please book early!

However if you can get a party of 6 together – contact us and we should be able to hold a private Raptor Experience just for you on a date of your choosing.

Once you have booked a date we ask you to give us a minimum of 14 days notice if you wish to change that date. Cancellations within 14 days of the booked date are not refundable

Common Buzzard at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

GUESTS/SPECTATORS

You are welcome to bring spectators at a cost of £15 per adult and £10 per child. This includes a drink and entry to the centre for the whole day. Get them to bring a camera!! Spectators pay admission on the day please. Please note that spectators do not accompany the participants whilst they are flying the Harris Hawk in the woods/parkland.

DRESS

Casual clothes and sensible shoes – and a coat if the weather is looking dodgy! We do have indoor areas if the weather is bad.

Grey Buzzard Eagle at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

FURTHER INFO

Vouchers are valid for 18 months from the date of purchase. On buying you’ll be emailed a download link leading to your ticket/voucher.

Vouchers can be bought as presents. Click “buy Now and Book Later” to buy a voucher and book a day at a later time. On buying you’ll be emailed a download link leading to your ticket/voucher. The voucher can be printed and gifted or forwarded by email. Buy Now and Book Later vouchers have a code that can be used online, in person or over the phone to book a date (online is best!)

Children aged 10 and over are welcome, however we ask that they should be accompanied by a participating adult.

Please let us know of any disabilities so we can make sure you have the best experience possible

Raptor Experience

From: £75.00

Dates for the raptor experiences  are below. Please note – numbers are limited, please book early.

If you would rather buy a voucher for an experience  without choosing the date yet – please select “Buy Now and Book Later”. However please note – you must book a date before attending!

If you already have a “Buy Now and Book Later” voucher – please choose your date, click “Book” and you’ll be able to enter your voucher code on the cart or checkout page.

All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions. Full Terms and Conditions can be found here. Please take careful note of our terms regarding changing your booking.

Raptor Experience, Buy Now and Book Later

£75.00

If you are buying a voucher as a gift or just don’t want to choose your date just yet – this option is for you!

Vouchers are valid for 18 months from purchase.

You will be emailed PDF vouchers (one voucher per person) that can then either be printed and gifted, or emailed.

The voucher contains a code. That code can be used to book the date online, over the phone or in person. (online is best!!)

“We went on the Raptor Experience last week and had another wonderful time. George (what a star!) escorted us round and let us see and fly numerous hawks and kites. Jimmy and his burrowing owl stole the show. A big thanks to Charlie and all the team for offering such a great facility.” TripAdvisor 

“We booked the Raptor Experience fairly last-minute as we had both always wanted to visit these birds at close quarters and it is something that has been on my “bucket list” for a few years. We were really looking forward to it and we were not disappointed!! What a fantastic day! The handlers, Jimmy and George, were knowledgeable, friendly and clearly have a passion for their birds. Their enthusiasm was infectious.  They answered all of our questions with patience and clearly have a genuine love for their work with these wonderful creatures. If I could give this review TEN stars I would.” Barbara 

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