Grey Buzzard Eagle at National Centre for Birds of Prey

What To See

WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR GREAT DAY OUT IN YORKSHIRE

Witness our incredible birds taking to the skies against the spectacular backdrop of the Duncombe Park. There are three demonstrations (two in the winter) Every day! Our team of dedicated staff will introduce you to different species of birds in each of our demonstrations. The flying demonstrations are the highlight of a visit to us, so why not stay for the whole day and see them all? We have 3 flying areas – one of them is indoors. Whatever the weather – we’ll be flying the birds!!

Admission to the Centre also includes admission in to the surrounding 300 acres of parkland. There are 2 marked trails and it’s a wonderful place for a stroll or a dog walk. Click here for a map of the parkland walks.

You can be sure to have a great day out in wonderful Yorkshire countryside.

Click here for a centre map

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

FLYING DEMO TIMES

 11.30am and 2pm 

At certain times of the year during the day you may see training sessions in between official flying times. You are welcome to watch, but try to keep still and quiet to help the young birds in training. If there is a special bird or species you want to see, phone to see when it might be on the flying demo rota.

Bring your camera! The demonstrations are also an excellent opportunity for photographers .

In high winds we have a sheltered area of woodland for the flying demos – don’t worry on windy days we will come and find you to make sure you are in the right place.

In very wet weather we can fly some of the birds inside Christmas Tree Cottage. So whatever the weather, you will see birds flying. We have never cancelled a flying demo for any reason. If you are here at demo time – you WILL see some amazing birds doing their thing.

European Eagle Owl at National Centre for Birds of Prey
African Fish Eagle at National Centre for Birds of Prey

HAWK WALK

Here all the flying birds live other than the owls and some others who work from aviaries. These species will change during the year as all the birds do about nine months work and then have a rest to moult. There are falcons, hawks, buzzards and eagles living here.

The Hawk Walk backs onto Christmas Tree Cottage, which is an old cottage that originally housed the engines and generators to provide electricity for a WW2 army camp. Our walk-in freezer is part of Christmas Tree Cottage. We have other plans for the rest of this building, watch this space!

The Hawk Walk is the place to get good photos of the trained birds as there is no wire and you will be within a few feet of them. There are lawns for the birds to sit out on and bathe if the weather is good and the compartments enclosing the area house the birds if the weather is poor and at night. These compartments are insulated and heated with locking doors and a good security system, although staff do live on site as well.

From the Hawk Walk you head towards the main aviary area.

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

THE FLYING GROUND

One of the main reasons for choosing Duncombe Park for the National Centre for Birds of Prey was the presence of a truly amazing place to fly the birds. Our Flying Ground overlooks the rolling parkland in front of the main house. With veteran oak, chestnut, lime and ash trees on the east and north it is sheltered from the coldest winds. However the western aspect is open enabling the birds to take full advantage of the prevailing wind.

The Flying Ground can be accessed either from the Hawk Walk or the aviary area. As well as seating for the demonstrations there are picnic tables and acres of grass to sit on during sunny weather.

Don’t forget your camera! NCBP is most definitely a place not to be missed if visiting Helmsley, North Yorkshire or the surrounding areas.

National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK
National Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley UK

AVIARIES

We have over 40 aviaries.

The design of our aviaries is very special. All our enclosures are fully roofed. Many of our birds come from warmer climes and all of them appreciate a dry place to live. There are 3 solid walls in each aviary; this gives the birds a feeling of security. Birds who feel safe and secure are happier birds and happier birds are more likely to breed.

All the birds in the aviaries (apart from the trained owls) are part of breeding programmes.

We don’t go in the aviaries when the birds have eggs or young, the rest of the time the aviaries are cleaned once a week and given a “deep clean” twice a year.

Each aviary has a bath for the birds to use for bathing and drinking.

Take your time looking around the aviaries, the slower you walk the more you see!

Aviaries at National Centre for Birds of Prey
Eagle Barn at National Centre for Birds of Prey

GIFT SHOP

We have a well stocked – and well priced! – gift shop with a large range of souvenirs, cuddly owls, stone owls, tea-towels (yes we know that joke!) and goodness knows what else!

Gift Shop at National Centre for Birds of Prey
Gift Shop at National Centre for Birds of Prey