BIRD OF PREY EXPERIENCES
At Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire
Fly Beautiful Birds in a Private Woodland
Set within a private 10-acre woodland and walled garden at Thoresby Park, part of the historic Sherwood Forest, this is a hands-on falconry experience, where birds fly freely to your glove in a natural, peaceful setting.
Led by falconer Alistair, you’ll work directly with hawks, owls, eagles and falcons – no crowds, no static displays, just real interaction and time with the birds.
Whether you’re booking for yourself or buying a gift, this is a rare opportunity to experience birds of prey up close in the way they were meant to be flown.
Experiences are designed to be fully hands-on, giving you the opportunity to fly and handle a variety of birds throughout your session, with plenty of time in the woodland setting.
Choose from a range of experiences, all designed to give you real, hands-on time with our birds – whatever your age or experience level.
Please have a look at our experiences below, for more information. If you have any questions please email us – experience@hawkeyefalconry.co.uk
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VIEW OUR EXPERIENCES
Purchase for yourself, or as a gift to book later.
Thoresby Park is near Ollerton in Nottinghamshire. Our location is also close to the Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire county borders.
Choose Your Experience
Our experiences are designed for different ages, time commitments, and how hands-on you’d like to be.
The £65 experience is our most popular and best way to experience everything we have to offer.
The Owlet Bird of Prey Experience - £50
An experience for young nature lovers (4-14 years)
Step into a world of wonder and wings with our magical Birds of Prey Experience, designed especially for young adventurers aged 4 to 14. Set in a beautiful private woodland or enchanting walled garden, this unforgettable 1 hour 30 minute experience brings children face-to-face with six magnificent birds of prey.
From the moment they arrive, children will be immersed in a hands-on journey where they can meet, handle, and even fly these incredible birds under expert guidance. Feel the thrill as a hawk swoops gracefully to a gloved hand, or watch in awe as an owl glides silently through the trees – moments that feel straight out of a storybook.
Age range for participants – 4 to 14 years
All vouchers are valid for 18 months
This experience is undertaken in groups of 8, on specific dates. There are plenty of opportunities to fly the birds, and experience nature up close. Two spectators per participant is welcome (£20 fee applies).
Terms and conditions apply
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. Due to the terrain, the experience location is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Although, they can be used from the car park to get to the experience location (5-10 minute walk).
The Thoresby Bird of Prey Experience - £65
*Our most popular experience*
This experience provides the opportunity for you or a loved one to fly and meet around 10 birds of prey.
The birds involved in the experiences differ each time. Although they involve large owls, like the Great Grey Owl and Eagle Owls, smaller owls like the Barn Owl, as well as a Hawk or two, plus a couple of fast flying falcons! Throughout the experience, you will learn a great deal about what we do, falconry and its role today. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture photos and video of yourself flying the birds.
Minimum age – 11 years, for both participants and spectators
Duration – Approximately 2 Hours
This experience is undertaken in groups of 6 participants, on specific dates. One spectator per participant is welcome (£25 fee applies).
To view upcoming dates please head here – hawkeyefalconry.co.uk/book
All vouchers are valid for 18 months
Terms and conditions apply
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. Due to the terrain, the experience location is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Although, they can be used from the car park to get to the experience location (5-10 minute walk).
Raptor Encounter For Two People - £198
*NEW EXPERIENCE*
A private birds of prey experience for two
Share a memorable experience together in our private woodland and walled garden, enjoying hands-on interaction with a range of birds of prey.
During your session, you’ll meet and fly up to ten different species, learning about their behaviour, history, and how they are trained – guided throughout by an experienced falconer.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Handle a variety of birds
- Experience birds flying directly to your gloved hand
- Watch free-flight demonstrations
- Enjoy a relaxed, private setting together
The experience moves between woodland for close encounters and the open walled garden for more expansive flying.
Your booking includes exclusive use of the venue, with no other participants. This allows for a calm, personal experience with plenty of time to engage, ask questions, and enjoy the birds at your own pace.
At least one adult required per booking
We will try our best to accommodate a date/time of your choosing. If after a specific date, please contact us before purchase.
Two people per booking. No additions or spectators
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
All experiences are valid to redeem for 18 months from day of purchase. Can be purchased as a gift.
Terms and conditions apply
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. Due to the terrain, the experience location is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Although, they can be used from the car park to get to the experience location (5-10 minute walk).
Exclusive Bird of Prey Experience - £390
The birds are there, just for you and your group
Invite some friends, bring the family or perhaps have a day out in the countryside with your partner. This experience is truly special and we can cater it to your needs.
Featuring around 10 birds, from our team of owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. The variety of birds involved showcase a wide aspect of falconry. You will be flying owls of all sizes and large hawks, as well as watching and witnessing up close the breathtaking speed of peregrine falcons.
You will have countless opportunities to fly each of the birds, take photos at your leisure and experience the birds up close. This experience will be a joy for bird lovers or anyone with an interest in these phenomenal animals!
No age requirements. We can tailor this experience to suit your needs
We will try our best to accommodate a date/time of your choosing
All vouchers are valid for 18 months
This experience is for up to 6 people. Additional participants £40 each (maximum 4 additional)
Price is £390 for 2 people or for 6 people, for example. Not per person.
Terms and conditions apply
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. Due to the terrain, the experience location is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Although, they can be used from the car park to get to the experience location (5-10 minute walk).
Bird of Prey Photography Day - £98
Immerse yourself in a captivating day of avian artistry with our Bird of Prey Photography Day, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to capture stunning images of majestic raptors in natural surroundings.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Thoresby Park, this experience is designed for both seasoned photographers and curious beginners alike, offering hands-on guidance and expert tips from a wildlife photographer.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will elevate your photography skills and deepen your appreciation for these incredible birds.
Minimum age 14 years old
All vouchers are valid for 18 months
Terms and conditions apply
What It’s Like on the Day
Your experience begins by meeting the birds and learning how to handle them safely and confidently.
You’ll then move into the woodland where the experience truly comes to life.
Birds will fly directly to your glove – sometimes from just a few feet away, other times gliding through the trees to reach you. You’ll walk through the woodland in a small group, spending real time flying and interacting with different species.
Depending on your experience, you may:
- Fly hawks and owls through the trees
- Handle and fly falcons and eagles at close range
- Walk woodland routes while birds follow and return
- Learn how each bird is trained and behaves
There is no rush, no large crowds – just time, space, and close-up interaction with our birds.
