AN AFTERNOON PICNIC

WITH BIRDS OF PREY

AN UNFORGETTABLE AFTERNOON

The Walled Garden, Thoresby Park,

Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP

Saturday 7th June 2025

11:30am – 4pm

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

(Limited Availability)

A Fun-filled Event For All Ages

Enjoy a truly unique countryside event hosted by Hawkeye Falconry UK and Thoresby Park. Set in The Walled Garden at Thoresby, this event combines the beauty of nature, the thrill of birds of prey, and the charm of traditional entertainment and activities. This event promises fun for all ages!

Bring a picnic, or indulge in some local delicious food, as you are introduced to a magnificent birds of prey, including hawks, owls, eagles and falcons. Be mesmerised by their agility and precision in thrilling flight demonstrations and even have the chance to handle these majestic creatures yourself.

But the experience doesn’t stop there! Watch in awe as highly trained sheepdogs showcase their incredible skills, expertly herding sheep with precision and teamwork in an exciting demonstration of traditional farming techniques. Adding to the atmosphere, enjoy music that sets the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation and discovery.

For those looking for even more excitement, unleash your inner Robin Hood with an archery and axe throwing challenge! Compete against friends and family for the chance to win a Bird of Prey Experience for Two, an unforgettable prize for the ultimate countryside adventure.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a lover of countryside traditions, or simply looking for a memorable day out, this event promises an unforgettable mix of nature, heritage, and entertainment. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups, An Afternoon Picnic with Birds of Prey is the ultimate way to experience the magic of the countryside.

There will also be a Thoresby BBQ, an ice cream van, a face painter, amazing craft stalls and more!

Alistair with Grace

This Years Special Guest!

We are delighted to welcome back Meirion Owen to add a new fabulous element to this special event – Sheepdog Displays

Former Welsh interactional team champion Meirion is a great friend of ours and resides in Carmarthenshire, in South Wales. He is a very accomplished and well-respected sheepdog handler and judge. His sheep dog demonstrations are designed to showcase the amazing talents of border collies and the communication between handler and dog. His demonstrations are informative, educational and highly entertaining. They are also interactive, allowing hands-on adult and child participation. 

Last year Meirion bought his team of ducks. Meirion will be bringing sheep this year along with his treasured dogs, which will allow a different display to last year.

As featured on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh and BBC’s One Man and His Dog.

OTHER FEATURES

FREE FACE PAINTING – Including bird of prey designs!

THORESBY BBQ – Produce from the estate. Vegetarian options also. YUM!

AMAZING HAND-SELECTED CRAFT STALLS – Talented artisans showcase their beautiful, hand crafted goods – from unique home décor, gifts for dogs, artists, jewellery to locally made treats and gifts.

TUCKS BREWERY – Thoresby’s onsite brewery, providing cool delicious drinks.

AND MORE! 

Grace - Gyr Falcon

EVENT TIMINGS*

11.30am – Walled Garden opens to ticket holders

12pm – Welcome and 1st Bird of Prey Display by Hawkeye

12:45pm – 1st Display by Special Guests – Meirion Owen

1:15pmLUNCH. This is your free time. You could eat your own picnic in the walled garden or make the most of the Thoresby BBQ & Ice-cream Van. You could enter the archery competition – with the prize being a bird of prey experience for two. Please also support the amazing craft stalls that will be with us. Grab a momento of the day!

2:15pm – 2nd Bird of Prey Display by Hawkeye

3pm – 2nd Display by Meirion Owen

3:45pm – Photo opportunity! Have a photo with one of our beautiful birds. Alternatively you can relax in the walled garden and exit the walled garden when you would like to.

4pm – Walled Garden closes

*subject to change

Adult

£9.95

Child (Under 16)

£5.95

Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)

£29.95

Thoresby Picnic Box (Optional)

Includes: Selection of sandwiches, sausage roll, crisps, cake, bottle of water. Produced by Thoresby Catering

£8.95

Parking is paid on the day – £3 per car. Price excludes booking fee.

FAQ’s

FAQ’s

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes. Please be warned, there is a short walk from the car park, and the walled garden is bumpy and undulating in places.

Will there be toilets on site?

Yes, including accessible unit.

Is parking included in the ticket price?

Parking is an extra small charge of £3, which is paid on the day. Please follow event signs on the day, showing where to park.

Will there be food and drinks available?

Yes. There will be a fabulous BBQ, provided by the catering team at Thoresby. There will also be an ice cream van. Drinks are available.

How do I book a photo opportunity?

We are not doing bookings for the photo opportunity. We have set aside half an hour, after the show to ensure that everyone has an opportunity. There will be a small charge for the photo opportunity.

CAN I BRING A DOG?

Sorry to disappoint, it is a no. We have to think of the birds welfare here, with the event being intimate.

WILL THERE BE SEATING?

The Walled Garden, does not house any seating – it is a large grassed area. Usually visitors to this event, bring their ‘picnic equipment’. A rug, or portable chair would be useful, if wanted. Totally up to you.