Based on a farm estate in Kent not far from Sevenoaks, these falconry day experience courses provide access to hundreds of acres of arable farmland, pasture and woodland. Falconry handling has long been a traditional skill in Kent and this friendly family run falconry centre boasts three falconers with over 35 years combined experience so you can be assured of an experience that will be informative, enjoyable and unforgettable, providing you with an insight into the life of a falconer and the birds.
After meeting the falconers and enjoying a welcome briefing and drink, you will be fitted out with a glove and shown the correct way to hold and handle birds of prey. Your time is not wasted in the classroom, it's hands on and straight out with the hawks on a nice slow ramble in the countryside. Although there is no actual hunting involved, you'll learn how important birds of prey were in providing food for the table - you may even meet Pascoe the German wired haired pointer or Finn the Border Terrier who love to accompany guests on the walks.
Half day falconry courses start with two hours of learning about and flying the graceful Harris Hawks in the countryside around the farm. By the end of the session you should be confident enough to cast the hawk and then call them back to your fist by offering tit bits. The rest of the half day session is spent with the owls - always guaranteed to make you go 'ahhhhh'. Depending on the season you might handle and fly a Barn Owl, a Snowy Owl or Bengal Eagle Owl!
Full day courses starts with three hours of handling and flying the graceful Harris Hawks in the countryside around the farm. By the end of the session you should be confidently handling the birds, casting and then recalling them from the flight to your fist with tit bits. There is then a break for lunch, which is usually taken at one of the local pubs close to the farm (not included in the price) or if pre-arranged in the summer months a picnic can be provided.
After lunch it's time for an extended session out in the fields with a variety of birds of prey. Depending on the season, you might be meeting and working with a Barn Owl, Snowy Owl or even Elsa the graceful Bengal Eagle Owl. You will also be able to experience (depending on season) the power and grace of the Redtail Buzzard, the agility of the Kestrel and the Falcons or even the large wing-spanned Turkey Vulture! There will be plenty of time to handle and 'have a go' with the birds before your full day falconry course ends. Visit our main falconry page for details of
falconry courses and venues nationwide.
Experiences are often on a one to one basis, during peak periods you may be part of a small group of up to five guests. Half days last approximately three hours; full days six hours with a break for lunch (food not included). Please see the full selection of
experiences available by gift voucher on our home page which includes many outdoor related activities and don't forget to visit on main
gifts area for some great deals and offers, on a wide selection of memorable gift ideas..
This falconry day experience is available at weekends and selected weekdays. Start times are negotiable but generally half days run 1000 to 1300 and full days 1000 to 1600.
Kent, near Orpington, just a few miles from Junction 4 of the M25.
Minimum age is eight years, children must be accompanied by a participating adult or by an adult as a paying spectator. Please wear wellingtons and waterproof clothing. Some wellies and waterproofs may be available from the operator. The operator provides falconry gloves. Walks can be arranged to involve as much or as little walking as you like, making the experience suitable for less able bodied visitors as well.
Our Kent based falconry courses happily welcome spectators - subject to a charge of £15 payable on the day but please let the operator know in advance. Spectators on a full day will also need to pay for their lunch. Bed and breakfast accommodation can be recommended when booking.