Falconry in North Yorkshire

Falconry experience in stunning Yorkshire setting. This beautiful 1,200 acre country estate in the Yorkshire Dales near Skipton is home to a superb selection of birds to fly and admire in professional demonstrations.

The emphasis is on giving  participants a real hands-on experience, getting to know the birds and understand their behaviour as they are flown in fields and woodland.

Your half day falconry adventure (full day falconry experiences are also available) begins with welcome tea or coffee and a short presentation on the history of falconry.  You will be introduced to the birds you will be working with and given the chance to ask questions about the activities ahead.  Before handling any of the birds, you will be fully briefed on what the birds themselves will be expecting from you, how to approach the bird, lift it from its perch, use the falconer's knot to tie and untie its leash and secure it safely on your fist.

After this initial lesson, you will fly a team of Harris Hawks in the woods and fields for the rest of the morning, learning the different methods and techniques used.  The experience will conclude with a photo-call with the birds.  The activity will last up to two and a half hours. Details of other Falconry days out can be found on our main Birds of Prey page and a complete selection of activity day experiences can be found on our home page.

Full day falconry courses build on the content of the half day experience, introducing more birds and the opportunity to observe different falconry techniques. The morning session follows the itinerary detailed above. A light lunch, included in the experience is taken in the field, or, if weather is poor at a nearby pub. 

After lunch you travel to the falcon flying venue where you will see how a falcon is exercised to the lure and see a majestic eagle being flown. There will also be a simulated hunt in which a Harris Hawk or Harris Eagle tracks an electric rabbit. There will be a photo opportunity at the end of the day and a final question and answer session. 

Half days last approximately two and a half hours including briefings, handling/flying time with the birds and photo call at the end of the session. Full days include the morning content of the half day plus extended flying time and a simulated hunt. A light lunch is also included. Activities take place in groups of up to six people per instructor.

Experiences are run throughout the year, subject to weather conditions.

North Yorkshire near Skipton.

There is a minimum age of 12 for the full and half day experiences.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.  Pets are not permitted.  You should bring boots and waterproofs.  A camera is recommended to capture your own souvenir shots in the photo-call.

Spectators are permitted, an additional fee of £35 applies for half days and £65 for full days. Spectator bookings and fees to be arranged with the supplier.  The scenic location of this activity makes it ideal for short break trips giving time to take in more of the local sights and attractions.  The falconry takes place on an estate with its own country house hotel, set in picturesque grounds.  A discount is offered for bookings made through the activity operator.  The operator can also recommend local bed and breakfast accommodation.  Many other outdoor activities can also be enjoyed on site.