BIRD OF PREY EXPERIENCES
At Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS
We now have a limited supply of gift vouchers available.
We have to limit sales, to ensure that everyone who receives a voucher can book during 2025.
All vouchers purchased now are valid for 18 months from Christmas Day.
Experiences With Our Beautiful Birds
Our experiences are undertaken within a private 5 acre victorian walled garden and a 10 acre section of The Sherwood Forest – totally exclusive for just our guests! It is such a special location and is truly unique. Our birds love the surroundings of the experience venue and fly effortlessly in the environment.
We undertake three different experiences, all with lots of opportunities to fly our birds. The Thoresby Bird of Prey Experience is our most popular experience, which is undertaken in small groups on specific dates. Or for a more personal experience, we offer the Exclusive Bird of Prey Experience, with the birds being there just for you. Also for the avid photographer, we undertake packed Photography Days.
Your host, Alistair (pictured here with Rocky, our Milky Owl) will guide and assist you throughout the experience. Hawkeye Falconry UK is a family concern, based near Thoresby Park, looking after around 30 birds of prey. We are so passionate to show our very much loved birds to you. They are very much part of our family and love meeting new people.
Please have a look at our experiences below, for more information. If you have any questions please email us – experience@hawkeyefalconry.co.uk
Thoresby Park is located on Thoresby Estate, near Ollerton in Nottinghamshire. Our location is also close to the Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire county borders.
The Thoresby Bird of Prey Experience - £60
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.
This experience is undertaken in small groups on specific dates. There are plenty of opportunities to fly the birds, and experience nature up close. Up to two spectators per participant are also welcome (small fee applies). To view upcoming dates please head here – hawkeyefalconry.co.uk/book
Minimum age – 6 years, for both participants and spectators. All vouchers purchased now are valid for 18 months from Christmas Day.
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. The experience area is not suitable for wheelchairs etc.
Already have a voucher for this experience?
Book your experience here.
Exclusive Bird of Prey Experience - £245
For Up To 8 People
The birds are there just for you. 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 raptors, 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!
Larger groups can be accommodated – please contact us. No minimum age requirement. We will try our best to accommodate a date/time of your choosing. Vouchers are valid for 18 months.
Price is £245 for 2 people or for 8 people, for example. Not per person. All vouchers purchased now are valid for 18 months from Christmas Day.
Please note – The experience involves walking in woodland. The experience area is not suitable for wheelchairs etc.
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.
All vouchers purchased now are valid for 18 months from Christmas Day.
Our Experience Location
at Thoresby Park, NottinghamshireFrequently Asked Questions
What about the weather?
If the forecast is awful, we will rearrange your experience. This happens rarely, but when it does, it is due to heavy rain, gale force winds or extreme heat.
Where does the experience take place?
The experience is held within the grounds of Thoresby Park, near to the walled garden. Please park in the main car park for Thoresby Park and follow signs to the experience location – around a 10 minute walk.
What time should I arrive?
We recommend that you arrive at Thoresby Park around 15 minutes before your experience. This is so that you can park, sort yourself out and walk to the experience location.
Is there a cafe on site?
Yes. There is a cafe near to the car park, usually open until 4pm. They serve hot and cold food, which can be eaten in the cafe, or ordered as a takeaway. There is also a brewery on site, serving drinks.
Are there toilets?
Toilets are located near the car park. Please note there are no toilet facilities at the experience location.
Is the location wheelchair friendly?
The location is within a woodland setting, with small inclines in places. Please get in contact to discuss your needs.
How much walking is involved?
Our normal routine for experiences, involves a gentle pace of walking throughout each 2 hour experience. There are benches dotted around the location, where we can have a rest. Although if you do struggle to walk long distances, we recommend that you consider an Exclusive Experience, so that we can cater for your specific needs and not affect the experience for everyone else in the group.
Are dogs allowed?
No
What is the minimum age requirement?
For our small group experience, The Thoresby Bird of Prey Experience, the minimum age requirement is 6 years old, for participants and spectators. There are no age requirements for the Exclusive Bird of Prey Experience.
What clothing do I need to wear?
Please dress for the weather. Areas of the location can be muddy when wet, so outdoor walking shoes are preferred, when it has been raining. It is also recommend that you wear clothing that covers your arms.
Can I take photos?
Yes, of course.
Can I come to Thoresby, to see the birds, without having to book onto an experience?
No, sorry. We are not your usual bird of prey centre, which is open to the public. We live near to Thoresby Estate, and bring the birds to Thoresby, to our purpose made experience venue, when we are due to do experiences or special events. Only people who are booked on, or spectating a participant, can enter the area.
What about bird flu?
If there is an outbreak of bird flu in the area, we will not be able to do the experience. Instead we will keep our birds safe, at our base. We will obviously rearrange and extend vouchers to suit the period, we are effected. Of course, if the Animal and Plant Health Agency, tells us to pause experiences, we will have to.
How long are vouchers valid for?
18 months
I have been gifted a group experience voucher, but I would like to ‘upgrade’ to an Exclusive Experience. Can this be done?
Yes! Please let us know and we will ask you to pay the difference.