The Premier Falconry & Bird of Prey Experience for the Home Counties
Set in the open countryside at Alders Farm near Milton Keynes.
Not displays, but hands-on days where you fly the birds yourself and experience their raw power up close.
"It was incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!" - Wayne
Had a fantastic afternoon in the company of the beautiful owls Juliet, Bingo, Alex and Priscilla and not forgetting the bonus appearance of Midnight the Harris Hawk.
Huge thanks to Charlotte and Andrew for making this such a memorable experience! It was incredible to handle and fly these magnificent birds and see them up close.
We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!
Could I have written anything better? This is one of 800 great reviews we have on Tripadvisor, Google and direct.
The Premier Falconry & Bird of Prey Experience for the Home Counties
Conveniently located for Buckinghamshire in the open countryside near Milton Keynes.
Not displays, but hands-on days where you fly the birds yourself and experience their raw power up close. Read what Wayne had to say.
"It was incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!" - Wayne
Had a fantastic afternoon in the company of the beautiful owls Juliet, Bingo, Alex and Priscilla and not forgetting the bonus appearance of Midnight the Harris Hawk.
Huge thanks to Charlotte and Andrew for making this such a memorable experience! It was incredible to handle and fly these magnificent birds and see them up close.
We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!
Could I have written anything better? This is one of 800 great reviews we have on Tripadvisor, Google and direct.
The Premier Falconry & Bird of Prey Experience for the Home Counties
Conveniently located for Bedfordshire in the open countryside near Milton Keynes.
Not displays, but hands-on days where you fly the birds yourself and experience their raw power up close. Read what Wayne had to say.
"It was incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!" - Wayne
Had a fantastic afternoon in the company of the beautiful owls Juliet, Bingo, Alex and Priscilla and not forgetting the bonus appearance of Midnight the Harris Hawk.
Huge thanks to Charlotte and Andrew for making this such a memorable experience! It was incredible to handle and fly these magnificent birds and see them up close.
We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!
Could I have written anything better? This is one of 800 great reviews we have on Tripadvisor, Google and direct.
The Premier Falconry & Bird of Prey Experience for the Home Counties
Conveniently located for Hertfordshire in the open countryside near Milton Keynes.
Not displays, but hands-on days where you fly the birds yourself and experience their raw power up close. Read what Wayne had to say.
"It was incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!" - Wayne
Had a fantastic afternoon in the company of the beautiful owls Juliet, Bingo, Alex and Priscilla and not forgetting the bonus appearance of Midnight the Harris Hawk.
Huge thanks to Charlotte and Andrew for making this such a memorable experience! It was incredible to handle and fly these magnificent birds and see them up close.
We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!
Could I have written anything better? This is one of 800 great reviews we have on Tripadvisor, Google and direct.
Built on 20 Years of Experience
For over two decades, we’ve been helping visitors enjoy these incredible birds in a relaxed, personal setting. Small groups, expert guidance, and plenty of hands-on flying throughout, with time to properly enjoy each part of the experience.
Book with Total Confidence
Every experience is backed by our Full Money Back Guarantee
Full refund if they don’t enjoy it
It doesn’t suit everyone, but we’re still waiting for number three
30-day no-quibble voucher returns
Just in case, plans change, or it turns out feathers aren’t their thing
Flexible rebooking with no hidden fees
Because that’s exactly how it should be
Our Two Locations
Milton Keynes (Alders Farm) – Popular mixed-species and owl sessions in a lakeside setting, from £99
Market Harborough (Flagship Base) – Ten experiences - something to suit everyone from a £39 owl intro, mixed bird of prey sessions and right up to full day private experiences for families or just that very special person.
Scroll down to explore the Milton Keynes based experiences and find the perfect one for them.
Book with total confidence: Every experience is protected by our unique 'Fair & Sensible' Money Back Value Guarantee." [Learn More]
Meet The Birds
Half Day Experience.
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Super informative and relaxed" - Lucinda
- Fly a range of incredible birds: Experience owls, hawks and falcons flying straight to your glove.
- Genuinely hands-on: You are flying the birds yourself, not watching a display.
- Small groups: We limit groups to 6 participants so you are fully involved throughout.
- Half-Day Session: Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to handle, learn about and fly multiple species.
- Expert Guidance: Led by falconers with decades of experience guiding you every step of the way.
- Great Family Value: Junior vouchers (£99) include a free adult supervisor to watch and take photos.
Meet The Owls
Half Day Experience
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"One of the best things I have ever done!" - Daisy
- Dedicated Owl Session: Spend your time exclusively with our incredible range of owls, from the delicate to the majestic.
- Fly to your glove: Experience the silent flight of these birds as they launch and land right on your hand.
- Intimate and Personal: Learn the unique personalities and stories of our different owl species in a calm, lakeside setting.
- Genuinely hands-on: This is a participatory experience where you are the one handling and flying the birds.
- Expert Insights: Our falconers provide a deep dive into the lives and silent hunting skills of these remarkable creatures.
- Half-Day Session: Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for this specialized encounter.
Private Meet The Birds
Half Day Experience.
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"More handling time than any other centre!" - Josie
- Total Exclusivity: Just you and your guests. No other participants will be present, giving you the entire focus of our team.
- Tailored to Your Group: We move entirely at your pace, allowing your group more time with the birds that interest you most.
- The Full Collection: Experience our premier owls, hawks and falcons in the quiet, private lakeside setting of Alders Farm.
- Complete Flexibility: You decide who flies and who watches; there are no restrictions on how your group interacts.
- Bespoke Attention: Your dedicated falconer will focus entirely on your group’s interests and questions.
- Half-Day Private Session: Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for this premium, dedicated group encounter.
- Group Size: Price includes up to 10 guests (any mix of participants and spectators).
See more: Children’s & Market Harborough options
Meet The Birds Child
Half Day Falconry Experience
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Surprised by the incredible variety of birds" - Clare
- A brilliant introduction for younger falconers: An exciting, hands-on experience designed to build confidence from the start
- Fly a range of incredible birds of prey: Owls, hawks and falcons flying straight to your glove
- A genuinely hands-on experience: They are flying the birds themselves, not watching a display
- Our most popular family session: A full, varied experience that feels like a proper day out
- Small groups: Usually max 6, so everyone is fully involved throughout
- 2.5–3 hours with the birds: Handle, learn about and fly multiple species
- Includes a free adult supervisor: One adult can attend at no extra cost
- Led by expert falconers: Over 80 years of combined experience, guiding every step of the way
Raptor Rapture
One Hour Falconry Experience
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves" - Lucinda
- This session takes place at our Market Harborough site, set in quiet Leicestershire countryside.
- Perfect introduction to falconry: A hands-on taster session, ideal for first-time visitors.
- Fly 3+ species: Hawks, falcons and owls, all flown to the glove.
- Ages 6+: great for families and younger enthusiasts
- Small groups: for plenty of 1:1 flying time
Falconry Adventure
Full Day Falconry Experience
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Truly special experience, emotive and exciting" - Andrew
- This session takes place at our Market Harborough site, set in quiet Leicestershire countryside.
- 7 full hours: The ultimate deep dive into the art of falconry.
- Fly our full collection: Hawks, owls, falcons and buzzards.
- Woodland hawk walk: Experience a hawk following you through the trees.
- Lunch included: A generous lunch at our private venue.
- Ages 11+: Suited to adults and mature young enthusiasts
Why Book with Bird on the Hand?
Experience you can trust
Our team brings together over 80 years of combined falconry experience, with a strong reputation built over two decades of welcoming guests and caring for these birds properly. Sessions are carefully paced, clearly guided and adapted to the group, so the experience feels relaxed, safe and enjoyable throughout.
A genuinely hands-on experience
This is not a display and not a walk-round of a falconry centre. You will be actively involved, learning how to handle and fly the birds yourself under expert guidance, with time to enjoy each flight rather than simply watching from the sidelines.
Small groups, personal guidance
With groups usually limited to around 6 participants, there is time for proper one-to-one support, plenty of flying and a more personal feel. Whether you are booking for a couple, a family or giving a gift, the emphasis is on making sure guests feel welcome, looked after and confident from the start.
Beautiful countryside setting
Our Milton Keynes sessions take place in a peaceful countryside setting, offering a calm alternative to busy attractions. Open space, natural surroundings and a relaxed pace help make the experience feel special from the moment you arrive.
Not found your perfect experience?
Explore our other experiences or specialised sessions. We will have something to suit. Get in touch if you want to talk.
🦉 The Owl Lover:
If you want to focus purely on the magic of owls, we have dedicated handling and flying sessions just for you.
🧒 The Young Falconer:
Safe, fun, and highly educational sessions designed specifically for children and families (Ages 6+).
🏢 Private & Group Events:
From bespoke family days to corporate team building and weddings, we can tailor a day to your needs.
Need a hand? 📞 Give us a call on 07868 243490 — we’re always happy to help.
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Super informative and relaxed - Nora Janossy
We had an amazing day with Duncan and his team.
The whole event was well organised, super informative, relaxed and given everyone plenty of opportunities to handle and get to know these beautiful birds. We have learned a lot in a casual way, and have left with huge smiles, amazing photos and some nice pub recommendations.
*****
Nora Janossy
Heartfelt thanks to Charlotte and Terri - Liz Dodds
My wife Liz had a wonderful day on Sunday. She really enjoyed her experience and it was made even more special because not only did she get to handle owls but she also got to handle a couple of raptors.
Please give my wifes and my own heartfelt thanks to Charlotte and Terri for making it such a special day for her and also the other participants.
She's already had good comments about the photos/videos that she posted on Facebook and a couple of people have already asked where she had been. She was only too happy to let them know.
Hopefully you will have a few extra people booking experiences with you.
Absolutely Amazing! - Maribel
Charlotte was just brilliant so knowledgeable and engaging can’t believe how much I learnt. The birds were fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute even though it was freezing!
When I retire I would love to volunteer 😀
Thank you so much!
Maribel
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves - Lucky Lucinda
Thank you for a fabulous afternoon. We were very lucky to have the session to ourselves. My children throroughly enjoyed themselves, the session was perfectly pitched to keep them engaged and to learn about the beautiful birds they got to fly. Many thanks, we’ll definitely be back! Lucinda
Fabulous day out - Caroline and Lee
Full of hands-on bird demonstrations, lots of information and it was very obvious that the birds are well cared for and loved with staff and owners passionate about giving us the best experience, whilst keeping the birds welfare their priority.
Also small group which made it feel personal.
Thank you for an amazing day, loved every minute.
100% recommend.
Caroline and Lee
Worth every penny - Graham Fuller
Seeing the lovely birds and getting really close to them was great. the team were really knowledgeable.
To actually have a raptor sitting on your hand was truly amazing
Thank you for a lovely day and it was worth every penny.
GRAHAM FULLER
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A truly special experience - both emotive and exciting!" - Andrew
My family and I attended a private session with the birds 🦅 of prey. This was to celebrate my birthday.
Charlotte and Teri looked after us throughout the whole day. They imparted with their knowledge of the birds - where they came from, how they’re looked after etc.
The fun came when we were supported in flying these wonderful species - ranging from owls, falcons, buzzard to name just a few.
The experience of seeing the birds in flight, as well as handling them, was truly special - both emotive and exciting. We fed the birds, and experienced how strong the birds are whilst feeding, cracking through their rewards. Charlotte and Teri were fantastic hosts, and laid on a wonderful lunch - hearty food locally sourced. Our day ended with a perfect sunset and a final feast for the birds.
It was a wonderful experience which I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone wishing to experience and see these wonderful creatures. They are well looked after, and we all had a wonderful day. We will definitely be doing this again, and will be recommending it to friends and family.
Thank you for making my birthday so special.
Andrew.
"A very moving experience" - Angela and Dave
Hi there we had a great visit today. Your birds and Charlotte were amazing. A very moving experience being up close to all the birds. We will be back next year for a full day visit we can’t wait
kind regards
Angela and Dave
"Our second time there and it is unlikely to be our last!" - Oliver
A wonderful day out for our son and 2 spectators . Our second time there and it is unlikely to be our last. This was a gift for our adult son. He enjoyed a half day experience in May so we bought him a full day experience for his birthday. Both Charlotte in May and Duncan on this occasion, were fantastic. They are so willing to share their knowledge and expertise. The birds all have their own characters and are well cared for. Groups are small. On this occasion six people taking part with five spectators. Spectators are included in everything except flying the birds. Lunch was excellent and I'm sure we will be returning again! Thank you for a super day. Oliver
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone - Andrew
My family and I attended a private session with the birds 🦅 of prey. This was to celebrate my birthday.
Charlotte and Teri looked after us throughout the whole day. They imparted with their knowledge of the birds - where they came from, how they’re looked after etc.
The fun came when we were supported in flying these wonderful species - ranging from owls, falcons, buzzard to name just a few.
The experience of seeing the birds in flight, as well as handling them, was truly special - both emotive and exciting. We fed the birds, and experienced how strong the birds are whilst feeding, cracking through their rewards. Charlotte and Teri were fantastic hosts, and laid on a wonderful lunch - hearty food locally sourced. Our day ended with a perfect sunset and a final feast for the birds.
It was a wonderful experience which I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone wishing to experience and see these wonderful creatures. They are well looked after, and we all had a wonderful day. We will definitely be doing this again, and will be recommending it to friends and family.
Thank you for making my birthday so special.
Andrew.
"More handling time than any other falconry centre!" - Josie
What a fantastic day!! My partner and I visited and had a session with the birds.
We had a lot of handling time with each of the birds, which I know from reading other falconry businesses feedback isn’t always the case, so we were thrilled.
Charlotte took care of us throughout, with the lovely owner, Andrew, as well. They both were so knowledgeable about the birds and were happy to answer any questions we had.
I would definitely recommend a visit. The day was just incredible!
"A spectacular day out - even for our teens" - Jen
We had a super spectacular day with Andrew at Bird on the Hand with friends and our 2 teens.
It was a grand as well as fun experience and we felt super taken care of and at all times completely safe.
We got to be up close and personal with some glorious birds and developed such a huge respect and awe for them. Andrew is a master with the birds and full of interesting insights.
Thank you Andrew and team. Highly recommend.
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"One of the best things I have ever done!" - Daisy
Lots of time with birds, variety of owls. Amazing commentary from the guide. 3 hours flew by. I loved every second of it.
One of the best things I have ever done.
Also - beautiful location.
"Incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!" - Wayne
Had a fantastic afternoon in the company of the beautiful owls Juliet, Bingo, Alex and Priscilla and not forgetting the bonus appearance of Midnight the Harris Hawk.
Huge thanks to Charlotte and Andrew for making this such a memorable experience! It was incredible to handle these magnificent birds and see them up close.
We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!
"Supported my 7-year-old perfectly - informative and fun!" - Nicola
Lovely session with Duncan for my 7 year old son. Informative, interesting and fun!
He loved handling the birds and learning more about them. Duncan was very warm and welcoming and supported my son perfectly. Thank you!
Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surprised by the number of birds - Lucinda
Thank you for such a brilliant and very informative experience.
We absolutely loved getting so close to the birds and were surprised by the number and variety of birds that you were able to show us.
We have already recommended it to anyone we have had contact with, and will continue to do so.
Lucinda
"The perfect session for my 7-year old son" - Nicola
Lovely session with Duncan for my 7 year old son. Informative, interesting and fun!
He loved handling the birds and learning more about them. Duncan was very warm and welcoming and supported my son perfectly. Thank you!
"Lovely people who clearly love and know their birds" - Denise
What a FABULOUS day!!!
Would thoroughly recommend it to any bird lover!! Such lovely friendly people who obviously loved and knew so much about the birds!!!
Would definitely recommend!! And May well be returning!!!
Money Back Guarantee
I want you to book with absolute confidence. Our business is built on 20 years of reputation and a genuine passion for these birds. We stand by every session we lead, which is why we offer a straightforward, no-nonsense guarantee:
- 30-Day 'Change of Mind' Return: if a gift isn't quite right for the recipient, return the voucher within 30 days for a full refund.
- The Enjoyment Promise: We personally guarantee that every participant will have a fantastic time on the day or you can have a full refund.
- The Value Promise: If, after your experience, you honestly feel it wasn't worth the price, tell us why and what you feel it was worth. We will refund the difference.
- Flexible Rebooking: Life happens. If you need to move your date, just talk to us. We don’t believe in re-booking fees; we’ll simply find a new slot that works for you. All we ask is as much notice as possible.
'We've found that the people we deal with are generally fair and sensible, so we keep our terms exactly the same. If there’s a problem, talk to us and we’ll sort it.' Andrew, Duncan and the Team"