Falconry Experiences
Discover the Ancient Art of Falconry - Up Close
Step into the world of falconry with Bird on the Hand, and experience the thrill of flying magnificent birds of prey in beautiful countryside surroundings.
Our falconry experiences give you a genuine, hands-on encounter with hawks, owls, falcons and eagles — guided by professional falconers with over 20 years of experience.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, each session offers a rare chance to connect with nature, learn from expert handlers, and feel the rush of a bird landing lightly on your glove.
Select from our list of experiences as gift vouchers. All valid for 12 months or read on for Milton Keynes events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the birds well cared for?
All our birds are trained and flown daily using modern, welfare-focused techniques. We prioritise their health, enrichment, and natural behaviour in every session.
What happens during a falconry experience?
Each falconry experience includes hands-on time with a range of birds of prey — typically owls, hawks, falcons, and buzzards. You’ll get the chance to handle and fly several birds while learning about their behaviour, training, and care.
How long does a falconry experience last?
Most sessions last around three hours. We also offer shorter taster sessions and longer private or full-day experiences — details are on each experience page.
Is a falconry experience suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 7 and over are welcome to take part (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). We adapt each session to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident handling the birds.
Can I buy a falconry experience as a gift?
Absolutely. Our digital gift vouchers are available instantly and valid for 12 months. They can be used at either our Leicestershire or Buckinghamshire venues.
Where do the experiences take place?
We run falconry experiences at two beautiful countryside locations:
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Barn Owl Hollow near Market Harborough, Leicestershire
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Alders Farm near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Each site offers open countryside, peace, and plenty of space for the birds to fly.
What should I wear for a falconry experience?
Dress comfortably and for the weather. Outdoor footwear and waterproof layers are recommended — most sessions take place outside on grass or field areas.
Can I take photos or bring guests?
Yes, photography is encouraged! You’re welcome to bring one or two guests to watch and take pictures, though only booked participants can handle the birds.
A True Bird of Prey Experience
Our experiences are designed for everyone — from lifelong bird lovers to those simply curious to try something new.
You’ll learn about the birds’ personalities, behaviour, and incredible adaptations while flying them in open countryside or wooded parkland.
Participants often describe the experience as calming, exhilarating and unforgettable — a blend of mindfulness and adventure you simply can’t get from a screen.
Our Most Popular Experiences
Each of our sessions is relaxed, personal, and always hands-on.
Here’s an overview of what we offer — you can explore each experience in more detail below.
Falconry Experience - Meet The Birds
Our signature session. Spend a half day with a variety of birds of prey — hawks, owls and falcons — while learning how to handle and fly them safely.
Ideal for adults and children aged seven plus wanting an authentic introduction to falconry.
Meet The Birds - 3 hours
Handle and fly owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards in woodland and meadow. Expert guidance and hands-on flying.
£99 per person
Handle and fly everything from smaller owls to impressive eagle owls.
Get expert guidance and plenty of time for questions as you learn what makes owls so unique.
Experience Details & Buy.
Meet The Owls - 3 hours
A hands-on owls-only experience at Milton Keynes, suitable for all ages.
£110 Participant
Fly a wide variety of owls from the smallest to the largest, with plenty of flying, feeding and close-up moments as you learn what makes these birds so fascinating.
Experience Details & Buy.
Meet The Birds (Child)
A child-friendly half-day birds of prey experience at Milton Keynes for ages 7+, with one free supervising adult included.
£99 per person
Young participants handle and fly a variety of birds including owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards, guided by our falconers throughout for a safe, hands-on and confidence-building session.
Experience Details & Buy.
Meet The Birds Private
A private half-day falconry experience for your group, up to 10 participants included.
£595 Up to 10 participants
Fly a varied selection of our birds in woodland and meadow at Alder’s Farm Fishery. Ideal for families, special occasions and teams, with an additional £20 per person above 10
Experience Details & Buy.
Owl Handling Experience
A gentle, heart warming session ideal for families, younger participants, and anyone captivated by owls.
Meet several species, learn about their behaviour and adaptations, and enjoy the unforgettable moment of an owl flying silently to your glove.
Private & Family Sessions
A completely private experience for couples, families or small groups who want to enjoy falconry at their own pace.
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or simply spending time outdoors together.
This is your session so we can do mixed birds of prey or just owls if they are your favourites.
Owl Handling Experience
A gentle, heart warming session ideal for families, younger participants, and anyone captivated by owls.
Meet several species, learn about their behaviour and adaptations, and enjoy the unforgettable moment of an owl flying silently to your glove.
Private & Family Sessions
A completely private experience for couples, families or small groups who want to enjoy falconry at their own pace.
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or simply spending time outdoors together.
This is your session so we can do mixed birds of prey or just owls if they are your favourites.
Falconry Events and Outreach
We also bring falconry to you.
Our Falconry Events include displays, school visits, care home sessions and corporate activities — always adapted for your audience and setting.
Where Our Experiences Take Place
You can enjoy our sessions at two stunning countryside venues:
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Leicestershire Falconry – at Barn Owl Hollow, Market Harborough.
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Buckinghamshire Falconry – at Alders Farm near Milton Keynes.
Each site offers open countryside, peace and privacy — the perfect setting for you and the birds.
Who Falconry Experiences Are For
Falconry appeals to a wide range of people — it’s not just for bird enthusiasts.
Our guests often include:
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Nature and countryside lovers
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Animal enthusiasts and photographers
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Families seeking memorable days together
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Gift recipients celebrating birthdays or milestones
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Anyone who enjoys trying something unique and immersive
- Young enquiring minds - seven upwards
Each session is designed to be accessible, engaging and memorable, with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
Falconry Experiences at Our Milton Keynes Venue
At our Buckinghamshire Falconry centre at Alders Farm, Great Brickhill, we offer three distinct falconry experiences — each giving you the chance to handle, fly, and learn about our magnificent birds of prey in a beautiful countryside setting.
All sessions are led by experienced falconers and designed to be immersive, relaxed, and suitable for all levels of experience.
Meet the Birds – Half Day Experience
Our most popular session and the perfect introduction to falconry.
You’ll spend around three hours with a variety of birds, including hawks, owls, and falcons. Learn how they hunt, train, and fly — and then take your turn handling and flying them yourself under the guidance of our falconers.
This experience combines education and exhilaration in equal measure, set against the peaceful backdrop of Alders Farm’s lakes and woodland.
Meet the Birds – Private Half Day Experience
For those who prefer a more personal session, our private experience offers exclusive access for individuals, couples, or small family groups.
You’ll enjoy the same depth of interaction as our group session, but with the pace, focus, and flexibility entirely tailored to you.
It’s an ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or anyone looking for an unforgettable, one-to-one experience with these incredible birds.
Meet the Owls – Half Day Experience
A gentler, more intimate experience dedicated entirely to owls.
You’ll meet several different species, each with its own personality — from the tiny barn owl to larger eagles and eagle owls. Learn about their adaptations, myths, and habits, and enjoy the quiet magic of flying these extraordinary birds yourself.
Perfect for families, photographers, or anyone with a soft spot for owls.
Contact: Leicestershire falconry
Bird on the Hand
Barn Owl Hollow,
Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough. LE16 7SZ
Phone: 07868 243490
Contact: Buckinghamshire falconry
Bird on the Hand
Alders Farm,
Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH
Phone: 07868 243490