Birds of Prey at Kielder Waterside

Birds of Prey Experience Northumberland

Discover a memorable falconry and bird of prey experience in Northumberland at Kielder Waterside, home to more than 60 of Great Britain’s birds of prey. Set against Kielder’s forest landscape, the centre brings you close to owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures while experts introduce the birds and explain what makes each one distinctive. It is an easy way for families, couples and groups to add something wild during their stay at Kielder.

Activity Type: Outdoor fun

Age: All ages

Paid activity

Cost: Adults £8.50, Children £6, Family £25, Concessions £6

Open: 10.30 – 4.30

We recommend you wear comfortable, suitable outdoor clothing including trainers. Please make sure you dress for the weather.

Birds of Prey at Kielder Waterside. Eagle flying in to land

What to Expect from Your Bird of Prey Experience

Your experience begins with an introduction from one of Kielder’s bird experts before you get closer to the centre’s collection. You’ll have the chance to hold and fly a range of owls, falcons, vultures and eagles. You can also head out on a hawk walk, flying a hawk over the Northumberland scenery and watching it return to the glove. Your ticket is valid all day and can be used more than once, so you can meet the birds in the morning, head off to explore and come back for the afternoon flying demonstrations

Meet Owls, Eagles, Falcons and More

The Kielder bird of prey centre is home to owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures, giving visitors the chance to see a wide variety of British birds of prey and impressive species from further afield. Expert-led introductions help you learn how the birds move, hunt and respond to their handlers without turning the experience into a classroom lesson. Wallabies also live at the centre, adding another unexpected encounter to your visit.

Who Is the Birds of Prey Experience For?

Suitable for all ages, the birds of prey experience is a memorable choice for children, parents and grandparents enjoying a family-friendly stay at Kielder Waterside. It also works well for couples, wildlife lovers and groups looking for an outdoor experience with plenty of close-up moments and photo opportunities. During the flying demonstration, our team will fit a landing glove for any guests who’d like a bird to fly across to them, making it a highlight for anyone keen to get involved.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and trainers or other practical footwear. The experience takes place outdoors, so bring waterproofs or extra layers when the forecast calls for them. Cameras are encouraged, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the birds throughout your visit.

Make More of Your Day at Kielder

Because your ticket is valid all day, you can explore more of the forest on one of Kielder’s walking routes or add a family nature crafts session. Guests staying for longer can also make the centre part of a relaxed wildlife-focused break at Kielder Waterside.

The main factor for our birds of prey sessions is wind. In strong winds, flying demonstrations can’t go ahead, as the birds could be blown off course and may not be able to return safely. The welfare of our birds always comes first, so the team will decide on the day whether flying can take place, and we’ll let you know as soon as possible if your session is affected.

Yes, the Bird of Prey Centre is wheelchair friendly, although some sections of the paths are steep, so you may want to allow a little extra time or bring someone along to help. There are no toilets at the centre itself, but you’ll find plenty of facilities at our main reception, so it’s worth stopping there before your session. If you have any specific access requirements, let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to help. For more on accessibility around the park during your break, visit our accessible stays page.

Yes. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera, and there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the birds throughout the day.

Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, practical footwear such as trainers and layers suited to the Northumberland weather.

The activity is suitable for all ages, making it a popular choice for families.

A hawk walk takes you into the Northumberland scenery with a handler, where you can watch a hawk fly freely, swoop through the landscape and return to the glove.

Yes. The experience includes opportunities to hold and fly a range of owls, falcons, vultures and eagles under expert guidance.

The centre’s collection includes owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures, with more than 60 birds of prey to discover. Visitors can also see the centre’s wallabies.

Prices are £8.50 for adults, £6 for children, £25 for a family ticket and £6 for concessions. Your ticket is valid for the whole day, so you can come and go as you like, whether that’s meeting the birds in the morning, heading off to explore and returning for the afternoon flying demonstrations.