Bird on the Hand – Falconry & Owl Experiences
Give Someone Special an Experience They’ll Never Forget
“The best day out EVER!”
That’s something we love hearing, and it’s exactly what we aim for.
Imagine your partner’s excitement as a magnificent hawk or owl flies straight towards them and lands on their gloved hand. They’re the one flying the bird! It’s a wonderful moment, and one they’ll be talking about long afterwards.
We’ve been making people happy since 2006, at our countryside venues near Market Harborough and Milton Keynes.
Whether you’re choosing a wonderful gift for someone special or planning a treat for yourself, we’d love to show you what makes a Bird on the Hand experience so memorable.
Bird on the Hand – Falconry & Owl Experiences
Give Someone Special an Experience They’ll Never Forget
“The best day out EVER!”
That’s something we love hearing, and it’s exactly what we aim for.
Imagine your partner’s excitement as a magnificent hawk or owl flies straight towards them and lands on their gloved hand. They’re the one flying the bird! It’s a wonderful moment, and one they’ll be talking about long afterwards.
We’ve been making people happy since 2006, at our countryside venues near Market Harborough and Milton Keynes.
Whether you’re choosing a wonderful gift for someone special or planning a treat for yourself, we’d love to show you what makes a Bird on the Hand experience so memorable.
Beware, We Can Make Them Cry!
Don’t worry, they’re happy tears!
There’s something surprisingly emotional about watching a beautiful owl fly silently towards someone and settle on their glove. We’ve seen visitors moved to tears, others bursting into laughter, and plenty wearing a grin that seems to last all afternoon. Some must have aching jaws by the time they get home!
We never tire of those moments. After 20 years, making people happy is still the part of this business we enjoy most.
It’s Their Day, Not Just a Bird Display
When you give someone a falconry experience, you want them to have a wonderful time. You want them to feel the excitement of flying these magnificent birds and the extraordinary sensation of having one land on their glove.
And that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Our experiences are genuinely hands-on. Visitors meet, handle and fly the birds themselves, with friendly falconers helping them enjoy every encounter.
They’ll join a small group, usually no more than six participants, giving everyone plenty of time to fly the birds, discover their individual characters and ask questions.
Some people arrive bursting with confidence, others are a little nervous. Our falconers are wonderful at putting people at ease and helping them enjoy every moment.
“One of the best falconry experiences we’ve had.” Constance Towl, Google review
Read Constance’s full review
One of the best falconry experiences we’ve had. Michael and Charlotte were a great mix of fun, information and patience with all of the questions we asked. We got to meet a number of different birds and it was clear how loved they were and how they put the bird’s welfare first.
We learnt so much today and the whole time was so interactive. It was great to have a suitable seating area and a place to make drinks. The small group size worked perfectly as it meant more time interacting with the birds.
Thanks for a lovely afternoon.
Thanks, Constance! We know how much our visitors appreciate small groups. It would be easy to squeeze a few more people into each session, but we’d rather everyone had plenty of time with the birds. We’ll stick with what makes our visitors happy.
And Wayne summed up his afternoon beautifully:
“It was incredible to handle these beautiful birds up close!”
He finished by saying, “We had an absolute hoot (pun intended)!”
We couldn’t have put it much better ourselves!
Book with total confidence: Every experience is protected by our unique Full Money Back Guarantee.” [Learn More]
We Go the Extra Mile
Everyone’s different, and we love finding ways to make each experience special.
Some visitors arrive full of confidence. Others discover a passion they never knew they had. And sometimes a little extra thought and planning can turn a long-held dream into a wonderful reality.
We listen, adapt wherever we can, and do our best to make every visit personal.
“I’m so very grateful to them for making what seemed impossible, possible.” Shona Connell, Google review
Read how we helped make a special day possible
My dad has a love for Eagles but has limitations that meant that other experiences I looked at weren’t suitable for him.
I reached out to Bird on the Hand via one of the volunteers and asked if they were able to make it work some way. Duncan went above and beyond to accommodate my request and meticulously plan an experience that suited my dad’s limitations. That was kind enough of them without considering the experience itself which was more than I could have hoped for.
We had Duncan and Michael doing the experience and they were very informative and taught us a lot of awesome facts about different types of birds. It was clear that they are passionate keepers who not only know their stuff but truly know each individual bird.
They were also very conscientious and attentive towards my dad, regularly checking in to ensure he was safe and comfortable. I could tell his welfare was a real focus. I believe they went above and beyond any expectations I had of the day and I’m so very grateful to them for making what seemed impossible, possible.
I’m sure we will be talking about the experience for years to come. Thank you for putting a smile on my dad’s face!
Thanks, Shona! We’re so pleased we could help make your dad’s dream of meeting eagles come true.
Duncan put a lot of thought into planning his visit, making sure he could enjoy the birds comfortably and at his own pace. Seeing how much the day meant to him made all that preparation worthwhile.
We’ve been doing this since 2006, and between us we’ve spent a fair few years getting to know birds of prey and the people who love them.
We always try to make each experience personal. But when someone has fewer opportunities to enjoy the things they’d love to do, we feel an extra determination to make it happen for them.
If a little more thought, time and effort can turn someone’s dream into a wonderful memory, that’s something we’re very happy to give.
A Gift You Can Give With Confidence
There’s something lovely about giving a present that creates a wonderful memory.
Imagine their excitement when they open the voucher, the anticipation as the day approaches, and the stories and photographs they’ll bring home afterwards.
That’s the sort of present we love helping people give.
“Truly amazing and life-changing experience! I booked this as a gift for my wife and it surpassed both our expectations.” Darren Pattison, Google review
Read Darren’s full review
Truly amazing and life-changing experience! I booked this as a gift for my wife and it surpassed both our expectations.
The instructors/falconers (Charlotte and Michael) were very knowledgeable but delivered the info in a friendly, inclusive way. They were passionate about the birds and their love and affection for what they do was infectious.
My wife will be back for more of the same but a full day next time. A beautiful setting and some of the most stunning birds experienced up close.
I’d recommend the spectator option to accompany and capture the experience as the Falconers had some great tips on how to get the best out of filming and photographing the birds. We got some amazing footage. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Darren! It’s lovely to hear that your wife’s present turned out so well. And the fact that she’s already planning to come back for a full day? That’s about the best compliment we could ask for.
We want you to feel just as happy giving the experience as they will about enjoying it.
Our Full Money Back Guarantee means that if they don’t enjoy their experience, we’ll refund the money.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months, giving the recipient plenty of time to choose a date. And if plans change, bookings can be rearranged without rebooking fees.
We also offer a 30-day change-of-mind refund on vouchers. And for Christmas gifts, we extend the return deadline to 15 January 2027, giving you a little more time if the surprise isn’t quite what you expected.
It does happen! We once heard, “What! I didn’t know you were allergic to feathers!” Yes, really.
You can enjoy the pleasure of choosing a wonderful present, knowing we’ll do everything we can to make their day special.
Two Lovely Countryside Venues. One Wonderful Experience.
We have two beautiful countryside settings where your special person can enjoy meeting and flying the birds.
Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Our original home at Barn Owl Hollow offers our widest choice of experiences.
Perhaps they’d love a one-hour introduction to falconry. Or maybe a three-hour session, flying a variety of hawks, owls and falcons. And for someone who’s always dreamed of spending a whole day with birds of prey, there’s our full-day Falconry Adventure.
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
At Alders Farm, near Great Brickhill, our popular three-hour Meet The Birds and Meet The Owls experiences offer plenty of hands-on flying time in a lovely countryside setting.
It’s particularly convenient for visitors travelling from Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and North London.
Both venues offer the same friendly welcome, experienced falconers and wonderful birds.
Choose whichever offers the experience and location that suit your special person best.
And if you’d like a little guidance, just ask. We know the birds and experiences rather well!
Fancy Giving It a Go?
Perhaps you’ve been reading all this and thinking you’d rather come yourself!
You’re very welcome.
Bring your curiosity, a willingness to have fun, and perhaps a camera. We’ll provide the birds, the gloves, the expertise and, we hope, a day you’ll remember for years.
Now, Which Experience Would They Love?
Perhaps you already know exactly what would make their day. Or maybe you’re still deciding.
Here are a few ideas to help you find the perfect experience.
A Taste of Falconry
Our one-hour Raptor Rapture at Market Harborough is a lovely introduction. They’ll get the thrill of flying birds of prey in a relaxed, friendly session. Weekdays, from £59.
A Proper Afternoon With the Birds
Our three-hour experiences give visitors time to meet more birds, enjoy multiple flights and discover their individual characters.
Choose Bird on the Hand at Market Harborough or Meet The Birds at Milton Keynes, both from £99.
For the Owl Lover
Imagine their delight when an owl flies silently onto their glove!
Our dedicated owl experiences give them the opportunity to spend more time with these beautiful, sometimes delightfully quirky characters.
For a Truly Special Occasion
Perhaps a private experience would be just the thing, with the session shaped around them and their guests.
Or, for someone with a real passion for birds of prey, there’s the full-day Falconry Adventure at Market Harborough.
For Younger Bird Lovers
Our Have a Hoot and other suitable experiences offer younger visitors the excitement of meeting and flying birds of prey, with friendly falconers who know how to make the occasion special.
And There’s More Besides
We also offer photography opportunities, educational visits, care-home visits and special events.
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
Tell us a little about the person you’re buying for, and we’ll help you find something they’ll love.
After all, making people happy is what we do!
Leicestershire Falconry Venue
Bird on the Hand
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton,
Market Harborough. LE16 7SZ
Phone 01858 540393
Buckinghamshire Falconry Venue
Bird on the Hand
Alders farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill,
Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH
Phone 01858 540393
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.