Family & Owl Handling Experiences
A Relaxed, Hands-On Falconry Experience for All Ages
Our Family & Owl Handling Experiences provide a calm and enjoyable introduction to falconry, designed for adults and children aged 7 and over.
These sessions are weekday only and available exclusively at our Market Harborough venue, making them ideal for families, couples, or visitors looking for a peaceful day in the countryside.
You’ll meet and handle a selection of our hawks and owls, guided by a professional falconer throughout. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time for everyone to take part, ask questions, and capture memorable photos.
Three Engaging Experiences to Choose From
Have a Hoot – 30 Minutes
A delightful, short encounter ideal for younger children or families new to falconry. Meet several friendly owls, learn about their unique behaviours, and enjoy the chance to hold them safely under expert supervision.
Available weekdays only at our Market Harborough location.
Perfect for birthdays, family visits, or as a gentle first experience with birds of prey.
Have A Hoot (30 Minutes)
Fly, feed, and handle our amazing owls. Everybody loves an owl, and we have owls from tiny to large, so come and enjoy a great experience up close to our great collection of owls.
This is a special 30-40min session geared for youngsters where they will get to meet and handle some of our smaller owls, like a Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, or Vermiculated Eagle Owl. If they are willing and able, they can also have a photo holding one of our larger eagle owls.
Gift this remarkable experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is a weekday only event.
For children aged 4-14
Vouchers are valid for 12 months
Price £35.00 pp – Spectator £8.00
Full Experience Details
Have a Hoot – Owl Encounter for Children
A Magical Owl Experience for Ages 4–14
A charming and gentle introduction to birds of prey, designed especially for children. This 30-minute hands-on owl experience gives youngsters the chance to fly and handle real owls, including the beautiful barn owl and, when possible, the mighty European eagle owl—one of the largest owl species in the world!
We’ve created this session just for kids, but if an adult would love to take part too—good news! Adults are welcome to join in by booking their own ticket.
What to Expect
Children will begin by flying one of our calmest owls to and from their gloved hand. It’s an incredible moment—seeing such a graceful bird soar toward them in open countryside. The experience continues with close encounters and photo opportunities with some of our larger owls, and often ends with a chance to meet and (when the bird is in the mood) hold one of our most impressive stars, like the majestic eagle owl.
Sessions are relaxed and usually shared with a small group. While the activity is set for 30 minutes, we’re often flexible with time to ensure each child gets plenty of flying action.
Location
This is a Market Harborough event.
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ
Companions & Spectators
- Each child ticket includes a free adult supervisor.
- Additional spectators are welcome and can be added at checkout.
- Non-participating children under 14 may spectate for free.
- Spectators do not handle birds but will have a great time and can take photos throughout.
Experience Details
- Duration: 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group Size: Up to 6 participants
- Age Range: 4–14 (but adults may participate by purchasing their own ticket)
- Voucher Validity: 12 months from date of purchase
Good To Know
- Weather: This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed in wet or extreme conditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to rebook if needed.
- Booking Calendar: Online bookings are available up to 4 months ahead. If you’re planning for a special occasion beyond that, please call us to discuss options.
- Tea and Coffee available here.
- Toilet Accesible for wheelchairs
What to Wear
- Dress appropriately for the weather. On colder days, you won’t be moving much—layers are important.
- The ground is rarely muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are usually sufficient.
- Avoid bright dayglo colours, as these can disturb some birds.
- In summer, sunscreen and a bottle of water are sensible.
- If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines—you’ll be outdoors in a grassy field
Gifting Options
- Upgrade to our Deluxe Presentation Pack to add:
- Your printed voucher
- A smart gift box with gold bow (Picture in the galley)
- A real leather mini falconer’s gauntlet and falconry bell keyfob (various colours)
Raptor Rapture – 60 Minutes
A one-hour experience combining the excitement of flying hawks with the charm of our owls. This balanced, guided session is ideal for families or anyone who wants to experience falconry at a relaxed pace.
Available weekdays only and exclusive to Bird on the Hand in Market Harborough.
Raptor Rapture (1 Hour)
This one hour experience is a fantastic introduction to owls, hawks and falcons. A rapturous hour spent getting up close and personal with supreme raptors. The word “raptor” refers to all birds of prey, in particular their poweful grabbing feet which they use to catch and kill prey. It stems from the Latin word “Rapere” which means to “to seize,” “to snatch,” “to take by force,” or “to carry off”.
A great experience where you get some real hands on with a variety of birds flying to you and feeding on the fist. This is a weekday only event.
Price £49.99 – Spectator £20.00
Full Experience Details
Falconry Taster Session – Market Harborough only
An Hour of Raptors – Weekdays Only
An exciting introduction to the incredible world of falconry. This weekday-only experience packs a lot into a single hour. Perfect for those short on time but big on curiosity. Get up close and personal with a selection of birds of prey including falcons, hawks and owls. You’ll handle, fly and feed the birds as they fly to your glove and display their natural grace and power in our beautiful countryside setting.
This hands-on session offers a unique insight into the ancient and noble art of falconry, making it ideal for first-timers or those looking for a gift that’s a little bit different.
Child Friendly
Suitable for children aged 6+
Location
This is a Market Harborough event.
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ
Companions & Spectators
You’re welcome to bring guests with you. They’ll be alongside you throughout the experience—watching, taking photos, asking questions and soaking up the atmosphere.
- Spectators don’t handle birds but are very much part of the day.
- Children require 1 adult specator per 3 children.
- Children under 16 may spectate for free when accompanied by a paying adult spectator.
- Select your number of spectators when booking to see prices.
Experience Details
- Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
- Group Size: Usually up to 6 participants
- Availability: Weekdays only
- Voucher Validity: 12 months from date of purchase
Good To Know
- Weather: This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed in wet or extreme conditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to rebook if needed.
- Booking Calendar: Online bookings are available up to 4 months ahead. If you’re planning for a special occasion beyond that, please call us to discuss options.
- Tea and Coffee available here.
- Toilet Accesible for wheelchairs
What to Wear
- Dress appropriately for the weather. On colder days, you won’t be moving much—layers are important.
- The ground is rarely muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are usually sufficient.
- Avoid bright dayglo colours, as these can disturb some birds.
- In summer, sunscreen and a bottle of water are sensible.
- If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines—you’ll be outdoors in a grassy field
Gifting Options
- Upgrade to our Deluxe Presentation Pack to add:
- Your printed voucher
- A smart gift box with gold bow (Picture in the galley)
- A real leather mini falconer’s gauntlet and falconry bell keyfob (various colours)
Private 90-Minute Falconry Experience
If you’re looking for a more personal encounter with our birds, our 90-minute private falconry experience is the perfect choice.
It’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups who want the full falconry experience on a slightly shorter timescale — with the attention of a dedicated falconer throughout.
You’ll handle and fly a range of birds, from elegant hawks and playful owls to our magnificent larger species, all in a relaxed, countryside setting.
Sessions can be tailored for adults, children, or mixed groups, making this an unforgettable shared adventure.
Held at our Market Harborough base, these private sessions are available most days.
If you can’t find a date that suits you on the booking calendar, simply contact us to arrange one.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.
Private Falconry Experience (90 Minutes)
Private 90-Minute Falconry Experience – Market Harborough
Our 90-minute private falconry experience is ideal for families, couples, children’s birthdays, or small groups looking for a truly personal encounter with our birds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a team activity, or just want to share something unique with loved ones, this session delivers an unforgettable, hands-on experience.
During your visit, you’ll meet and fly a selection of birds of prey — including owls, hawks, and falcons — under the guidance of our experienced falconers. Everyone who wishes to participate gets the chance to handle and fly the birds, making this a wonderfully interactive and memorable session. There’s plenty of time for questions, photos, and relaxed enjoyment of the countryside setting.
Private sessions are usually held at our Market Harborough base, where we also run our scheduled Bird on the Hand and Owl on the Hand experiences. If you don’t see dates that suit you online, please contact us — we’re often able to accommodate special requests with a little notice.
We can also arrange private off-site sessions, subject to additional costs for travel and setup time. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Price from £229 weekdays
Full Experience Details
Childrens Party / Private experience (Not just kids, you don’t have to be young to enjoy yourselves) A 90 minute (or more) session for the kids or adults to get to see and fly some fantastic raptors.
Reduced price for weekdays is listed. See options as you purchase for weekends.
A fantastic private session for the kids (up to the age of 99) family or friends to get to see and fly some fantastic raptors. Reduced price for weekdays is listed. See options for weekends.
Come down to Barn Owl Hollow for an excellent bit of entertainment and education. I can come to your premises but it obviously costs more as on top of the actual travel costs there is a lot of time involved in packing and setting up which explains the first extra charge being higher. After that it is to cover the travelling.
Suitable for six year old upwards. They will get to fly and handle some of our owls and hawks and be entertained by all the fascinating facts surrounding them.
As this is a private session numbers are up to you and up to 12 is good for older attendees, bearing in mind you are sharing the time. Keep in mind when young kids get together they start to get more distracted with each other when numbers increase.
Do call to discuss your requirements as this is always an individual event that will need tailored to your Party V.I.P.
How many can attend?
This is a private falconry experience for your group—whether a couple, a family, or a corporate team. The half-day session is flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Your ticket covers the entire group, and numbers are up to you. We recommend up to six for the best experience, though six to ten still works well. With larger groups (such as a local Women’s Institute of 20+), everyone can still enjoy the day if expectations for individual interaction are realistic. There is an additional charge of £25 per person for numbers above ten.
Location
This experience is at Market Harborough:
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ
Experience Details
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Duration: Approximately 90 Minutes
-
Typical Times: 10am or 2pm–5pm
-
Group Size: Flexible
-
Availability: Bookable year-round, 7 days a week
-
Vouchers: Valid for 12 months
As a private session, we can offer flexible dates that aren’t tied to public bookings. No dates are scheduled in advance—call to discuss your preferred date or purchase a gift voucher and choose later.
Good To Know
-
Weather: This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed in wet or extreme conditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to rebook if needed.
-
Booking Calendar: Online bookings are available up to 4 months ahead. If you’re planning for a special occasion beyond that, please call us to discuss options.
- Tea and Coffee available here.
- Toilet Accessible for wheelchairs
What to Wear
-
Dress appropriately for the weather. On colder days, you won’t be moving much—layers are important.
-
The ground is rarely muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are usually sufficient.
-
Avoid bright dayglo colours, as these can disturb some birds.
-
In summer, sunscreen and a bottle of water are sensible.
-
If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines—you’ll be outdoors in a grassy field
Gifting Options
-
Upgrade to our Deluxe Presentation Pack to add:
- Your printed voucher
-
A smart gift box with gold bow (Picture in the galley)
-
A real leather mini falconer’s gauntlet and falconry bell keyfob (various colours)
A Wonderful Gift for Families and Nature Lovers
These experiences make thoughtful gifts for parents, children, and anyone who loves wildlife.
Our gift vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be used at either of our venues — but please note that Family & Owl Handling Experiences take place only at Market Harborough.
An Authentic Falconry Encounter
Every Bird on the Hand session — whether thirty minutes or a full day — is led by an experienced falconer and features our own trained birds.
We tailor each visit to the group’s confidence, age, and interests, ensuring a safe and rewarding encounter for everyone.
Visit Us in Market Harborough
Bird on the Hand Falconry Centre
Barn Owl Hollow, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Convenient for Leicester, Northampton, Rutland, and the wider Midlands.
Guests in the South East can enjoy our Meet The Owls half day session at our Buckinghamshire venue.
Ready to Fly?
Join us for a gentle, inspiring falconry and owl handling experience — perfect for families, friends, and anyone who’s always admired birds of prey from afar.
Contact: Leicestershire falconry
Bird on the Hand
Barn Owl Hollow,
Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough. LE16 7SZ
Phone: 07868 243490
Frequently Asked Questions.
Still looking for answers? Just call.
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 session includes meeting, handling, and flying several birds of prey — usually hawks, owls, and falcons. You’ll learn how they’re trained, their behaviour in the wild, and what makes each species unique, all under the guidance of experienced falconers.
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.