Owl Handling Experiences
Discover the Magic of Owls Up Close
Our Owl Handling Experiences at Bird on the Hand offer a rare opportunity to meet, handle, and fly owls of all sizes in the peaceful Leicestershire countryside.
These sessions are designed to be calm, hands-on, and deeply engaging — perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone who has ever been fascinated by these remarkable birds.
You’ll work closely with our experienced falconers, who share stories, natural history, and insight into the care and training of these extraordinary creatures.
Book with total confidence: Every experience is protected by our unique 'Fair & Sensible' Money Back Value Guarantee." [Learn More]
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions.
Still looking for answers? Just call.
Can children handle the owls?
Yes — children aged 7 and over are welcome to take part, and our experienced falconers will always ensure that interactions are gentle, safe, and confidence-building. Younger (4 plus) children can join our Have a Hoot session, which is specially designed for younger children.
Are the sessions suitable for nervous participants?
Absolutely. Our team is used to welcoming guests who are new to handling birds of prey. We’ll introduce you gradually, beginning with smaller, calmer owls before moving on to larger species if you feel comfortable.
How long does the Owl on the Hand experience last?
The full Owl on the Hand session lasts around three hours and includes time to meet, handle, and fly several species of owl under supervision. This is a hands-on experience, but always delivered at a relaxed pace.
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 purchased for either our Leicestershire or Buckinghamshire venues.
Are the experiences run every day?
Yes — Owl on the Hand runs on all days subject to availability. Our shorter family sessions (Raptor Rapture and Have a Hoot) are available on weekdays only.
What should I wear?
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.
Owl on the Hand – Half-Day Experience
Our most popular owl experience, Owl on the Hand, runs every day and provides an unforgettable morning or afternoon in the company of our owls.
After an introduction and safety briefing, you’ll begin by meeting several of our smaller species, such as the lively Burrowing Owls who often steal the show. As your confidence grows, you’ll move on to larger owls, including the beautiful British Barn Owl and Tawny Owl, before experiencing the power and grace of our magnificent Eagle Owls.
Throughout the session, you’ll learn how owls see, hear, and hunt — and discover what makes each species unique. There are fantastic
opportunities for photography as the birds fly to your glove, giving you the chance to capture incredible close-up moments.
Every Owl on the Hand session is tailored to the group, ensuring the right pace for each participant — from the quietly curious to the true owl enthusiast.
Duration: Around 3 hours
Age: Suitable for participants aged 7 and above
Availability: Available daily
Location: Barn Owl Hollow, Market Harborough
Owl on the Hand - Voucher or Book Date
Discover the wonderfully weird and wacky world of owls with a Bird on the Hand half-day owl handling experience, where you will become a trusted perch for several species of owls (consecutively).
Our experienced falconers will teach you all about these fascinating birds and the art of falconry. With species ranging from small Burrowing Owls, to the huge Siberian Eagle Owl, with British favourites like Tawny and Barn Owls. We encourage lots of questions, and you will have lots of amazing photo opportunities.
Owls are probably the most popular bird of prey, they are mysterious, funny looking, and fluffy. However, like all predators, owls are cold blooded killers (cute though). We will show you how they expertly blend their daft personalities with the efficient killing skills of a silent assassin. Learn what makes owls so different to other birds of prey; pick up some moulted feathers and feel how soft they are, inspect the regurgitated remains of their prey (pellets), if you enjoy such things.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a thrill seeker, or simply curious about birds of prey; our Owl on the Hand half day will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Suitable for adults and children 7+
All gift vouchers are valid for 12 months
Price £110 - Spectator £35
Have a Hoot – Family Owl Handling
For families with younger children, our Have a Hoot experience offers a shorter, gentle introduction to owl handling and flying.
This 30-minute session allows children to meet a selection of owls in a calm, friendly environment that encourages confidence and curiosity.
The experience is available on weekdays and is a popular choice for school holidays or as a family gift.
Learn more about Have a Hoot on our
Have A Hoot - Voucher or Book Date
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 £39 pp - Spectator £10
A Thoughtful Gift for Owl Lovers
Our Owl Handling Experiences make the perfect gift for anyone who loves wildlife or enjoys exploring new experiences.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be purchased online or by phone.
Private Falconry Experiences
For those wanting personal time with the birds, we offer private sessions lasting from 90 minutes to a full day.
These one-to-one or couple experiences give you full attention from your falconer — perfect for special gifts, or anyone seeking an exclusive adventure.
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
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.