Falconry Experiences at Bird on the Hand – Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Experience Falconry in the Heart of the Midlands
Welcome to Bird on the Hand, Leicestershire’s original falconry experience centre.
Set in open countryside near Market Harborough, our hands-on sessions let you fly and handle magnificent birds of prey – hawks, owls, and falcons — under the guidance of expert falconers.
Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong wish, treating someone special, or simply curious about the art of falconry, every visit offers a calm, inspiring encounter with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for a falconry experience?
We recommend wearing comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. The sessions take place mainly outdoors, so bring layers and waterproofs if the weather looks uncertain. Avoid loose scarves or anything that could flap near the birds.
Are falconry experiences suitable for children?
Yes — most experiences are suitable for children aged 7 and over when accompanied by an adult.
For families with younger children, our Family Falconry Experiences are ideal, offering a gentle introduction to handling and flying birds of prey.
Can I bring someone to watch?
Spectators are welcome at most sessions, although space is limited. We simply ask that they are booked in advance so we can plan for group size and safety. Please check the details of your chosen experience before attending.
What happens if it rains?
Our birds are used to a range of weather conditions, and most experiences can continue unless the weather is extreme.
If conditions mean we need to postpone, we’ll contact you to rearrange at no extra charge — vouchers remain valid for 12 months.
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.
Do I need any prior experience?
Not at all. All our falconry and owl handling sessions are designed for beginners, and our experienced falconers will guide you throughout. You’ll learn everything you need to enjoy a safe, memorable encounter with the birds.
Our Falconry Experiences
We offer a variety of experiences for individuals, couples, families, and groups – from short introductory sessions to full-day adventures.
Bird on the Hand & Falconry Adventure
Our signature experiences and best-sellers.
Spend a half or full day learning about falconry, flying several birds, and discovering the partnership between falconer and raptor.
Ideal for first-time visitors, gifts, and anyone who loves wildlife.
Falconry Adventure – Details & Buy
Our full-day Falconry Adventure is the ultimate experience for anyone who wants to spend a day living the life of a falconer. During this immersive experience, you’ll meet and fly a wide variety of birds — from hawks and falcons to majestic eagles and charming owls.
The morning follows a similar pace to our half-day experience, building your skills and confidence as you fly and handle several species. After a hearty ploughman’s lunch, you’ll join us for a walk with a Harris Hawk before spending the afternoon flying more of our incredible birds in beautiful countryside surroundings.
The day offers wonderful opportunities for photography and plenty of time to ask questions and learn more about the art of falconry. It’s a truly hands-on, up-close-to-nature experience — an unforgettable day out or a remarkable gift.
Suitable for adults and children aged 11+.
All gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.
Price £165.00 pp – Spectator £65.00
Full Experience Details
Ultimate Full-Day Falconry Experience
Our Most Popular Experience – A True Outdoor Adventure!
This action-packed, hands-on day takes you deep into the countryside for the ultimate falconry immersion. Spend the morning getting to know our incredible birds—feeding, handling, and flying some of our favourite stars up close.
After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon unfolds out in the fields, where you’ll fly hawks and owls in a natural setting. Guests love how the two parts of the day complement each other—making this our most in-demand experience.
Children
Due to the lenghth of this experience we recomend a minimum age of eleven but you may have a dedicated younger child. Please call to discuss.
Companions & Spectators
Bring along friends or family to share the day with you! Spectators are fully involved, staying with you throughout the experience. They can ask questions, take photos, and enjoy the action—though they won’t handle the birds themselves. Lunch is included.
-
Select the number of spectators during booking to view prices.
-
Children under 16 may spectate for free if accompanied by a paying adult spectator.
Location
This event takes place near Market Harborough:
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ
Experience Details
-
Duration: Full day (two sessions with lunch break)
-
Morning Session: Handling, feeding, and flying a variety of birds
-
Afternoon Session: Flying owls and hawks in open countryside
-
Group Size: Typically up to six
-
Voucher Validity: 12 months from the 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)
Falconry Experience – Bird on the Hand
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.
Bird on the Hand – Details & Buy
Our most popular falconry experience is the half day “Bird on the Hand” experience. During this 3 hour adventure you’ll meet a selection of different species, including small owls, big owls, a falcon, a hawk, and a red kite. You will get to meet these birds up close; the first time they fly to your glove is a truly unforgettable experience. It is an unrivalled, up close to nature, adventure that is not to be missed.
Our experienced falconers will teach you all about these facinating birds and the art of falconry. We encourage lots of questions, and you will have lots of amazing photo opportunities.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a thrill seeker, or simply curious about birds of prey; our Bird on the Hand half day falconry experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Suitable for adults and children 7+
Price £89.99 – Spectator £35
Full Experience Details
Falconry Experience – Market Harborough
A fantastic and memorable opportunity to get up close to hawks, falcons, owls—and even eagles.
This experience is a brilliant introduction to birds of prey and makes a wonderful gift for both the young and the young at heart.
You’ll witness the grace and power of these magnificent birds as they fly to your glove in beautiful countryside surroundings. This half-day session is packed with hands-on opportunities and fascinating insight into the ancient and noble art of falconry. You’ll handle and fly a variety of birds, including several species of falcons, hawks, and owls.
This remains our most popular experience for all ages.
Child Friendly
Youngsters from age seven can participate in this event and they can bring along their chauffeurre and supervisor free of charge. They get to watch and take photos of their star of the day. Any additional spectators are welcome but need to pay the spectator charge.
Location
This event takes place near Market Harborough:
Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ
Companions / Spectators
You’re welcome to bring family and friends to share the day with you. Spectators are fully involved—they stay by your side, can ask questions, take photos, and soak up the experience. While they won’t handle the birds, they’ll still enjoy learning about them up close.
-
Select the number of spectators during booking to see pricing.
-
Children under 16 may spectate for free when accompanied by a paying adult spectator.
Experience Details
-
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
-
Group Size: Usually up to 6 participants
-
Times: Morning (10am–1pm) or afternoon (2pm–5pm)
-
Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase date
Important Information
-
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)
Owl Handling Experiences
Step into the quiet charm of the owl world.
Our half-day Owl on the Hand sessions let you meet and fly several species – from barn owls to majestic eagle owls.
Gentle, educational, and unforgettable for all ages.
(Looking for owl experiences closer to the South East? Visit our Buckinghamshire venue
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, photographers, or anyone seeking an exclusive adventure.
Family Owl and Falconry Sessions
Or just short on time but eager to try falconry?
We offer two shorter sessions:
A Relaxed, Hands-On Falconry Experience for All Ages
Our Family & Owl Handling Experiences offer a welcoming way to discover falconry together. Designed for adults and children aged 7 and over, these sessions bring families, couples, and first-time visitors closer to the grace and power of birds of prey – in a calm and personal setting at our Market Harborough venue.
You’ll meet and handle a selection of our hawks and owls, guided throughout by an experienced falconer. There’s no rush – just time to enjoy being near these remarkable birds, ask questions, and take unforgettable photos.
-
Have a Hoot – 30-minute, child-friendly encounter with owls and small raptors.
-
Raptor Rapture – A 60-minute introduction flying hawks and owls.
Fun, affordable, and ideal for families or last-minute bookings.
The Perfect Gift Experience
Every session at Bird on the Hand can be purchased as a gift voucher – a memorable present for birthdays, Christmas, or simply to surprise someone who loves wildlife or the countryside.
Vouchers are available for both our Market Harborough and Buckinghamshire venues.
About Bird on the Hand
With over 20 years’ experience in falconry, Bird on the Hand has built a reputation for creating meaningful, educational and uplifting encounters.
We’re passionate about sharing the ancient skill of falconry while promoting respect for wildlife and conservation.
Our guests consistently describe their time with us as “peaceful,” “breathtaking,” and “something I’ll never forget.”
Visit Us in Leicestershire
Bird on the Hand Falconry Experiences
Barn Owl Hollow, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7SZ
Southern visitors can also enjoy our sister site at Falconry Experience London (Buckinghamshire).
Visitors from Across the Midlands
While our falconry centre is based in Market Harborough, we regularly welcome guests from across the East Midlands and beyond, including Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, and even Birmingham.
Our location offers easy access from major routes, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic countryside falconry experience without travelling far. Whether you’re nearby or making a special trip, you’ll find a warm welcome and an unforgettable day with our birds.
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.
Ready to Book or Gift an Experience?
Find your perfect falconry day and make memories that soar.
View All Gift Vouchers & Experiences ›
Book a Date Now >
Where Our Experiences Take Place
You can enjoy our sessions at two stunning countryside venues:
-
Leicestershire Falconry – at Barn Owl Hollow, Market Harborough.
-
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:
-
Nature and countryside lovers
-
Animal enthusiasts and photographers
-
Families seeking memorable days together
-
Gift recipients celebrating birthdays or milestones
-
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 – Milton Keynes
Join us on our unforgettable Meet The Birds Experience where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of falconry. Join us for an interactive journey, where you will not only observe these majestic creatures up close, but also have the opportunity to handle and fly them.
This is a packed half day falconry experience where you will get to feel the thrill and privilege of being trusted by our amazing birds as they swoop onto your glove. It is an unrivalled, up close to nature, adventure that is not to be missed.
It is ideal for individuals and groups of all ages, including children seven upwards. Enjoy this emotive back to nature, feel good, experience with our amazing birds of prey.
Our expert falconers will guide you through this hands-on adventure, teaching you about the natural behaviours, characteristics, and conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent birds. No previous experience is needed and we will provide all the necessary equipment.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a thrill seeker, or simply curious about birds of prey, our Bird on the Hand half day or Falconry Adventure full day will leave you with a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Discover the overwhelming emotion of interacting with falcons, hawks, and owls, and let Bird on the Hand introduce you to the wonders of falconry.
Gift this remarkable falconry experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Price £89.99pp – Spectators £35.00pp
Full Experience Details
Falconry Experience – Milton Keynes
A fantastic and memorable opportunity to get up close to hawks, falcons, owls—and even eagles.
This experience is a brilliant introduction to birds of prey and makes a wonderful gift for both the young and the young at heart.
You’ll witness the grace and power of these magnificent birds as they fly to your glove in beautiful countryside surroundings. This half-day session is packed with hands-on opportunities and fascinating insight into the ancient and noble art of falconry. You’ll handle and fly a variety of birds, including several species of falcons, hawks, and owls.
This remains our most popular experience for all ages.
Child Friendly
Youngsters from age seven can participate in this event and they can bring along their chauffeurre and supervisor free of charge. They get to watch and take photos of their star of the day. Any additional spectators are welcome but need to pay the spectator charge.
Location
This event takes place near Milton Keynes:
Alders farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH
Companions / Spectators
You’re welcome to bring family and friends to share the day with you. Spectators are fully involved—they stay by your side, can ask questions, take photos, and soak up the experience. While they won’t handle the birds, they’ll still enjoy learning about them up close.
-
Select the number of spectators during booking to see pricing.
-
Children under 16 may spectate for free when accompanied by a paying adult spectator.
Experience Details
-
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
-
Group Size: Usually up to 6 participants
-
Times: Morning (10am–1pm) or afternoon (2pm–5pm)
-
Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase date
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)
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.
Meet The Owls – Milton Keynes
Discover the awesome and inspiring world of owl handling with Bird on the Hand where you will immerse yourself in our half-day owl handling experiences.
You will be told the mysterious, magical secrets and facts of these magnificent birds and you will feel the exhilaration and honour as they gracefully land on your glove, entrusting you with their presence.
This unparalleled adventure is a must for anyone seeking an authentic and breathtaking connection with nature. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to meet our owls from the smallest to the largest.
Price £89.99pp – Spectators £35.00pp
Full Experience Details
Meet The Owls Experience
They’re cute, fascinating, and truly amazing. Enjoy a fantastic and memorable encounter with our incredible owls—up close and personal.
A superb and unique experience for owl lovers of all ages! Get a real “Owl on the Hand” as you fly a wide variety of owls, from the smallest to the largest. Owls are among the most mysterious birds of prey, and they inspire deep admiration and passion in their fans.
You’ll get hands-on time with several owl species—watch them fly, feed, and return to your glove. Learn captivating facts about these enigmatic raptors. This is a three-hour experience not to be missed by any owl enthusiast. Book today for a day you won’t forget.
Companions & Spectators
You’re welcome to bring friends or family to share the experience. Spectators stay by your side throughout the session—able to take photos, ask questions, and join in the excitement. While they won’t handle the birds, they’ll still have a fantastic time.
-
Select the number of spectators during booking to see pricing.
-
Children under 16 may spectate for free if accompanied by a paying adult spectator.
Location
This event takes place near Milton Keynes:
Alders farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH
Experience Details
-
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
-
Typical Times: 10am–1pm or 2pm–5pm
-
Group Size: Usually up to six participants
-
Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase date
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)
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 Birds – Private Milton Keynes
Meet the Birds – Private Falconry Experience (Buckinghamshire)
This private falconry experience is perfect for families, couples, small groups, and anyone who wants exclusive time with the birds — no spectators, just you and the falconer. Over three unforgettable hours, you’ll fly a wide variety of birds of prey, including owls large and small, hawks, buzzards, and falcons.
Held at our Alders Farm site near Milton Keynes, the session takes place in a peaceful private plot of conifer woodland and the open meadow beside it. The birds fly freely through the trees and return to your glove for rewards — a thrilling and intimate encounter that offers plenty of great photo opportunities.
You’ll also learn about the individual personalities of our birds and the ancient art of falconry from our experienced falconers.
Available to book throughout the year, seven days a week.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months. Please contact us to discuss available dates or to arrange your private booking.
Price £595.00 see full details
Full Experience Details
Private Half Day Falconry Experience
Our “Private Falconry Experience” is a fantastic half-day adventure for fun-loving families and groups with a thirst for knowledge and excitement.
This experience is ideal for private groups, those who want the birds all to themselves, special occasions, corporate events, or families where everyone wants to take part. You’ll spend three hours flying a variety of birds of prey, including large and small owls, hawks, buzzards, and falcons.
Held at our Milton Keynes site at Alder’s Farm Fishery, the experience takes place in a private conifer woodland and the open meadow behind. Birds fly to your glove and through the trees in return for rewards. You’ll enjoy plenty of great photo opportunities and learn all about these fascinating creatures. Contact us to book an unforgettable, up-close encounter with our birds.
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 addtional charge of £20 per person for numbers above ten. Maximum 16.
Location
This is a Milton Keynes-based experience:
Alder’s Farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH
Experience Details
-
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
-
Typical Times: 10am–1pm 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. dates are rarely 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 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)
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