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.
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.
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 - 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
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.
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 £59 pp - Spectator £20
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 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.
£219 (Mon-Fri) £299 (7 days)
Book with total confidence: Every experience is protected by our unique 'Fair & Sensible' Money Back Value Guarantee." [Learn More]
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
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.