Owl on the Hand – Owl Handling Experience
Step into the enchanting world of owls with an unforgettable three-hour experience. Our Owl on the Hand sessions invite both adults and children to meet, handle and fly these incredible birds in the peace and beauty of the countryside.
Whether at Barn Owl Hollow near Market Harborough or at Alders Farm near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, each experience offers the same opportunity: to spend quality time with owls, discover their secrets, and create lasting memories.
A Unique Owl Experience
Owls have fascinated people for centuries, and meeting them up close is magical. During your session, you’ll:
- Handle and fly a variety of owl species – from the graceful Barn Owl, with its ghostly silent flight, to the wise-looking Tawny Owl, the striking Great Horned Owl from the Americas, and even the impressive European Eagle Owl, one of the largest owls in the world
- Learn about their behaviour, adaptations and role in the wild – from their legendary eyesight to their incredible hunting skills
- Enjoy plenty of hands-on time with expert falconers guiding you every step
- Take photos with these remarkable birds on your glove to remember the day
The result is a relaxed, engaging experience that is both educational and full of fun.
For Adults and Children Alike
Our owl handling experiences are designed to suit both adults and younger visitors. Children love the thrill of flying a Barn Owl across the field and feeling its gentle weight as it lands, while adults often find themselves equally enchanted by the quiet power of the larger species.
Families frequently book together, but the sessions are just as enjoyable for individuals, couples, or small groups of friends.
Conservation in Action
At Bird on the Hand, we believe every encounter with owls should inspire a deeper respect for wildlife. That’s why we balance fun, education and conservation in all we do.
At our Market Harborough site, we actively manage areas of rough grass to support wild owls and the small mammals they hunt. This simple but effective conservation work creates vital habitat, helping local Barn Owls thrive while giving visitors the chance to understand the challenges these birds face in the modern countryside.
Your owl experience isn’t just about meeting trained owls – it’s about discovering their place in the wild and learning how each of us can play a role in protecting them.
Safe, Relaxed and Supportive
All sessions are run by professional falconers with decades of experience. We are fully DBS checked and skilled at working with both children and adults, including those with SEND. With small groups and private countryside venues, you can relax and enjoy every moment without crowds or distractions.
Travelling to Us
Many of our visitors happily travel up to 90 minutes to take part in an owl experience, and we regularly welcome guests from surrounding counties.
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Barn Owl Hollow near Market Harborough is ideal for visitors from Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Just a short drive from the A14 and A6, it’s an easy countryside escape for families and couples looking for something special to do near Leicester, Corby, Kettering or Rugby.
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Alders Farm near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard attracts guests from across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and North London. Conveniently located near the M1, it’s perfect for day trips from places like Luton, Watford, Aylesbury, Oxford and even parts of London.
No matter which venue you choose, both offer the same magical three-hour Owl on the Hand experience in private countryside surroundings.
An Experience to Treasure
Flying an owl across the countryside, feeling its weight on your glove, and watching its silent approach is an experience like no other.
Whether you are a lifelong bird lover or simply curious, Owl on the Hand will leave you with unforgettable memories – and a greater appreciation of these mysterious and beautiful birds.
Book Now or Buy Gift a Voucher
Booking is simple. You can reserve your Owl on the Hand experience online or purchase a gift voucher valid for 12 months, making it the perfect present for a birthday, anniversary or special occasion.
Gift vouchers allow your recipient the flexibility to choose their preferred date and location, while guaranteeing them a place at one of our unforgettable owl sessions.
Give someone the chance to handle a Barn Owl, marvel at a Tawny, or meet the mighty Eagle Owl up close – an experience they will never forget.
Practical Information
Locations
- Owl on the Hand – Barn Owl Hollow, near Market Harborough
- Meet the Owls – Alders Farm, near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard
(Both sessions are three hours and offer the same experience)
Session length
Each owl handling experience lasts 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to fly, learn and connect with the birds.
Who can join
- Our owl handling experience is suitable for both adults and children
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
What to bring
- Comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear for grass or woodland paths
- A camera to capture your day
Owl on the Hand Experience
A great owl handling experience!
A great half day for our son for the Owl Experience. 3 hours of joy with various owls of various sizes. Our Handler was very knowledgeable and very interesting. The time just “flew” by. Would certainly recommend. Small group of about half a dozen people. Lots of other experience days / half days to choose from.
Dylan P
TripAdvisor Review
The most incredible experience!
Absolutely amazing experience! We purchased a voucher for my nephews birthday for a 3 hour owl handling experience. The booking process was perfect and today we attended.
What an experience! The guide was so knowledgable and lovely, each participant had a brilliant amount of time with each bird and such a variety to see! My nephew (11) absolutely loved it! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone. Thank you so much!
Lizzie
Wow! What an experience!
I booked this for my husband’s birthday and, wow, what an experience. My only regret is being a spectator and not taking part. Having said that, I still had a great experience. Spectators stay with the group, are free to ask questions and join in, I just didn’t get the ‘bird on the hand’.
On our owl handling experience we were introduced to all the birds (even the ones that weren’t flown on the day). Then we flew Fletcher the owl who was very friendly, followed by Elvis who is huge, but great fun as he displayed his tricks. Tea/cold drinks were provided (including spectators), before watching Scarlett the Red Kite catching food in the air and flying to the glove. We met a beautiful barn own, Ophelia, then spent time with the delightful burrowing owls, Cheese and Pickle.
What a fantastic experience – small group so you get the ‘bird on the hand’ many times as they fly from glove to glove. Plenty of time is spent with each bird, and staff are full of knowledge and happy to answer questions.
Both myself and my husband had a great time. Next time (there will definitely be a next time) I will be fully participating alongside him. We’re even considering the full day with the big birds! Birds are prey truly are awesome, our garden birds now seem boring in comparison 😀
