A number of falconry experiences for families, groups and individuals are on offer at the aviary and surrounding parkland at Swinton Estate. The Bird of Prey Centre offers educational and fun experiences, available to visitors upon arrangement. We seek to provide as much hands on interaction with our guests as possible, and to enjoy the personalities and behaviour our large variety of friendly owls, hawks and falcons.
This 30 minute experience is aimed at those who want to try their hand at falconry, and also for the younger age group who would enjoy a shorter experience. Guests will hold a bird, experience another being flown to their hand, and learn more about the birds’ hunting and flying skills.
A Hawk Walk involves the flying of Harris hawks around the splendour of the castle grounds. This is a unique experience lasting approximately an hour, involving a short instruction on safely handling your hawk, before taking it out under supervision into the grounds of Swinton Park where it will follow you through the trees and return to your gloved fist in spectacular style. The 200 acre parkland is a perfect location for the experience and also allows close up encounters of the fallow deer and other various wildlife. Photo: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn
An owl experience lasts approximately an hour and enables you to learn a little whilst you handle and fly owls of all shapes and sizes within the hotel grounds. This experience begins with a short introduction to the owls at Swinton Park, which range from the tiny barn owl through to the large eagle owls. One of our falconers will guide you as you fly, feed and handle each bird. This is a one on one and very hands on experience and provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of owls from all corners of the world. Photo: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn
A 30 minute flying demonstration at the bird of prey aviary overlooking the deer park in the grounds of the hotel, followed by cream tea for two served with a warm home-made scone, clotted cream and locally made preserves.
An hour’s experience for the family to enjoy the thrill of a bird flying to their gloved hand. Up to three different birds will be flown, allowing for different species and sizes of birds – smaller birds available for smaller people! Additional participants £10 per person. Photo: Jed Wee
The half day experience usually begins with a short introduction and handling session with a range of various birds kept at Swinton Park, including hawks, falcons and owls (although the flying team can vary throughout the year). The introduction is normally followed by the opportunity for guests to fly owls of different sizes and concludes with taking one of the Harris Hawks into the surrounding estate (see ‘Hawk Walk’ above) which provides the perfect completion to a unique day. This lasts approximately two hours. Photo: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn
The full day experience provides the opportunity to get a more intensive look into falconry and our falconers will explain a little about the training, handling, and history of the sport of falconry. You will have the chance to further the experience of the half day with the opportunity to fly a more intensive range of birds, a two course lunch is also inclusive within your day. Lasts approximately 4 hours. Price above includes a two course lunch at The Terrace Restaurant. Spectators are charged at £10 each (plus £20 if taking lunch). Photo: Carolyn Farthing-Dunn
Enjoy a 30 minute falconry display and your chance to handle a couple of birds, followed by a two course lunch in the sumptuous Swinton Park. Price includes a flying display and a two course lunch.
Birds of Prey displays and handling experiences can be supplied for all weddings, corporate events, and activities for groups of any size, providing a unique outlook on any day. We are also happy to cater to requirements for any photographic events, team building, staff or client away days. We aim to get all members of the group involved in handling and flying a variety of birds of prey ranging from owls to hawks and falcons. A display lasts around an hour depending on your requirements and provides plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain extra knowledge surrounding the art and history of falconry and birds of prey.
Dove Releases are also available for weddings at Swinton Park. The doves can either be released by hand from the bride and groom or from a decorative cage or from a basket as desired. The doves signify a life together and love, fidelity and peace.
Mischievous and adventurous, never missing an opportunity to hunt if they can. Choose a hawk walk if you are brave and want to explore a little as well.
A cheeky owls but great flier. She loves people and always very enthusiastic at flying time.
Buzzards are mainly scavengers in the wild and can often be seen soaring, or occasionally sitting near roadsides. (Photo credit – Carolyn Farthing Dunn)
After many years of hard work and rehabilitation, Ellie is now a fantastic flying bird and due to her huge size (6.5lbs) always wows our guests.
Ash is a melanistic barn owl (opposite of albino). Melanistic owls don't usually survive in the wild as their parents reject them. A fairly rare bird to see with one in every hundred thousand.
A small bird that weighs around 6oz that is native to the UK. Florence Nightingale is known to have had one as a pet! (Photo credit - Jed Wee).
Neeka is one of our more confident flyers and will happily fly to children. She is also one of our noisier birds! (Photo Credit - Jed Wee)
One of our newest members of the team, Sahara loves to show off and flying to guests of all ages.
An unusual and beautiful looking owl, Cole can be shy but has a really sweet nature.
Snowy Owls are native to the Arctic Circle and can withstand temperatures as low as -50degrees.
Bookings can be made at any time during daylight hours, subject to availability.
To make a booking, please contact Swinton Park on 01765 680900 or email the Reservations team.
Children 12 years and over may attend a course on their own. Those aged 11 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult (the adult will be charged the spectator fee).
Group bookings of seven or more guests for any kind of falconry event need to be made with our Events team. Please call 01765 680972 or email Events@swintonestate.com.
PLEASE NOTE:
A cancellation fee of 100% of the booking fee applies where a course/display is cancelled three days or less from the date of the event.
Bookings can be made for 10.00am – 7.00pm in the summer months (1st May – 30th September) and 10.00am – 2.00pm in the winter months (1st October – 30th April).
Bird of Prey Centre Enquiries
Tel: 01765 680900 Email: reservations@swintonestate.com
Following the Government announcement on the 4th of January 2021 we will be closing our doors across the Estate: Swinton Park Hotel, Swinton Country Club & Spa, Swinton Bivouac, Swinton Cookery School, and The Terrace Restaurant & Bar will be closed until further notice and pending the next Covid review.
We would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all our guests and members who have supported us during these difficult times and look forward to seeing you again so very soon!
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