Description
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Northwich? Cheshire Falconry in Sandiway offers an amazing family day out at a specialist bird of prey and conservation centre. This popular outdoor and indoor zoo attraction lets children and adults encounter magnificent raptors, including owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons, set within the vibrant Blakemere Village complex.
General admission prices for entry-level experiences start from £35.00 for children's encounters, with full flying sessions and aviary visits structured across various affordable booking tiers. Concession rates and under-4 aviary entries are available alongside flexible gift voucher options.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines interactive animal encounters, hands-on flying sessions, and rural craft village adventures, this Cheshire destination delivers a brilliant experience. Its expert handling teams, all-weather facilities, and diverse raptor collection make it a top choice for local families and visitors across the North West.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Barnaby's Play Barn: Indoor soft play area located nearby within Blakemere Village for younger children.
- Cheshire Craft Workshop: Creative craft studio offering pottery wheel sessions, painting, and candle making.
- Blakemere Outdoor Adventure Play Park: Free public adventure playground with climbing frames and slides.
- Cheshire Segway and Mini Golf: Family-friendly outdoor activities and crazy golf course situated within the village.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently highlight how patient, knowledgeable, and engaging the falconry instructors are with children.
- The opportunity to wear a heavy gauntlet and have an owl or hawk land directly on your arm creates an unforgettable moment for kids.
- The wider Blakemere Village setting makes it easy to turn a short falconry session into a full family day out with craft shops and play areas.
- Clear safety instructions and well-maintained enclosures give families complete peace of mind.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Outdoor afternoon flying sessions during the Full Day or Walk on the Wildside experiences can occasionally be rescheduled during severe winter weather.
- Spectator fees apply for non-participating family members accompanying experience guests.
- Popular weekend and school holiday slots book up quickly, requiring advance reservations.
Attractions and Experiences:
- Junior Owl Encounter: 30-minute interactive flight session for children aged 4 to 14.
- Raptor Encounter: 1.5-hour introductory flying experience for participants aged 14 and over.
- Meet the Birds Experience: 3-hour multi-species handling and flying session.
- Full Day Falconry Experience: Immersive all-day training and handling course with outdoor field flying.
- Eagle Adventure: Specialist exclusive session dedicated to flying large, powerful eagles.
- Walk on the Wildside: Extended countryside hawk walk across local rural terrain.
- Permanent Aviary Walk: Self-guided loop featuring global owls, vultures, and buzzards.
- Seasonal Public Flying Displays: Open-air flight demonstrations held daily between April and September.
- Falconry Reception and Information Point: Guest check-in desk and equipment fitting area.
- Visitor Photography Spots: Designated open areas for capturing high-action photos of birds in flight.
New for 2026:
- Upgraded Aviary Viewing Walkways: Refreshed timber perimeters and enhanced accessibility routes for pushchairs and wheelchair users.
- Enhanced Digital Booking Integration: Streamlined online scheduling tools allowing voucher holders to secure preferred dates up to 12 months in advance.
- Expanded Conservation Signage: Updated interactive display boards detailing raptor breeding programmes and wild habitat protection.
4.82 miles
