Description
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Northamptonshire? Icarus Falconry is an exceptional wildlife attraction and falconry centre located within historic estate grounds. It provides an engaging day out where visitors can encounter majestic birds of prey, meet rescue animals, and watch expert flying demonstrations.
For general gate admission prices, as public open days are operated in conjunction with Holdenby House. Dedicated hands-on bird of prey experience packages are available by advance booking through the main website.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines up-close animal encounters with stunning heritage surroundings, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers a relaxed, educational environment where children can see owls, hawks, and eagles up close.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Holdenby House Historic Gardens: Impeccably kept historical estate grounds featuring formal planting, borders, and sweeping lawns.
- Old Stable Yard Tearooms: Traditional spot serving hot drinks, light lunches, and homemade cakes during open days.
- Althorp House: The ancestral stately home of the Spencer family located just a short drive away.
- Brampton Valley Way: Scenic disused railway line converted into a long-distance multi-user path for walking and cycling nearby.
What Visitors Love:
- Staff members are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about sharing wildlife education.
- Small group sizes for experiences ensure a personal, unhurried encounter with the birds.
- The historic garden setting provides a picturesque and tranquil backdrop for a family afternoon.
- The combination of birds of prey and small rescue mammals offers great variety for kids.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Public opening days are restricted to specific summer weekends and bank holidays rather than daily weekday access.
- Public transport links to the rural estate are non-existent, making a car essential for travel.
- Food and drink are strictly prohibited inside the falconry centre itself.
Attractions & Live Exhibits
- Birds of Prey Collection: Over 30 birds including falcons, hawks, kites, vultures, and various owl species.
- The Menagerie: Miss Roxy the fox, Norma the hedgehog, Kat the polecat, and domestic ferrets.
- Reptile and Amphibian Habitats: Specialized terrariums housing frogs, lizards, and aquatic life.
- Flying Demonstration Arena: Open-air space used for scheduled weekend raptor shows and educational talks.
- Garden Play Zones: Family lawn game spaces featuring traditional wooden pastimes.
New for 2026
- Expanded Conservation Enclosures: Newly updated habitats designed to support enhanced breeding and rehabilitation education programs.
- Refreshed Booking Portal: Upgraded digital redemption systems for processing experience vouchers and scheduling private visits seamlessly.
- Enhanced Family Trail Maps: Newly introduced interactive activity paths guiding younger visitors around the gardens and falconry zones.
17.29 miles
