North Devon Falconry

Orchard House, Newton Tracey, Devon, EX31 3PE, England
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in North Devon? North Devon Falconry offers an incredible family day out centered around magnificent birds of prey and rural wildlife adventures. Set within the stunning Devon countryside, this specialist falconry provider lets visitors experience hands-on raptor handling and private flying sessions.

Experience day prices start from £95.00 for a shared private group session or half-day package. All hawk walks and handling experiences operate strictly by advance booking.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines outdoor learning with expert falconry tuition, this experience delivers. Its private group formats, expert handlers, and scenic rural locations make it a fantastic choice for nature-loving families.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Exclusive Private Bookings: Private hawk walks and sessions tailored exclusively for your family or group with no outside participants.
  • Hands-On Raptor Handling: Interactive sessions where participants learn to call and fly Harris hawks to a gloved hand.
  • Countryside Flying Locations: Guided walks across rolling meadows, woodlands, and scenic rural landscapes.
  • Educational Falconry Insights: Expert-led talks on the behaviour, biology, and training methods of birds of prey.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Harris Hawk Flight Path: Watch trained Harris hawks glide effortlessly between trees and land directly on your gloved fist during private woodland walks.
  • The Peregrine Falcon Displays: Marvel at the speed and agility of magnificent falcons during specialized handling and flying demonstrations.
  • The Owl Encounter Sessions: Meet gentle and intelligent owls up close while learning about their specialized nocturnal hunting adaptations.
  • The Rural Meadow Trail: Explore sweeping Devon meadows and valleys while following experienced falconers through prime rural habitat.
  • The Behind-the-Scenes Raptor Care Briefing: Discover how falconers feed, house, and care for working birds of prey between active flying sessions.

Facilities

  • Luggage Storage: Not available on-site; visitors should keep personal belongings secure in their vehicles.
  • Toilets & Changing Facilities: Walks take place in open countryside with no permanent on-site restroom facilities.
  • Food Options: No on-site restaurant or café at rural walking locations; visitors should bring refreshments or dine at nearby local pubs.
  • Buggy Parking: Walking routes across fields and uneven terrain are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs; baby carriers are recommended.

Pro-Tips:

  • Book Well in Advance: Because all hawk walks are private and spaces are strictly limited, weekend and holiday dates fill up quickly.
  • Dress for the Field: Wear sturdy walking boots and long-sleeved clothing, as walks cross grassy meadows and muddy terrain.
  • Check Weather Policies: Falconry sessions are weather-dependent; sessions will be rescheduled if high winds or heavy rain make flying unsafe for the birds.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Because the experiences involve walking across open countryside and handling active birds of prey, sessions are better suited for older children rather than toddlers.
  • How long does a visit take? A standard hawk walk or experience session typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours depending on whether you book a morning or afternoon slot.
  • Where is the best place to park? Parking is available at the designated meeting points and local country inns provided when you confirm your private booking.
  • How much does entry cost? There is no general public admission fee as visits are private, but participating adult experience sessions start from £95.00.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Exmoor National Park: Sweeping moorland landscape featuring rugged walking trails, river valleys, and dark skies nearby.
  • The Milky Way Adventure Park: Popular family attraction featuring rides, indoor play, and avian displays further into North Devon.
  • Barnstaple Town Centre: Historic North Devon market town offering independent shops, riverside walks, and local eateries.

What Visitors Love:

  • Parents consistently praise the exclusivity of the walks, noting that having the falconer entirely to your family makes it feel exceptionally personal.
  • Children love the thrill of having a hawk fly directly to their gloved hand in an open natural setting.
  • The patient and knowledgeable falconers make beginners and children feel completely safe and confident.
  • The stunning Devon countryside backdrop provides a memorable setting away from crowded tourist attractions.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • The rural field locations lack standard visitor amenities such as toilets and cafes, requiring advance planning for families.
  • Uneven ground and muddy walking paths mean the experiences are not accessible for pushchairs or less mobile visitors.
  • Sessions are entirely weather-dependent, meaning last-minute cancellations can occur during poor weather conditions.

Attractions & Activities

  • Private Hawk Walk Trail: Guided walking route across scenic Devon countryside for private family groups.
  • Half-Day Experience Course: Intensive four-hour falconry introduction covering handling and flying fundamentals.
  • Full-Day Falconry Masterclass: Comprehensive training session offering deep immersion into traditional falconry skills.
  • Mobile Village Fete Display: Traveling raptor exhibition unit booked for local country shows and summer events.
  • School Educational Workshop: Interactive classroom and outdoor falconry presentation tailored for students.
  • Corporate Event Paddock: Bespoke outdoor team-building session featuring live bird handling.
  • Wedding Ring Delivery Service: Specialized trained raptor service for delivering wedding rings during ceremonies.
  • Private Party Falconry Display: Custom outdoor flying demonstration booked for private celebrations.
  • Raptor Breeding and Mews Area: Specialized off-site housing zones dedicated to resident birds of prey.
  • Designated Meeting Point Car Park: Convenient local assembly areas provided prior to each booked walk.

New for 2026:

  • Expanded Private Booking Slots: Increased availability for 2026 family-exclusive morning and afternoon hawk walks.
  • Refreshed Educational Modules: Updated interactive learning segments for children participating in family experience days.
  • Streamlined Online Vouchers: Enhanced digital booking and gift voucher options for 2026 celebrations.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Participating Adult (9am–1pm): £95.
  • Adult Spectator (9am–1pm): £30.
  • Participating Adult (1pm–5pm): £95.
  • Adult Spectator (1pm–5pm): £30.
  • Participating Child (Under 16): £50 (must be accompanied by a participating adult).
  • Under 16 Spectator: £15.

Pricing URL: https://www.northdevonfalconry.co.uk/#one

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: North Devon Falconry provides private falconry displays and handling sessions for birthday parties, school events, village fetes, and private functions across the region.
  • Inquiries: Custom bookings and private party availability can be arranged by contacting the team directly via their official website or inquiry channels.
  • 09:00 - 13:00
  • 13:00 - 17:00

Address: Orchard House, Newton Tracey, Devon, EX31 3PE, England

Post Code: EX31 3PE

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

  • By Bus: Public transport options are limited near rural meeting points; travelling by car is strongly recommended.
  • By Car: Easily accessed via local Devon routes across the North Devon and Exmoor areas (meeting point details provided upon booking).
  • Car Parking: Dedicated parking available at designated meeting areas near walk start points.

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