The Falconry Centre

Kidderminster Road South, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 0JB, England
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Hagley? The Falconry Centre offers a wonderful family day out as a specialist zoological attraction dedicated to birds of prey. Set within a scenic West Midlands location, this charity-run visitor centre houses over 80 magnificent birds from more than 30 global species.

Standard admission prices start from £8.00 for adults and £4.00 for children aged between 5 and 16 years old. Children aged 4 and under enter completely free of charge, making it a very affordable option for families with young children.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines up-close animal encounters with educational flying displays, this charming centre delivers. Its intimate layout, friendly expert handlers, and relaxed walking paths make it a fantastic choice for nature lovers of all ages.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Open-Air Aviary Walking Trails: Paved pathways winding past enclosures housing diverse bird species, offering an immersive educational day out focused on raptor conservation.
  • Daily Flying Displays: Professional bird handling presentations showcasing different raptors in flight twice daily during summer months.
  • Hands-On Handling Experiences: Specialized interactive sessions allowing participants to hold and fly owls, hawks, and eagles on a gloved hand.
  • Outdoor Picnic Areas: Designated green spaces allowing families to enjoy lunch surrounded by peaceful woodland scenery.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Daily Flying Arena: Watch expert handlers guide majestic birds of prey through soaring flight demonstrations during the popular afternoon display sessions.
  • The Snowy Owl Enclosure: Get a clear look at striking white snowy owls, which always capture the fascination of younger visitors.
  • The Griffon Vulture Aviary: Observe powerful scavenging birds up close and learn about their vital ecological role from knowledgeable centre staff.
  • The Golden and Bald Eagles: Marvel at the sheer size and impressive wingspans of these iconic apex predators housed in secure enclosures.
  • The Kestrel and Falcon Mews: Walk past the specialized breeding and resting quarters to view agile falcons and kestrels perched closely along the main paths.

Facilities

  • Luggage Storage: Not available on-site; visitors should carry personal belongings.
  • Toilets & Changing Facilities: Standard public restrooms and accessible facilities are located centrally near the visitor entrance.
  • Food Options: Light refreshments and hot drinks available on-site, alongside open picnic benches for packed lunches.
  • Buggy Parking: Pushchairs can navigate the main visitor paths easily, though rural ground can be uneven near grass verges.

Pro-Tips:

  • Check Display Times: Arrive ahead of the 1:00 PM main flying display to secure a good viewing spot around the arena.
  • Dress for the Weather: Since the flying arena and walking trails are entirely outdoors, practical outdoor clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
  • Leave Pets at Home: Family dogs and pets are not permitted inside the visitor centre to ensure the safety and calm of the captive birds of prey.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love seeing the colourful owls and noisy vultures up close, and children aged 4 and under enjoy free entry to the outdoor aviaries.
  • How long does a visit take? A standard visit takes between 2 to 3 hours, allowing plenty of time to walk around the aviaries and watch the daily flying displays.
  • Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the dedicated free visitor car park located directly on-site at the main entrance.
  • How much does entry cost? General entry costs £8.00 for adults and £4.00 for children aged 5 to 16, while family tickets covering two adults and two children cost £21.00.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Clent Hills: Expansive National Trust countryside offering scenic walking trails and panoramic views just a few miles away.
  • Hagley Hall: Historic 18th-century Palladian mansion surrounded by landscaped deer park grounds nearby.
  • Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve: Large woodland area ideal for family nature walks and outdoor exploration a short drive away.

What Visitors Love:

  • Parents praise the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the incredible opportunity to see majestic birds of prey at close quarters.
  • The daily flying displays are highlighted as a brilliant, highly engaging spectacle that children thoroughly enjoy.
  • Affordable admission prices make it a low-cost, high-value day out for families compared to larger commercial theme parks.
  • The knowledgeable staff are noted for being eager to share fascinating facts and answer children's questions.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Catering facilities are relatively basic, meaning visitors often prefer to bring their own picnic food.
  • Public transport options directly to the gate are limited, making travel by car much more convenient.
  • Rainy weather can occasionally disrupt outdoor flying displays, though indoor viewing areas offer shelter.

Attractions & Activities

  • Main Visitor Gateway & Welcome Area: Entry point providing daily schedule boards and site maps.
  • Central Flying Arena: Dedicated open space where daily bird flight demonstrations take place.
  • Raptor Aviary Rows: Outdoor enclosures housing over 80 birds, including buzzards, hawks, and kites.
  • Owl Sanctuary Zone: Specialized quiet enclosures tailored for nocturnal owl species.
  • Vulture and Eagle Pavilions: Heavy-duty enclosures showcasing large global raptors.
  • On-Site Gift Shop: Retail shop offering bird-themed toys, souvenirs, and educational books.
  • Picnic Lawn and Seating: Open green space with outdoor tables for family snacks.
  • Wild Bird Hospital Area: Off-site rehabilitation facilities dedicated to treating injured local wildlife.
  • Educational Display Boards: Informative signage detailing raptor biology, diets, and conservation status.
  • Visitor Reception Hub: Information desk handling entry ticketing and experience check-ins.

New for 2026:

  • Updated Online Booking System: Streamlined digital scheduling tools making it easier to book specific dates for bird handling experiences.
  • Enhanced Educational Signage: Refreshed visitor boards detailing individual bird rescue stories and migration science.
  • Refurbished Aviary Walkways: Upgraded surface pathways ensuring smoother pushchair and wheelchair access across key viewing zones.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult: £8.
  • Child (5–16 years): £4.
  • Child (4 years & under): FREE.
  • Concession (65+, Disabled, Registered Carer, Student, NHS): £7.
  • Disabled & Carer: £10.
  • Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £21.

Pricing URL: https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/opening-times-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: The Falconry Centre offers exclusive private bird handling experiences suitable for family gatherings, small parties, and special celebrations, featuring private access to fly owls, hawks, and kestrels.
  • Inquiries: Private group sessions and party availability can be discussed by contacting the bookings team directly via telephone or through the official website contact portal.

Summer (7 March – 31 October)

  • Monday – Sunday: 11am – 5pm.
  • Last Admission: 4pm.
  • Flying Display: 1pm year-round & 3:30pm from 7 March – 31 October (weather permitting).

Winter (1 November – 28 February)

  • Monday: Closed.
  • Tuesday – Sunday: 11am – 2:30pm.
  • Last Admission: 2pm.
  • Flying Display: 1pm.

Closed: Easter Sunday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.

Address: Kidderminster Road South, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 0JB, England

Post Code: DY9 0JB

Council: Bromsgrove

County: Worcestershire

  • By Train: Hagley and Stourbridge Junction railway stations are located a short taxi or bus ride away from the centre.
  • By Bus: Local regional bus services operate along the main Kidderminster Road routes near Hagley.
  • By Car: Located directly on the Kidderminster Road (A450/A491 area) in Hagley, West Midlands (postcode DY9 0JB).
  • Car Parking: Free dedicated visitor car parking spaces are available directly on-site for all ticket holders.

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