Name: Willows Bird of Prey Centre
Rating: 5.0

Willows Bird of Prey Centre

Willows Bird of Prey Centre, Main Road, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Knockholt brings families straight to Willows Bird of Prey Centre, an engaging wildlife attraction and conservation hub located in Kent. This popular family visitor destination allows children to discover incredible birds of prey and animals from around the world through daily flying displays and natural woodland trails.

Standard online adult day entry tickets start from £9.49, while child and senior tickets are available from £6.99. Family day passes offer combined savings for households. Visitors can spend hours exploring the scenic grounds, watching expert handling demonstrations, and meeting resident birds up close.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational animal encounters with outdoor exploration, this Kent attraction offers top value. Its famous raptor displays, interactive trail, and close-up handling sessions make it a top choice for a memorable family weekend trip.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Daily Flying Displays: Engaging bird of prey demonstrations showcasing owls, hawks, and falcons in action.
Interactive Wildlife Trail: Woodland paths guiding families past enclosures housing a variety of rescue animals and birds.
Educational Keeper Talks: Informative talks providing an educational day out for kids interested in conservation.
Hands-On Experience Days: Specialized private sessions allowing visitors to handle majestic birds under expert guidance.

Top 5 Highlights

The Main Flying Arena: An open-air viewing space where expert handlers fly magnificent birds of prey directly overhead during daily scheduled demonstrations.
The Woodland Nature Trail: A scenic pathway winding through mature trees, letting families explore natural habitats and spot resident wildlife at a gentle pace.
Owl Enclosures: Quiet shaded zones housing an array of striking owl species, giving children an up-close look at nocturnal hunters.
Falcon Mews: Specialised housing areas where trained falcons and hawks rest between their active flight training sessions.
Small Animal Rescue Zones: Friendly auxiliary enclosures featuring rescued creatures that help teach children about animal welfare and rehabilitation.

Facilities

Toilets & Changing Facilities: Accessible public restrooms and baby-changing facilities located near the main entrance and garden centre complex.
Food Options: Access to nearby garden centre catering facilities, cafes, and on-site snack options alongside picnic spaces.
Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking spaces located outside major walkthrough exhibits and display arenas.

Pro-Tips:

Timing Your Visit: Arriving in time for the morning flying display ensures families secure a prime viewing spot before afternoon activities.
Footwear Choice: Sturdy shoes or trainers are recommended, as the outdoor woodland trail can feature uneven ground.
Weather Awareness: Flying displays are weather-dependent, so checking forecasts or calling ahead ensures you catch live flights or alternative indoor talks.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, Willows Bird of Prey Centre is brilliant for toddlers because children under five enter for free and love spotting colourful owls and woodland animals along the flat, accessible trail.
How long does a visit take? A typical visit to Willows Bird of Prey Centre takes between two and three hours, giving families plenty of time to walk the nature trail and watch a flying display.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the main visitor car park situated directly outside the entrance within the Coolings Green and Pleasant complex.
What are the best free sights to see? Visitors enjoy free access to highlight attractions like the daily bird of prey flying displays, owl mews, and the woodland nature trail included with standard trail entry.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

Coolings Green and Pleasant: Extensive garden centre and lifestyle complex surrounding the venue, featuring plant nurseries and food halls.
Hever Castle and Gardens: Historic moated castle estate located a short drive away.
Knockholt Village Walks: Scenic rural footpaths exploring traditional Kentish countryside.

What Visitors Love:

Parents frequently praise the close-up access to magnificent birds of prey during the expert-led flying demonstrations.
Children love walking the peaceful woodland trail and seeing different owl and hawk species up close.
The welcoming, knowledgeable staff and intimate community conservation feel receive strong positive feedback from visiting families.
Visitors appreciate the combination of the wildlife trail with the adjacent garden centre amenities.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Some reviewers note that the trail area is relatively compact compared to massive safari parks, though ideal for younger children.
Catering choices rely primarily on the surrounding garden centre facilities rather than standalone park kitchens.
Public transport options from regional train stations require a connecting taxi or local bus journey.
Parking areas can get busy during peak weekend garden centre trading hours.

Park Attractions and Exhibits:

Main Flying Display Area: Venue for twice-daily bird demonstrations.
Woodland Wildlife Trail: Immersive walking path across the site.
Raptor Mews and Aviaries: Housing diverse eagles, hawks, and falcons.
Owl Display Habitats: Dedicated viewing zones for various owl breeds.
Static Talk Shelter: Covered marquee space used for educational talks during wet weather.
On-Site Gift Shop: Retail shop offering wildlife toys, souvenirs, and pocket-money treats.
Visitor Welcome Hub: Main entry point and ticketing desk.
Picnic Lawn Spaces: Designated outdoor areas for families to enjoy packed lunches.

New for 2026:

Refurbished All-Weather Viewing Marquee: Upgraded sheltered canopy structure ensuring uninterrupted educational talks during inclement weather.
Enhanced Trail Signage: Newly installed interactive educational boards detailing raptor conservation statuses along the woodland route.
Upgraded Step-Free Path Access: Smoothed gravel pathways connecting the main entrance plaza directly to primary flying display zones.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Day Entry

Adult: £9.49.
Child (5–16 years): £6.99.
Senior (64+ years): £6.99.
Family (2 Adults & up to 2 Children): £29.99.
Under 5 years: FREE.
Carer: FREE.

Annual Passes

Adult: £35.99.
Child (5–16 years): £25.99.
Senior (64+ years): £25.99.
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £89.99.

Pricing URL: https://willowsbirdofpreycentre.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/28745?catID=28265&

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Dedicated birthday party packages are available hosted on-site amidst the wildlife trail and animal areas.
Inquiries: For group bookings, private functions, or birthday party inquiries, contact the team via email at info@willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk or telephone at 01959 580677.

Open: 10am – 4pm (Last Admission: 3:30pm).
Christmas Eve: Open 10am – 1:30pm (Last Admission: 1pm).
Closed: Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day.

Address: Willows Bird of Prey Centre, Main Road, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, UK

Post Code: TN14 7LJ

Council: Sevenoaks

County: Kent

By Train: Knockholt or Sevenoaks Railway Station are the nearest mainline stops, with local taxi services available to complete the journey.
By Bus: Local regional bus services operate routes stopping near the main Knockholt area.
By Car: Located on Main Road in Knockholt, Kent (TN14 7LJ) within the Coolings Green and Pleasant complex, easily accessible via the M25 motorway.
Car Parking: Large on-site car parking facilities are shared with the main garden centre complex outside the entrance.