Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey at Willows – Discover, Learn, and Get Hands-On
Willows Bird of Prey Centre is proud to offer a range of unique, immersive experiences that allow you to meet and interact with our remarkable collection of birds—including owls, hawks, buzzards, and more. Each session is led by our professional falconers and designed to give guests an unforgettable insight into the world of raptors.
Please note: Discounts available through Hobbledown memberships do not apply to Willows Bird of Prey Centre experiences. A small booking fee will be added at checkout.
All of our experience vouchers include full-day admission to Hobbledown Epsom, giving you the freedom to enjoy the park before or after your session.
If you would like to accompany someone but will not be taking part yourself, you can purchase a Spectator Pass. This allows you to join the participant during any included tour, watch the experience from our designated viewing areas, and enjoy full access to Hobbledown Epsom for the day.
For safety and welfare purposes, each experience has a clearly stated minimum age requirement. Please ensure these are checked before booking, as we may be unable to allow participation if the age criteria are not met.
Discover the magic of falconry, learn from experienced trainers, and get closer than ever to our incredible birds at Willows Bird of Prey Centre.
One Hour Falconry Experience – A Perfect Introduction to Birds of Prey
Minimum Age: 8 years
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our one-hour falconry experience is the ideal introduction for anyone curious about the incredible world of birds of prey. Designed for beginners and suitable for all abilities, this immersive session offers the perfect balance of education, hands-on interaction, and the unforgettable thrill of flying raptors.
Your experience begins with a 15-minute guided tour of the centre, where one of our experienced falconers will introduce you to the birds in our collection. You’ll learn about each species, ranging from owls to hawks and buzzards, their natural behaviours, unique adaptations, and how they are trained and cared for at our centre.
Following your tour, you will move straight into the highlight of the experience: flying 2–3 of our trained birds of prey. Under the guidance of one of our professional falconers, you’ll have the chance to fly these birds to the glove, perches, handle them safely, and gain a deeper understanding of how we work with raptors in modern falconry.
Please note: Any guests wishing to accompany you but not take part in the experience will require a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout. This ensures access to the centre and viewing of the experience from designated areas.
This session is perfect for anyone wanting to take their first steps into falconry and feel the exhilarating rush of flying a bird free. Whether you’re exploring a new passion, seeking a unique gift experience, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out, this introductory encounter offers an inspiring and accessible gateway into the world of birds of prey.
Price £55
Two Hour Falconry Experience – A Deeper Dive into the World of Birds of Prey
Minimum Age: 8 years
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our two-hour falconry experience is designed for guests who want a more immersive and hands-on introduction to birds of prey. This extended session offers increased flying time, more handling opportunities, and the chance to enjoy one of our daily flying demonstrations as part of the experience.
Your session begins with a guided introduction and a brief tour of the centre, where one of our experienced falconers will introduce you to the birds you’ll be working with and share insights into their behaviours, adaptations, and training.
You will then head out for your first flying session, where you will have the opportunity to fly and handle a selection of our trained birds ahead of the public demonstration. This early session allows you to build confidence on the glove and enjoy a more personal connection with the birds.
Following this, you will watch our public flying demonstration, where a wider variety of species will showcase their incredible flight skills in a lively and informative display.
After the demonstration, you will take part in a second portion of the flying session. With extended glove time and additional handling, this part of the experience offers a deeper look into the techniques of modern falconry and allows you to engage more closely with a broader range of birds.
Please note: Any accompanying guests who are not participating in the experience will require a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout. Spectators are welcome to watch both the demonstration and the experience from designated viewing areas.
Whether you’re developing a new passion, seeking a memorable gift, or simply wanting a more substantial falconry encounter, this two-hour experience offers an inspiring and rewarding opportunity to connect with these extraordinary birds.
Price: £80
Junior Falconry Experience – A Hands-On Adventure for Young Bird Enthusiasts
Ages: 8–16 Years
Minimum Age: 8 Years
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Duration: 1 hour
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our one-hour Junior Falconry Experience is designed especially for young adventurers aged 8-16 who are excited to get up close to birds of prey. This fun and educational handling session offers the perfect introduction to falconry in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment.
The experience begins with a warm welcome and introduction from one of our friendly falconers, who will guide juniors through the species they will be meeting. Participants will learn fascinating facts about each bird - how they hunt, their special adaptations, and how we care for them at the centre.
The session then moves into a dedicated hands-on handling experience, where juniors will have the opportunity to handle several of our trained birds on the glove. With expert guidance throughout, they will learn how to stand confidently, safely hold a raptor, and understand basic falconry techniques adapted especially for younger participants.
While this session focuses on handling rather than flying, it still provides an unforgettable chance to build confidence, connect with wildlife, and discover what it takes to care for and work with birds of prey.
Please note: Any accompanying adults or non-participating visitors will need to purchase a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout.
Perfect for animal lovers, young wildlife enthusiasts, and children seeking a unique outdoor experience, this one-hour session offers a memorable and inspiring introduction to the world of falconry.
Price: £45
30 Minute Bird Handling Experience – A Perfect Taster Session
Minimum Age: 8 Years
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our 30 Minute Bird Handling Experience is an ideal introduction for guests looking for a short yet memorable encounter with birds of prey. Suitable for adults and older children, this half-hour session offers a gentle, accessible taster of what it’s like to handle these incredible birds up close.
Your experience begins with a brief introduction from one of our professional falconers, who will guide you through the basics of handling and share fascinating insights into the birds you’ll be meeting.
You’ll then have the opportunity to handle a selection of our trained birds of prey on the glove, offering a unique chance to observe their features, behaviours, and personalities up close. With expert guidance throughout, this session ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for anyone curious about birds of prey but not yet ready for a full flying session.
This short, hands-on encounter is perfect for those wanting a quick but meaningful introduction to falconry—whether as a standalone activity or as a first step before booking a longer experience.
Please note: Any accompanying guests who are not taking part in the experience will require a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout.
Whether you’re searching for a unique gift, a memorable day out, or simply a brief introduction to birds of prey, this 30-minute session provides a friendly and engaging insight into the world of raptors.
Price: £35
Willows for Tots – A Magical First Introduction to Falconry
Ages: 5-8 Years
Minimum Age: 5 Years
Duration: 30 Minutes
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our Willows for Tots experience is designed especially for younger adventurers aged 5–8, offering a safe, gentle, and truly magical 30-minute introduction to the world of birds of prey. This heart-warming session is perfect for building confidence, sparking curiosity, and creating unforgettable early memories with one of nature’s most captivating creatures.
The experience begins with a warm welcome from one of our friendly falconers, who will introduce the children to the basics of owl behaviour and how we care for our birds at the centre.
Young participants will then have the special opportunity to meet, hold, and learn about our beautiful barn owl. With close supervision and gentle guidance, children will get to experience what it feels like to wear the falconry glove, interact safely with the owl, and discover fascinating age-appropriate facts.
This calm, confidence-building session is the ideal first step into the world of falconry for younger children and offers a wonderful way to nurture their love of animals.
Please note: Any accompanying adults or non-participating family members will need to purchase a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout.
Perfect for young animal lovers and families seeking a memorable and enchanting experience, Willows for Tots brings the magic of falconry to even the smallest adventurers.
Price: £45
Owl Encounter – An Up-Close Experience With Incredible Owls
Minimum Age: 8 Years
Duration: 1 Hour
Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants
Suitable for Disabled Guests
Includes Admission to Hobbledown Epsom
Our Owl Encounter is a dedicated one-hour experience for those who want to step into the enchanting world of owls. Perfect for owl enthusiasts and curious beginners, this immersive session focuses entirely on handling and flying a selection of our beautiful owl species.
Your experience begins with a 15-minute guided tour of our centre, where one of our experienced falconers will introduce you to the owls you’ll be meeting. You’ll learn about each species’ natural behaviours, impressive adaptations, and the specialist care they receive as part of our collection.
Following your tour, you will move into the hands-on portion of the encounter. Under expert guidance, you will have the chance to handle several of our owls on the glove, learning correct techniques and gaining confidence as you interact with each bird.
The highlight of the session is the opportunity to fly the owls to the glove or perch, experiencing firsthand the silent, graceful flight that makes these birds so captivating. This flying session offers a rare and unforgettable chance to connect closely with a variety of owl species in a calm, peaceful environment.
Please note: Any accompanying guests who are not participating will require a spectator ticket, which can be added at checkout.
Whether you are an owl lover, looking for a unique experience, or seeking an inspiring gift, our Owl Encounter provides a deeply engaging and magical introduction to these extraordinary birds.
Price: £55
Spectator Pass – Join the Experience Without Taking Part
If you’d like to accompany someone during their experience to take photos or simply enjoy the day with them, but won’t be participating yourself, you can purchase a Spectator Pass. This pass grants you full entry into Hobbledown Epsom.
For experiences that include a tour, spectators are welcome to join the tour alongside the participant, giving you the chance to learn about the birds and enjoy the behind-the-scenes insight—while still observing from a non-participating role. You’ll then be able to watch the handling or flying elements from our designated spectator areas.
Perfect for family members, friends, or anyone wishing to be part of the experience without taking part directly.
Price: £30
