Sponsor your own
bird of prey

Meet the birds

Find out when
you can visit

Sponsor our birds

See our birds hover,
swoop and soar!

Donate

Three amazing flying
displays each day!

Sponsor our birds

Get up close
see our birds in action

Experience days

Welcome to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre

A visit to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is inspiring and uplifting.

We have one of the largest collections of flying birds in the North. The centre is home to around 100 birds from 50 different species from around the world which enables us to fly an amazing variety of birds in each of our daily free flight displays. All set in in our beautiful Yorkshire countryside. We fly a selection of owls, vultures, eagles and kites to name but a few of the different species that call the centre their home.

During our 35-40 minute flying display you can expect to get very close to our fantastic birds as they swoop, dive and soar over your head. Witness the heaviest species of eagle in the world take to the sky, marvel at the silent flight of the graceful barn owl and appreciate the beauty and importance of the vulture species to our world. Our passionate and knowledgeable bird staff will provide a light-hearted and informative commentary throughout the flying display.

We fly different birds in each of our displays so please try and stay for more than one, keep an eye out for the cheeky kookaburra, naughty caracaras and the graceful White Storks. During your time at the centre, you will hopefully learn about the important conservation projects we are currently undertaking. By visiting you will help support the centre and its ongoing conservation projects.

In-between displays you can take a walk around the aviaries to view our very impressive collection of birds in their rest areas. You may also see more birds flying on one of our very popular experience days.With block paved paths throughout the centre is fully accessible for all. Our well stocked gift shop has souvenirs for all ages along with a selection of cold snacks and hot and cold drinks. Picnic benches are situated around the centre so you can enjoy your snacks and drinks bought at the centre or alternatively, you are welcome to use the benches to enjoy your own picnics.

If you share our passion for birds of prey and would like to get much closer and learn more about them, we offer experience days in small groups. This is a great chance to fly and learn alot about a variety of our birds and also learn more about our conservation work with vultures and other species.

We have a selection of experiences to choose from where you can meet a greater variety of our birds, or a more specialised selection of owls, vultures or eagles, just click here for more details.


Opening times

21st March 2024 to the 31st October 2024

Closed every Wednesday in March and October.

10:30am – 5.00pm (Last admittance 4:00pm)

October: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Dates Closed in 2024:

  • Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Display times

We have daily displays at 11:30am and 1:30pm (March and October)

11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm (1st April to the 30th September)

  • Entrance fees
  • Adults: £9.95 (16 years and up)
  • Concession: £8.95 (65 years and over)
  • Children: £7.95 (children under 3 years go FREE)
  • Family Ticket: £32.00 ( 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children )

 

  • There is no need to pre book for general admittances.
  • For more visitor information please click here .
  • Photography: For our latest photography policy please click here.

Travel Update: Please be aware there are road works in Thirsk which are causing delays. Please add extra time on your travel arrangements so you don’t miss the start of the displays. Thank you TBOPC


 

Myths, Legends and Music Flying Display.

We’re excited to share that we have a brand new show! Come and join us for a show like you have never seen before here at TBOPC.

Listen and learn about the old folklores, tales and legends about some of feathered friends. You will see some of our beautiful owls, vultures and caracaras take flight or run to a new story. With enchanting music and stunning flying that is sure to take your breath away.
This captivating performance will be running for a limited time.
We can’t wait to show you what we have in store – it’s going to be a display like no other.
Starting: 1st October – 11:30am flying display.
All displays are weather permitting.

Plan your visit this Autumn. Make the very most of your visit!

  1. No need to pre-book.
  2. Arrive 10 minutes before our 11:30am display. Please click here for our Spring and Autumn Flying Timetable
  3. After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  4. Explore the other 100+ birds on display.
  5. For children don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion or book a Meet the Minnies Handling Experience. 
  6. Feel free to use the shop/snack bar for a bite to eat. We offer fresh sandwiches, crisp, cakes, plus hot and cold drinks are available or try an ice cream to cool down on a hot day.
  7. Picnics are welcome.
  8. You will be now ready for our 1:30pm flying display.
  9. After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  10. You may also get the chance to watch birds being exercised or in training.
  11. TBOPC Closes 4:00pm

Closed – Tuesday 22nd October

CLOSED TUESDAY 22ND OCTOBER.

Due to a sudden change in centre commitments, we will be closed Tuesday 22nd October and as prior advertised Wednesday 23rd October. We will be back to normal Thursday 24th October.


 Plan your visit this Autumn. Make the very most of your visit!

  1. No need to pre-book.
  2. Arrive 10 minutes before our 11:30am display. Please click here for our Spring and Autumn Flying Timetable
  3. After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  4. Explore the other 100+ birds on display.
  5. For children don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion or book a Meet the Minnies Handling Experience. 
  6. Feel free to use the shop/snack bar for a bite to eat. We offer fresh sandwiches, crisp, cakes, plus hot and cold drinks are available or try an ice cream to cool down on a hot day.
  7. Picnics are welcome.
  8. You will be now ready for our 1:30pm flying display.
  9. After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  10. You may also get the chance to watch birds being exercised or in training.
  11. TBOPC Closes 4:00pm

Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

£10 pp (subject to availability)

Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.

This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.

We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.

  • Aplomado Falcon
  • Barn Owl
  • White Faced Owl
  • Kestrel
  • American Kestrel
  • Spectecled Owl
  • Makinders Eagle Owl

Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.

We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience

This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.

 

Photography Policy

We are happy for photos to be taken of our birds as they are important ambassadors for their species and play an important role to help protect and conserve.  
Our birds play a huge part towards education, research and conservation projects.
However please adhere to the following conditions.

For more information regarding our policy please click here.

Thank you.

 


Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

£10 pp (subject to availability)

Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.

This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.

We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.

  • Red Footed Falcon
  • Aplomado Falcon
  • Barn Owl
  • Mackinders Eagle Owl
  • White Faced Owl
  • Harris Hawk
  • Kestrel

Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.

We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience

This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.