Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre Logo

See our birds hover,
swoop and soar!

Sponsor our birds

Find out when
you can visit

Donate

Three amazing flying
displays each day!

Sponsor our 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 up lifting.

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  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

April 10th – Till Reappraised Due to Bird Flu Restrictions:  10:30am – 3:30pm

May – September 10:30am-5:00pm

October 10:30am – 4:00pm

Display Times

Spring Timetable

*April* 11:30am & 1:30pm (Updated Due to Bird Flu Restrictions) 

*May* June * 11:30am, 1:30pm &  3:30pm. Last Admittance 3:45pm

Summer Timetable

*July* August* September* 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. Last Admittance 3:45pm

Autumn Timetable

*October* 11:30am & 1:30pm. Closed Every Wednesday. Last Admittance 3:00pm

Dates Closed in 2025:

  • Wednesday 9th April
  • Saturday 28th June
  • Sunday 29th June
  • Sunday 17th August
  • Saturday 13th September
  • Sunday 14th September
  • Entrance fees
  • Adults: £10.95 (16 years and up)
  • Concession: £9.95 (65 years and over)
  • Children: £7.95 (children under 3 years go FREE)
  • Family Ticket: £35.00 ( 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.

Bird Flu & Reopening Update

Unfortunately, there has been six cases of bird flu detected within commercial poultry farms in the very near vicinity of the centre, we are still within two 3km control zones and six 10km protection zones.
 
We have been maintaining a high biosecurity protocol in line with our own veterinarian policy from the 1st November in anticipation of the winter outbreak.
 
We elected to remain closed for March as this can be the most intense period for bird flu.
 
We have had to reduce and adapt the flying team temporarily due to the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) ruling that if a bird goes out of sight for one minute it must be quarantined away from the collection for fourteen days. This clearly is not workable for our birds, so we have adapted some of our birds flying and exercise times to be more point to point flying whilst the restrictions are in place.
 
What this means to the running of the centre? 
We now plan to reopen from Thursday 10th April with initially only two flying displays at 11:30am and 1.30pm.
We will be closing a little earlier at 3.30pm to enable staff to maintain high bio security procedures and to continue training and exercise the remaining team of birds.
You will see foot dips on entry to the centre, please use them and any additional foot dips or pads located around the centre to help protect our birds. You will see staffing using foot dips or boxes before entering bird accommodation areas as well.
 
Hopefully things will be back to a more relaxed state by May/June
Updated Flying Timetable
 
• 10:30am – TBOPC opens (arrive 15- 20 mins before the first flying display)
• 11:30am – First Flying Display
• 12:15pm – Ideal Lunch Time (Snack bar offering sandwiches, crisps, cakes, hot and cold drinks. Picnics are also welcome.)
• 1.00pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
• 1:30pm – Second Flying Display
• 2:30pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
• 3:30pm – TBOPC Closes
 
PLUS don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion.
Five-star Experience Days based in beautiful North Yorkshire. 
As seen on The Yorkshire Vet, Summer Time on The Farm and Apple TV!
Give the gift of special memories and magical moments, look no further than our range of incredible hands-on experience days! Come and join us for the ultimate experience at TBOPC, established for over 30 years, an award winning small attraction and seen on the popular show, The Yorkshire Vet!
We provide high quality experiences in a fun and friendly way with plenty of “hands on” opportunities with a vast number of birds. Our experiences are highly recommended and reviewed, they are also hard to be beaten! Join us for a 5 star experience that will not be forgotten.
Click here for more information.
  1. Gift Vouchers are valid from 1st March 2025 till 31st October 2025. *
  2. Spectator Tickets are available for £20 or £25 depending on which experience is purchased.
  3. Gift Vouchers will be processed and posted within 24hrs.
  4. We run these experiences most days of the week including weekends. *
  5. Vouchers can be purchased through our website or over the phone by calling 01845 587522
Buying gifts from us will help support our conservation work, breeding programs and help towards the upkeep and longevity of TBOPC and all the feathered residents.

Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

(1st March 2025 – 31st October 2025

£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.

 

Gifts Starting from £5. 

Gifts Starting from £5. 
If you’re looking for unusual gift ideas, we have a great range including everything from day admittance tickets into TBOPC, Gift Experiences, Sponsorship Packages and Cash Gift Vouchers.
Buying gifts from us will help support our conservation work, breeding programs and help towards the upkeep and longevity of TBOPC and all the feathered residents.
What we have to offer:
* Cash Gift Vouchers starting from £5 click here
* Admittance Tickets click here
* Sponsorship Packages Starting from £30 (E-Voucher option not available) click here
We also offer the ultimate experience days! click here

Sponsorship Packs

Sponsorship Packs Starting from £30 – Sponsor a bird of prey for a loved one this Christmas – the perfect gift for all bird lovers!
Whether it is the cute owls, majestic eagles or fascinating vultures that have caught your attention, you can adopt one of them. Sponsorship packages start from £30
Who are you choosing?
*Gordon the Great Grey Owl
*Mr Wick the Aplomado Falcon
*Ethel the White Headed Vulture
*Toruk the Stellers Sea Eagle
You will receive a sponsorship pack plus the chance to meet your sponsored bird. We also have many more birds to choose from so why not have a look and see who your favourite is. We have over 80 birds to choose from!
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.