Summer Timetable * July * August * September *
Our summer timetable and themed displays are always a highlight of the year. The African Adventure Display is not to be missed, featuring breathtaking flying and an exciting blend of music, theatre and props to deliver an important conservation message.
Be sure to catch our Training Flying Display, where you can learn more about some of our newer residents and birds that are still developing their flying skills.
☀️ Summer Weather Advice
All flying displays take place in our south-facing flying arena, which can become very warm during summer months. We recommend bringing sunscreen, hats and plenty of water to stay safe and comfortable.
Summer Timetable * July * August * September * Open 10:30am – 5:00pm
Main Displays 11:30 & 1:30pm. Training Display 3:30pm. Open 6 days a week. Last Admittance 3:30pm
Scheduled Closure Dates:
If you’re planning a visit with us soon, here’s a reminder of our summer timetable:
Don’t Miss During Your Visit!
🦅 Free Scavenger Hunts
PLUS don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion, and our Owl Scavenger Hunt for the chance to win a £100 prize!
🦉 Meet the Minnie’s Handling Experience
Book at reception on the day for a hands-on encounter with some of our smaller feathered friends.
£10 per person (in addition to standard admission)
Flying Displays
Please arrive 15–20 minutes before our 11:30am display to make the most of your visit
Enjoy our 1:30pm flying display later in the day
After each display, there’s time to ask our handlers questions
After watching our two main displays, feel free to stay for our Training Display, where young and new birds are learning the ropes
🐦 Explore the Centre
Take time to explore 100+ birds on display throughout the centre.
🍰 Food & Refreshments
Feeling peckish? Our snack bar offers: Fresh sandwiches, crisps, cakes and ice creams. Hot and cold drinks
🥪 Picnics Welcome
You’re very welcome to bring your own picnic — after all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy lunch surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful birds?
📸 Photography
For more information and our latest photography policy, please click here.
Runs 7th July – 12th September
Experience an unforgettable flying display featuring an incredible variety of birds of prey from around the world. Watch these magnificent birds demonstrate their natural behaviours in a thrilling and immersive presentation.
🦅 Marvel at the speed, power and agility of our spectacular raptors.
🦉 Watch pairs of owls glide silently overhead as they swoop gracefully through the audience.
🐦 Meet our adorable Burrowing Owls as they showcase their unique personalities, before enjoying the cheeky antics and unmistakable laughter of our mischievous Kookaburra.
🖤 Hold your breath as our cheeky Black Vultures skim low overhead with their impressive wingspans.
🦅 You’ll also witness the breathtaking sight of our magnificent Steller’s Sea Eagle taking to the skies—an awe-inspiring experience that many visitors never forget.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly demonstration is especially popular with children and offers plenty of opportunities to learn more about these remarkable birds from our experienced team.
🌦️ Please note: All flying displays are weather dependent and may be altered or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable for the welfare of our birds or due to the centre’s operational commitments.
🌍 African Adventure Display
Where conservation, theatre and breathtaking flight come together.
It’s not just a show… it’s an unforgettable experience.
Step onto the savannah and experience an unforgettable journey into a world of survival, resilience and life.
🦅 This breathtaking display features 20–25 spectacular African birds, including:
• Elegant White Storks
• The lightning-fast Lanner Falcon
• The majestic African Fish Eagle
• Our awe-inspiring White-Headed Vulture, with a wingspan of nearly 8 feet
Watch as these incredible birds swoop, stoop and dive almost within touching distance, showcasing their natural behaviours in an immersive experience like no other.
🎶 Blending music, theatre and dramatic props, this powerful display delivers a vital conservation message — highlighting how we can all help protect some of the world’s most threatened species.
✨ The atmospheric grand finale is guaranteed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck — and may even bring a tear to your eye.
⏰ Time flies… don’t miss it!
Runs 7th July – 12th September
⚠️ Important Information
• Displays are weather dependent and subject to change
• We aim to fly as many birds as advertised, however some weather conditions may not be suitable for young or inexperienced birds
• Life-like carcass theatrical props, along with visual and audio effects, are used during the 1:30pm African Adventure Display to represent a wild feeding scene
Get even closer to some of our smaller feathered friends in this popular, hands-on experience at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre.
🕐 Times: 1:00pm & 3:00pm
💷 Price: £10 per person (in addition to admission)
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 10–20 minutes
📸 Photos welcome
Handle two selected birds during one of our dedicated sessions and enjoy a truly up-close experience. Learn all about each bird you meet and feel free to ask our knowledgeable bird staff as many questions as you like.
Species may include Barn Owls, Kestrels, Hawks, and Falcons depending on daily commitments.
⚠️ Booking is essential on arrival as spaces are limited and this experience is very popular.
🎟️ Tickets are purchased at reception and are non-refundable. Please arrive 5–10 minutes early at the meeting point.
👧 Recommended age: 4 years and over
ℹ️ This experience does not include centre admission.
