Summer Flying Timetable

Summer Timetable * July * August * September *

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.

Summer Flying Timetable Starting 7th July

Summer Timetable * July * August * September * Open 10:30am – 5:00pm

Main Displays 11:30 & 1:30pm. Training Display 3:30pm. Open 7 days a Week.  Last Admittance 3:45pm 

 If you’re planning a visit with us soon, here’s a reminder of our summer timetable:

  • 10:30am – TBOPC opens (arrive 15-20mins before the display)
  • 11:30am – Warriors of The Sky Flying Display
  • 12:15pm – Ideal Lunch Time (Snack bar offering sandwiches, crisps,cakes, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Picnics are also welcome.)
  • 1.00pm – Meet the Minnie’s  Experience*
  • 1:30pm – African Adventure Display (the main display of the day hosting up to 30 birds)
  • 3:00pm – Meet the Minnie’s Experience*
  • 3:30pm – Training Flying Display*
  • 5:00pm – TBOPC Closes 🕣
PLUS don’t forget to complete our free Vulture Scavenger Hunt for a treat on completion and our Owl Scavenger Hunt to enter a prize draw worth £140!
*Book your Meet the Minnie’s Handling Experience at reception. £10pp in addition to the day admission fee.
* After watching our two main displays of the day feel free to join us for our training display where some of our young and new birds will be learning the ropes.
*Displays are weather permitting 
  • Please arrive 15-20 minutes before our 11:30am display to really make the most of your visit and then watch the 1:30pm flying display. After the displays there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  • Explore the other 100+ birds on display.
  • If your feeling peckish then don’t worry we have you covered, in our snack bar we over sandwiches, crisp, cakes, plus hot and cold drinks are also available or try an ice cream to cool down on a hot day.
  • Picnics are also welcome, after all who wouldn’t want to have a picnic surrounded by some of the most beautiful birds from around the world.
  • For more information and our latest photography policy please click here.
 We also run pre-booked experience days starting from £70. Why not join us for one of our bird jam packed experience days!
Please call 01845 587522 for availability.

Warriors Of The Sky – 11:30am

Runs 7th July – 12th September

See birds from all across the globe!

Enjoy the experience of watching and getting up close to our birds of prey demonstrating their natural behaviour in this intriguing display. You will be amazed as you experience, close up, the incredible acrobatic skills of some of our amazing raptors, enjoy seeing pairs of owls demonstrate their ability to fly silently as they swoop through the audience. Watch the Striated Caracara show her preferred colour and our naughty Black Vultures skimming over our audience. Be enthralled by our pair of Steller’s Sea Eagles as they take to the sky.

This demonstration is fun for all ages especially children.

All displays are weather dependent and subject to change due to the weather conditions on the day and the centres commitments.

 

African Adventure Display – 1:30pm

Runs 7th July – 12th September

The African Adventure Display…. our BIGGEST show yet!!!

Join us as we give you a glimpse of the Savannah.

This show will take you into a world of survival, resilience but most of all life!

Hosting between 25- 30 spectacular African birds including the elegant White Storks, speedy Lanner Falcon, majestic African Fish Eagle and not forgetting our White Headed Vulture with a wingspan of nearly 8ft. Watch these amazing birds show you their natural behaviour as they swoop, stoop and dive almost within touching distance of our audience. This exciting display blends music, theatre and props to bring a true message of conservation and how we can help conserve some of our most threatened species in the world.

Our atmospheric grand finale is sure to raise the hair on the back of your neck or even bring a tear to your eye.

Time flies so don’t miss it!!!

  • All displays are weather dependent and subject to change due to the weather conditions on the day and the centres commitments.
  • We aim to fly as many birds as possible each day (as advertised), but some weather conditions sadly may not be suitable for young or inexperienced birds and therefore may not be able to take part in the show on the day

    Warning:  Please be aware that life like carcass theatrical props will be present to give a visual representation of a wild feeding scene.  Other visual and audio effects will also be used throughout 1:30pm African Adventure Display. 

Special Events This Summer

  • Monday 4th August 2025 – International Owl Awareness Day (IOAD) raises awareness about our beloved nocturnal raptors annually on 4th August.
Owls have long captivated us with their mystery and perceived wisdom, but their representation in pop culture media, folklore, and material possessions does not always do these magical creatures justice.
International Owl Awareness Day not only celebrates the humble owl, but it also educates our community on how they can join us in conserving and protecting these fantastic beasts.
Come and have a hoot of a time with us and our special guests,
There will be book readings, meet and greet, funny stories and lots of owls!
More information will be added closer to the date.

  • Monday 25th August – Bank Holiday Monday. Bank Holiday Timetable will be added closer to the event.

 

  • Saturday 6th September – International Vulture Awareness Day. A day we all love and we can’t wait to take part in this event once again. International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is so important. It is a chance to shatter the myths, celebrate the wonder of vultures, and take action to protect these vital birds before it’s too late. Join us on the first Saturday of September as we honour the unsung heroes that keep our natural world in balance. Timetable will be added closer to the event.

Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

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. £10 pp (subject to availability).

Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times.

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

Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.

Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins.

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.