Visitor Information



Daily Flying Displays

We run a full and varied flying display timetable each day, giving you plenty of opportunities to see our birds in action. Our programme changes throughout the year and includes special themed flying displays — so there’s always a reason to come back and see something new.

View Current Timetables:
👉 Spring Flying Timetable
👉 Summer Flying Timetable
👉 Autumn Flying Timetable


Important Information

🌤 All displays are weather permitting

🎟 No pre-booking required for general admittance

📸 Photography is welcome — please follow our photography policy and staff guidance at all times


Dates Closed in 2026:

  • Friday 26th June
  • Saturday 27th June
  • Sunday 28th June

Opening Hours:

Closed till spring 2026

Location:

Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
Sion Hill Hall, Kirby Wiske
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 4EU

SAT NAV YO7 4ET

What Three Words location: hawks.gain.play

Tel: 01845 587522

Email: Mail@falconrycentre.co.uk


⚠️ Safety & Weather Notice

The safety and welfare of our birds and visitors is always our top priority. In severe weather conditions — such as very strong winds — we may need to close if it is unsafe to open.

In some circumstances we may remain open but run an adapted flying timetable based on the forecast and conditions on the day.

If poor weather is expected, we strongly recommend checking with us before travelling.


🦅 On Your Visit

We have one of the largest collections of flying birds in the North. The centre is home to around 100 birds from over 50 species from around the world, allowing us to fly an amazing variety of birds in our daily free flight displays — all set in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Our displays feature a wide range of species including owls, vultures, eagles and kites, to name just a few of the birds that call the centre home.


Daily Flying Displays

Our flying displays last around 35–40 minutes, and you can expect to get very close to our fantastic birds as they swoop, dive and soar overhead.

We run a full and varied flying timetable each day, with programmes that change throughout the year and include special themed displays — so there’s always a reason to come back and see something new.

During displays you may:

  • Witness one of the heaviest eagle species in the world take to the sky
  • Marvel at the silent flight of the graceful barn owl
  • Learn about the beauty and importance of vultures
  • Enjoy light-hearted and informative commentary from our passionate bird staff

We fly different birds in each display, so we recommend staying for more than one. Keep an eye out for favourites such as the cheeky kookaburra, mischievous caracaras, and elegant white storks.

During your visit you’ll also discover more about the conservation projects we are currently undertaking — and by visiting, you are directly helping support this important work.


Explore Between Displays

Between displays, take a walk around the aviaries to see our impressive bird collection in their rest areas. You may also spot additional birds flying during one of our popular experience days.

With block-paved paths throughout, the centre is fully accessible for all visitors.


Food, Gifts & Facilities

☕ While we do not have an on-site café, we do have a snack bar offering a selection of hot and cold drinks along with cold light snacks, including sandwiches, crisps, cakes and ice creams.

🪑 Picnic Benches
Picnic benches are located around the centre, giving you plenty of places to relax. You’re very welcome to bring your own picnic and enjoy it in our peaceful setting — surrounded by birds of prey.

🎁 Gift Shop
Our well-stocked gift shop offers souvenirs for all ages and budgets, making it the perfect place to pick up a keepsake from your visit.


Family Activities & Extras

Make your visit even more fun:

🪶 Free Vulture Scavenger Hunt — complete it and receive a treat
🦉 Owl Scavenger Hunt — enter a prize draw worth £100

🪶 Meet the Minnies Handling Experience

Book at reception on the day for a chance to get even closer to some of our smaller feathered friends.

  • Selected birds take part (subject to daily commitments)
  • £10 per person in addition to standard admission
  • Ask at reception for today’s availability.

Entrance Fees

  • Adults: £10.95 (16 years and up)
  • Concession: £9.95 (65 years and over )
  • Children: £8.95 (children under 3 years go FREE)
  • Family Tickets: £37.00 (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children)
  • Adult Groups (10+): £9.95 per person (must be pre booked)
  • School Group Discounts Available: Please call 01845 587522

Further Information

  • Snack Bar (sorry no hot food available)
  • Gift Shop
  • Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities
  • Picnic Area (outdoor eating only)
  • Disabled Parking and Access To All Areas.
  • All Major Credit Cards Accepted
  • Sorry No Dogs Allowed Including Service Dogs.

📸 Photography Guidelines

We are happy for visitors to take photographs of our birds, including during flying displays. To ensure the safety and comfort of our birds, staff, and guests, please follow these conditions:

🚫 No tripods permitted

📷 Maximum lens size: No more than 4 inches in length from the front of the camera body

For full details, please read our complete photography policy here:
👉 https://falconrycentre.co.uk/photography-policy/

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Plan your visit

  • No need to pre-book.
  • Arrive 10 minutes before our 11:30am display. Please click here for our Spring, Summer or Autumn Timetable.
  • After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  • Explore the other 100+ birds on display.
  • 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.
  • Picnics are welcome.
  • You will be now ready for our 1:30pm flying display.
  • After the display there will be a chance to ask the handlers any questions you may have.
  • You may also get the chance to watch birds being exercised or in training.
  • Remember we also have our 3:30pm training flying display to enjoy. (25th May – 30th September)
  • Visit the shop/snack bar for any gifts and souvenirs prior to departure.