Falconry Days Northumberland: Top Experiences 2025
- Brendon Hayward
- Jul 10
- 13 min read
Discover the ancient art of falconry against the dramatic backdrop of England's most historic county. Finding the perfect falconry days Northumberland has to offer can be a challenge, with a variety of providers scattered across its wild landscapes and iconic castle grounds. This guide simplifies your search by bringing together the best falconry experiences available, from hands-on sessions in the Cheviot Hills to captivating displays at world-famous heritage sites. We have compiled a detailed roundup to help you choose the ideal outing, whether you're a family seeking an educational adventure, a couple planning a unique date, or a solo traveller wanting to connect with nature.
This article provides a direct comparison of the top falconry centres and providers in the region. For each option, you will find essential, practical information designed to make your decision easier. We cover key details such as:
Location and Setting: Pinpoint where each experience takes place.
Experience Itinerary: Understand what the day involves, from handling birds to watching flying displays.
Booking and Pricing: Get direct links and clear cost information.
Our goal is to give you a clear, side-by-side look at what’s on offer, allowing you to confidently book an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent birds of prey.
1. Falconry Days Northumberland
For those seeking an authentic and deeply educational avian adventure, Falconry Days Northumberland offers one of the most comprehensive experiences in the region. Situated in the scenic heart of Hexham, this provider is renowned for its hands-on approach, allowing visitors to get remarkably close to a stunning variety of birds of prey. Their focus is not just on entertainment but on fostering a genuine understanding of falconry, bird behaviour, and conservation efforts.
The platform stands out for its diverse range of packages, catering to everyone from solo enthusiasts to families. The website is straightforward to navigate, clearly outlining what each experience entails, making it simple to choose the perfect day out. This combination of expert guidance and a stunning location within Northumberland National Park creates a truly memorable outing. For more ideas on connecting with nature in the area, you can discover local wildlife in Northumberland.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
Falconry Days provides several distinct experiences, ensuring there is something suitable for all interests and time commitments.
Half-Day & Full-Day Experiences: These immersive sessions involve handling and flying multiple birds, including hawks and falcons. The full-day option provides a deeper dive into the art of falconry.
Owl Encounters: A magical opportunity to meet, handle, and fly different species of owls, perfect for younger visitors and owl lovers.
Family Activity Days: Specifically designed for families, these days offer interactive and educational fun for all ages.
Wildlife Photography: Dedicated sessions for photographers to capture incredible, close-up shots of the birds in natural settings.
Booking Tip: Experiences are very popular, especially during school holidays and weekends. It is highly recommended to book well in advance via their website to secure your preferred date. Gift vouchers are also available and remain valid for 12 months, making them an excellent present.
What to Expect:
Location: Hexham, Northumberland (within the National Park)
Price Range: Experiences typically start from around £50 for shorter encounters and increase for full-day packages.
Pros: Expert falconers, wide variety of birds, strong educational focus, and beautiful scenery.
Cons: Activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in poor conditions.
Website: https://www.falconrydays.com/
2. Medieval Falconry at Warkworth Castle
For those who love history just as much as wildlife, Medieval Falconry at Warkworth Castle offers a unique and spectacular experience. Organised by English Heritage, these events combine the ancient art of falconry with the dramatic backdrop of one of Northumberland's most iconic fortresses. Visitors are treated to breathtaking aerial displays where magnificent birds of prey soar over the historic castle grounds, all while learning about the sport’s medieval roots from expert handlers in period attire.
This platform stands out by blending a thrilling falconry day with a cultural heritage tour. The English Heritage website clearly lists event dates and details, making it simple for families and history enthusiasts to plan their visit. This combination of an educational wildlife encounter and a historical exploration provides an exceptional day out. For those interested in the region's rich past, you can delve deeper with a Northumberland castle history guide.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
The events are designed to be an immersive part of a visit to the castle, rather than a standalone booking, offering great value for a full day of activities.
Medieval Falconry Displays: Watch as expert falconers demonstrate the power and grace of eagles, falcons, and owls in flight, all within the castle's atmospheric grounds.
Educational Talks: Learn about the historical significance of falconry in medieval society, the birds themselves, and the traditional training techniques used.
Interactive Sessions: These family-friendly events often include opportunities to see the birds up close and ask the falconers questions.
Full Castle Access: The falconry event is included with the standard admission ticket, allowing you to explore the entire Warkworth Castle and its riverside setting.
Booking Tip: As these are special events held on specific dates, check the English Heritage website for the "What's On" calendar. Booking your castle entry ticket online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee admission.
What to Expect:
Location: Warkworth Castle, Warkworth, Northumberland
Price Range: Included with standard castle admission (around £9.90 for an adult, with family and concession tickets available).
Pros: Excellent value as it's part of the castle entry fee, perfect for history buffs, and provides a full day of entertainment for families.
Cons: Events are only available on scheduled dates and are highly dependent on good weather.
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/warkworth-castle-medieval-falconry-19-20-aug-25/
3. Durham Falconry
Just a stone's throw from Northumberland, Durham Falconry offers a deeply personal and immersive avian experience, making it a worthy destination for those based in or visiting the region. As a family-run business, they specialise in creating tailored encounters that prioritise close interaction and genuine learning. Their approach is less about large-scale displays and more about fostering a personal connection between visitors and their magnificent birds of prey across vast, private landscapes.
What truly sets this provider apart is the sheer scale of their flying grounds, with over 450 acres of exclusive farm and woodland available for hawk walks and flying sessions. This expansive, natural setting provides an authentic backdrop for understanding bird behaviour and the art of falconry. The website is clear and welcoming, reflecting the friendly, hands-on nature of the business and making it easy for prospective visitors to understand the unique, small-group offerings.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
Durham Falconry focuses on quality over quantity, with each experience carefully crafted to provide maximum personal attention and hands-on time.
Hawk Walks: An intimate experience where you can walk through beautiful scenery while a trained Harris Hawk follows, flying to and from your gloved fist.
Half-Day & Full-Day Experiences: These sessions allow for a more in-depth exploration of falconry, involving handling and flying several different species of hawks, falcons, and owls.
Personalised Group Sessions: The team can tailor experiences for small private groups, making it ideal for family celebrations or unique team-building activities.
Educational Focus: All experiences have a strong emphasis on conservation, biology, and the history of falconry, delivered by passionate and knowledgeable handlers.
Booking Tip: Due to the small-group and personalised nature of their experiences, availability is limited. It is essential to book well in advance, especially for weekend dates, by contacting them directly through their website to discuss your requirements.
What to Expect:
Location: Near Wolsingham, County Durham (easily accessible from Northumberland)
Price Range: Contact directly for pricing, as experiences are often tailored to the group.
Pros: Highly personalised attention, vast and private flying grounds, suitable for all skill levels, and flexible booking.
Cons: Must book well in advance; limited availability during peak seasons due to the small-group focus.
Website: https://www.durhamfalconry.co.uk/
4. Raphael Historic Falconry at Alnwick Castle
For a truly unique experience that combines breathtaking birds of prey with one of England's most iconic castles, Raphael Historic Falconry at Alnwick Castle is an unmissable event. Rather than a private handling session, this offering provides spectacular medieval falconry displays set against the dramatic backdrop of the castle grounds. It's an ideal choice for families and history enthusiasts looking to integrate a thrilling wildlife show into a day of cultural exploration.
The platform, which is the official Alnwick Castle website, allows visitors to see the schedule and confirm that the falconry is running on their chosen day. The key advantage here is value; the displays are included with standard castle admission, making it a fantastic addition to an already packed day out. The informative commentary brings the history of falconry to life, making this one of the most engaging falconry days Northumberland has to offer, especially for those fascinated by the region's past. To plan your trip, you can explore stunning Northumberland historic sites.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
Raphael Historic Falconry focuses on delivering authentic and educational displays that captivate audiences of all ages.
Medieval Falconry Displays: Witness hawks, owls, and falcons in flight during dynamic demonstrations that showcase their natural abilities and historical significance.
Interactive Commentary: The experienced falconers provide a running commentary, explaining the art of falconry, the birds' behaviours, and their role in medieval society.
Multiple Daily Shows: The displays are typically held several times a day, offering flexibility for visitors to fit a show into their castle itinerary.
Historic Setting: The experience is enhanced by its location within the grounds of Alnwick Castle, known to many as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Booking Tip: As the falconry displays are part of the general castle admission, it is wise to book your castle tickets online in advance to save time on arrival. Check the "What's On" section of the Alnwick Castle website before your visit to confirm display times and dates, as they are scheduled events.
What to Expect:
Location: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland
Price Range: Included with the price of a standard castle admission ticket.
Pros: Excellent value as it is free with castle entry, highly engaging for families and history lovers, and multiple shows offer flexibility.
Cons: These are viewing displays, not hands-on experiences, and are only available on scheduled dates. The outdoor shows are also weather-dependent.
5. Thrumster Falconry
For seasoned falconers looking to elevate their passion from a day experience to a fully immersive hunting expedition, Thrumster Falconry presents a unique, specialised opportunity. Although located further afield in the Scottish Highlands, it warrants a place on this list for those in Northumberland willing to travel for an unparalleled, traditional falconry adventure. This establishment is not geared towards casual encounters but focuses on authentic hunting with elite birds like peregrine falcons over pointers for red grouse.
The platform stands apart by offering a complete package that includes accommodation specifically designed for falconers. The website details the extensive hunting grounds, onsite facilities like hawk mews and specialised kennels, and the very nature of their high-end, traditional sport focus. This makes Thrumster less of a "falconry day" provider and more of a destination for a dedicated hunting holiday, appealing to a niche but passionate segment of the falconry community.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
Thrumster’s offerings are centred around an authentic, multi-day hunting experience, distinguishing it from typical introductory sessions.
Traditional Hunting Experiences: The core service involves hunting red grouse with peregrine falcons over pointing dogs, a classic and challenging form of falconry.
Specialised Accommodation: The estate provides lodging with purpose-built facilities for visiting falconers, including secure mews for their birds and kennels for their dogs.
Extensive Hunting Grounds: Guests have access to vast, managed moorlands in the Scottish Highlands, providing a prime natural environment for the sport.
Expert Guidance: The experience is led by seasoned experts in traditional hunting techniques.
Booking Tip: Due to the specialised and exclusive nature of these experiences, enquiries should be made directly through the website well in advance. This is a significant investment and is best suited for those with prior falconry experience who are serious about the sport.
What to Expect:
Location: Wick, Caithness, Scottish Highlands (a considerable journey from Northumberland)
Price Range: High-end, premium pricing reflective of the all-inclusive, specialised nature of the hunting holiday.
Pros: Truly authentic hunting experience, comprehensive facilities for birds and handlers, and an immersive natural setting.
Cons: Primarily designed for experienced falconers, not beginners; high cost and significant travel distance from Northumberland.
6. Experience Gifts UK – Falconry Days Northumberland
For those looking to give the gift of an unforgettable animal encounter, Experience Gifts UK provides a streamlined and flexible platform. Instead of booking directly with a single venue, this website acts as a curator, partnering with reputable local falconry centres in Northumberland to offer a variety of experience vouchers. This approach is perfect for gift-giving, allowing the recipient to choose a date and time that suits them best.
The platform’s key advantage is its convenience and the breadth of options available through its partners. The website is clean and user-friendly, making it simple to purchase a voucher for a specific type of falconry day in Northumberland. It consolidates offerings from various providers into one accessible marketplace, removing the guesswork from finding the perfect present for an animal lover. This makes it an ideal starting point if you're planning a trip and want to discover the best short break Northumberland has to offer.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
Experience Gifts UK presents a range of curated falconry packages, each provided by established local experts.
Diverse Falconry Experiences: Vouchers are available for everything from introductory hawk walks and owl encounters to comprehensive full-day falconry sessions.
Gift Vouchers: The core offering is a gift voucher, typically valid for 12 months, providing maximum flexibility for the recipient.
Easy Online Process: The entire process, from purchase to redemption, is handled online, making it an efficient way to organise a special occasion.
Reputable Partners: The platform partners with established and well-regarded falconry centres, ensuring a high-quality experience.
Booking Tip: When purchasing a gift voucher, encourage the recipient to book their chosen date well in advance, especially for weekend or holiday periods, as availability is determined by the individual partner centre.
What to Expect:
Location: Varies depending on the partner centre chosen in Northumberland.
Price Range: Prices are competitive and align with direct booking rates, starting from around £45 for shorter encounters.
Pros: Excellent for gifting, flexible booking dates for recipients, convenient online purchase, and a good variety of curated experiences.
Cons: The specifics of the experience depend on the chosen partner provider; availability can be limited during peak times.
7. Falconry Days – Book an Experience
For those ready to move from planning to action, the Falconry Days online booking platform offers a direct and efficient way to secure your avian adventure. This section of their website is dedicated to providing a transparent, user-friendly booking experience, allowing you to easily browse and select from their full range of falconry days in Northumberland. It stands out for its clarity, with detailed descriptions of each activity, duration, and what's included.
The platform eliminates guesswork by presenting all available options in one place, from short encounters to comprehensive full-day sessions. This direct-booking model ensures you have the most up-to-date information on availability and pricing. An experience like this can be a key part of a restorative trip, and you can explore more ways to connect with the outdoors on a nature retreat. The site’s functionality makes it simple to organise a truly memorable day.
Key Offerings and Booking Details
The booking platform provides direct access to the full suite of Falconry Days experiences, catering to various interests and group sizes.
Mini Falconry Experience: An ideal taster session lasting 90 minutes, perfect for those with limited time or new to falconry.
Full-Day Falconry: A deeply immersive 6-hour experience offering extensive hands-on time with a variety of birds.
Gift Vouchers: The platform allows for the easy purchase of gift vouchers, which can be redeemed online against any experience.
Rebooking Protection: An optional add-on that provides flexibility in case your plans need to change.
Booking Tip: The online system shows live availability, so it's best to book as soon as you have a date in mind, particularly for weekend slots. Check the specific age requirements listed for each experience, as some may not be suitable for very young children.
What to Expect:
Location: Bookings are for experiences held at their Hexham, Northumberland centre.
Price Range: Prices are clearly listed, starting around £55 for the Mini Experience and going up for full-day options.
Pros: Very user-friendly booking interface, clear and transparent pricing, and multiple experience options available.
Cons: Some activities have specific age restrictions, and all are subject to weather conditions.
Falconry Days Northumberland Comparison Chart
Item | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Falconry Days Northumberland | Moderate | Experienced staff, scenic location | Immersive falconry and educational experience | Educational activities, photography, families | Flexible booking, diverse birds, expert staff |
Medieval Falconry at Warkworth Castle | Low | Castle entry access, scheduled events | Cultural and historical falconry show | History enthusiasts, family visits | Included in castle entry, engaging demonstrations |
Durham Falconry | Moderate | Personalized sessions, natural large area | Close interaction, tailored education | Beginners, small groups, nature lovers | Small groups, flexible scheduling |
Raphael Historic Falconry at Alnwick Castle | Low | Castle admission, scheduled shows | Medieval falconry displays with history | Families, history fans, castle visitors | Multiple daily shows, free with admission |
Thrumster Falconry | High | Specialized facilities, accommodation | Authentic hunting falconry experience | Experienced falconers, immersive hunts | Genuine hunting, full facilities, natural setting |
Experience Gifts UK – Falconry Days Northumberland | Low | Online platform, partner providers | Flexible falconry gift experiences | Gift givers, flexible users | Convenient online purchase, variety of options |
Falconry Days – Book an Experience | Low | Online booking system, detailed info | Convenient and customizable bookings | Direct customers seeking various experiences | User-friendly, clear pricing, multiple options |
Choosing Your Ultimate Falconry Day in Northumberland
Northumberland's wild, historic landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the ancient art of falconry. As we've explored, the region is rich with exceptional providers, each offering a unique window into the world of these magnificent birds of prey. From the dramatic ramparts of Alnwick and Warkworth Castles to the tranquil, rolling hills of dedicated falconry centres, your ideal avian adventure awaits.
This guide has showcased a diverse array of options, proving that there is no single "best" choice, only the one that is best for you. Your decision ultimately hinges on the kind of experience you're seeking. Are you a history enthusiast dreaming of seeing a falcon fly from a medieval castle wall? Or perhaps a family looking for a hands-on, educational day out in a more intimate, rural setting? By considering your personal preferences, group size, and desired level of immersion, you can confidently select the perfect day.
Key Takeaways for Selecting Your Experience
To help you make the final choice, let's recap the most important factors to consider when booking one of these fantastic falconry days in Northumberland.
Setting and Atmosphere: Do you prefer the historic grandeur of a castle like Alnwick or Warkworth, or the dedicated, natural environment of a specialist centre like Falconry Days or Thrumster Falconry? The setting dramatically shapes the feel of the day.
Group Size and Intimacy: Some experiences, particularly private bookings, offer a more personal and in-depth session. Larger group or public displays, while still spectacular, provide a different dynamic. Consider what works best for your party, whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, or a family.
Hands-On Interaction: Review each provider’s itinerary carefully. How much time will you spend handling the birds versus watching demonstrations? If holding and flying a hawk or owl is your top priority, look for providers that emphasise this element in their packages.
Bird Diversity: Are you hoping to see a specific species? While most centres feature a variety of hawks, falcons, and owls, some may have a particular focus or even feature eagles and vultures. Check their websites or contact them directly if you have a particular bird in mind.
Accessibility and Location: Consider the practicalities. Check the location's accessibility, parking facilities, and proximity to other attractions you plan to visit in Northumberland. This is especially important if you are travelling with young children or individuals with mobility concerns.
Final Thoughts on Your Northumberland Adventure
Embarking on a falconry day in Northumberland is more than just an activity; it's an opportunity to connect with nature, touch history, and create lasting memories. The feeling of a hawk landing gently on your gloved fist, its sharp eyes meeting yours, is a truly unforgettable moment. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep and ancient bond between humans and these incredible predators.
Whichever experience you choose, you are guaranteed a day filled with awe and wonder, set against the breathtaking scenery of England's most northern county. Prepare to be captivated, educated, and inspired.
After an exhilarating day spent with Northumberland’s magnificent birds of prey, retreat to the peace and comfort of your own private sanctuary. At Fell Farm Hideaway, our luxury cabins offer the perfect basecamp for your county adventures, allowing you to relax and reflect on your falconry experience amidst stunning rural landscapes. Discover your tranquil escape and book your stay at Fell Farm Hideaway.