Yes, you can do a falconry experience close to Bath. West of England Falconry is a bird of prey centre near the middle of Bath, and The Bird of Prey Project is just outside the city in Newton St Loe. Both let you handle, feed and fly birds of prey rather than just watch them from behind glass.
West of England Falconry
West of England Falconry is a rehabilitation and education centre for birds of prey, located near the centre of Bath. Its flying experiences help fund the centre's conservation and education work, and visitors can handle, feed and fly resident falcons, hawks and owls rather than just view them. Beyond standard flying sessions, it also runs extra activities including storytime with the owls, a bird of prey photography experience, and a dusk flying display with a sunset talk. Because it's close to the city centre, it's one of the easier falconry options to combine with a day otherwise spent in Bath itself.
The Bird of Prey Project (Newton St Loe)
The Bird of Prey Project sits just outside Bath in Newton St Loe, a short drive from the centre. Visitors consistently highlight the knowledgeable, hands-on staff and the up-close flying displays. Group "Fly a Bird" sessions have previously been priced in the £14.50-£16.50 per person range, though that figure is a couple of years old now, so treat it as a rough guide and confirm the current rate before booking. Tickets are typically valid for the whole day, so you can come and go between flying sessions rather than being tied to one fixed slot.
Guided tours that combine a falconry experience with Bath itself
Several tour operators also sell a combined package: a walking tour of Bath paired with a trip out to a small countryside falconry site where you fly a hawk. The falconry portion generally runs 60 to 90 minutes, and it's not usually suitable for children under 8. It's also weather-dependent; if conditions are unsuitable for outdoor flying, you may be offered an indoor session flying owls instead. These packages sit at a higher price point than booking a flying session directly with a centre, since you're paying for the guided walking tour as well.
Which option to pick
- Want something close to the centre, with extras like owl storytime or a dusk display: West of England Falconry.
- Want a good-value group flying session and a full day on site: The Bird of Prey Project in Newton St Loe.
- Want a guided city tour bundled with a one-off hawk-flying experience: One of the combined tour packages, bearing in mind the weather dependency and age restriction.
Booking tips
- Book ahead: Flying sessions and group experiences are generally pre-booked rather than walk-in, especially at weekends.
- Check age limits: Some sessions, particularly the combined hawk-flying tours, aren't suitable for young children.
- Confirm the weather policy: Outdoor flying displays can move indoors or be rescheduled in poor weather, so ask what happens if conditions turn bad on your date.
- Prices change: Confirm current pricing directly with each centre, since published figures can be a season or two out of date.
At a glance
| West of England Falconry | The Bird of Prey Project | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Near Bath city centre | Newton St Loe, just outside Bath |
| Format | Handling, feeding, flying sessions; extras like owl storytime | Group "Fly a Bird" sessions, all-day ticket |
| Good for | Combining with a day in Bath | Value group sessions, a longer visit |
| Booking | Advance booking recommended | Advance booking recommended |
FAQs
Is there a falconry experience near Bath? Yes. West of England Falconry is near the centre of Bath, and The Bird of Prey Project is just outside the city in Newton St Loe.
Can you fly a hawk or owl near Bath? Yes, both West of England Falconry and The Bird of Prey Project offer hands-on flying experiences with birds of prey, not just viewing.
Is falconry near Bath suitable for children? It varies by provider and session. Some combined tour-and-falconry packages aren't suitable for children under 8, so check the specific experience's age policy before booking.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day? Outdoor flying displays are weather-dependent. Some providers offer an indoor alternative, such as flying owls inside, if outdoor conditions aren't suitable.
Do you need to book a falconry experience near Bath in advance? Yes, it's recommended. Flying sessions and group experiences are generally pre-booked, especially at weekends.
How much does a falconry experience near Bath cost? Prices vary by provider and have changed over time, so check current pricing directly with West of England Falconry or The Bird of Prey Project before you book.