What Can I Expect

Falconry in Leicestershire! Get up close to cute little owls and fly beady-eyed eagles on full days, half days and owl encounters at this farm near Market Harborough, just south of Leicester city centre, in the farming heartland of a county with a long tradition of hunting and country sports.

Your host is Andrew. To put it simply, Andrew loves being a falconer. It's hard work and long hours, but after you've spent weeks or even months training a raptor and you then watch them fly free for the first time with such grace and finesse, it is a magical moment and ultimately very rewarding, as you will learn for yourself…

Meeting everyone at the farm is a really special moment. Say hi to the eagles and check out the size of those claws, be amazed by the nimble falcons and expect a warm welcome from the falconer's four footed friends Boris and Walt the gun dogs too.

You will also be shown the classic falconry techniques to get the raptors flying straight onto your gloved hand. In fact, you can expect to be getting so close to these birds that you'll be able to see their feathers ruffle in the breeze and, if you dare, look them right in the eye.

Those on the full day course will carry on during the afternoon, going out and about with the birds, typically flying an Eagle or Eagle Owl with a walk round with the Harris hawks or buzzard.

Andrew also offers an Owl Encounter session, where you'll spend three hours meeting, learning about and flying a variety of species of Owl.

Whichever experience voucher you pick, you're sure to learn an awful lot about falconry at Leicestershire's friendliest centre near Market Harborough. Andrew is a superb host and is very skilled with and enthusiastic about each and every feathered friend he trains and flies.

When Is It Available

• Experiences run on selected weekends and weekdays throughout the year
• Half days and owl encounters usually run 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
• Full day sessions operate from 10am-5pm (9.30am-4.30pm December and January)
• You may form part of a group of up to six participants

Suitable For

• Minimum age is 14
• Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult
• No alcohol or pets on site please

Spectators

Spectators are welcome for an additional charge payable on the day;

Anything Else

• There are toilets on site
• Nearby pubs, hotels and B&B's can be recommended when booking