What Can I Expect

Falconry on the farm in Tunbridge Wells! We are offering owl and hawk encounters, as well as half-day birds of prey experiences at Honnington Farm, just south of Tunbridge Wells.

This corner of west Kent is perfect for falconry days. Honnington Farm is a huge estate encompassing 500 acres of typical Kentish agricultural countryside, complete with fishing lake, farming, forestry and livery services. The birds of prey certainly feel at home in these surroundings.

And indeed, the Harris Hawks love nothing more than heading out as a pair to hunt (Hawks are rare in that they hunt together as a family group in the wild), following you diligently as you stroll along the many hedgerows and fields of the Honnington estate.

On the Owl encounter you could be saying hello to veteran Bengal Eagle Owl Bob and listening in awe as Soren the Barn Owl screeches. Yes, that's right, Barn Owls screech - it's Tawny Owls who do the hooting!

You might get to meet Maggie the Lanner Falcon as part of your half-day birds of prey experience in Tunbridge Wells. A supreme hunter, it's a sheer delight to watch as she dive-bombs in reaching speeds of up to 200mph. It's amazing how well-equipped these complex creatures are for hunting their prey down.

Having said all that, these are captive-bred raptors, so they love meeting people. They've all been lovingly and respectfully trained by their falconers and as well as flying, many perform other duties, such as pest control, flying displays in and around west Kent and even falconry wedding services, where a feathered friend delivers the wedding rings to the bride and groom!

So if you've always wanted to look a Harris Hawk in the eye and admire the gorgeous feathers of an American Kestrel whilst flying them to your hand or walking with them in the wild, falconry in Tunbridge Wells is the experience for you.

When Is It Available

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators