Where do you usually take the kids on a family day out? Have you visited Helmsley in North Yorkshire? A market town with lots to offer families, including the National Centre for Birds of Prey, at Duncombe Park.
Our writer, Rachel McAlley recently spent an afternoon at the centre taking in all the glorious birds, demonstrations, and generally having fun.
Birds of Prey
Conservation and education are at the heart of everything that the National Centre for Birds of Prey does. Visitors and guests can find out about their onsite special breeding program. Equally, you can learn about conservation projects from around the world that they are involved with.
There are many different birds to see including vultures, eagles, hawks and lots of beautiful owls, all varying in size. The centre is nestled in 10 acres of woodland at Duncombe Park, and has over 40 aviaries. You will find magnificent raptors, a learning centre, and an onsite Owl House Café.
You will be able to watch daily flying demonstrations between 24th March and 31st October at set times that include 11.30am, 2pm, and 4.15pm. For the rest of the year the centre is open, and demonstration times are at 11.30am and 2pm only.
Birds of Prey Demonstrations
Each demonstration is where you, the visitor will learn about that particular bird of prey from the handler. The handler will offer a greater insight into where the bird is from, what it eats, and how the centre is helping to conserve these beautiful creatures. The birds are changed every demo, so they can spread their wings, fly, and enjoy the open space.
Attending a demonstration is a great way to see these birds soar through the sky. Visitors are welcome to take cameras and snap as many pictures as they like. We were lucky to see an African Sea Eagle in the late afternoon demonstration. It’s had a staggering wing span of over 6 feet, and can reach 20 miles per hour while in flight. Really, it was quite a beautiful thing to see in person.
We should have stayed longer, taken more time to find out about each individual bird, and enjoy the onsite cafe. The African Sea Eagle stole the show, but finding out about all the different breeds of owl wowed us.
Things To See & Do
We took part an ink stamp trail, which gave the kids something to look out for and take part in around the centre. There are plenty of information signs dotted around the area to highlight the different species that can be found at the conservation centre. Visitors are able to utilise the woodland walks around the site during their visit, which is great for exploring. Equally, there’s a unique little gift shop where you can pick up merchandise from the National Centre for Birds of Prey.
If you are interested in the owls, like we are, there are specific dates that you can book to take part in a Winter Owl Evening. This is a full evening complete with welcome drink, meeting the aviary owls (lit only by fairy lights and lanterns), watch the tiny owls fly, and a 2-course dinner in the Owl House Café.
As previously mentioned, there’s plenty to do whilst visiting the National Centre for Birds of Prey. You can book an experience with the raptors, or with the owls, and you can go on a hawk walk. Visit the NCBP website to find out how to book an experience, pay for tickets, or to get general information.
This is a wonderful day out for all the family, both young and old! Admission prices are £15 per adult, £11.50 per child (age 4-16), £14 (age 65+), £45 per family (2+2), and under 4s are completely free.
National Centre For Birds Of Prey – Magnificent Day Out – Words by Rachel McAlley @LadyRach
