Falconry Days

Falconry DaysLady Hill Farm, Simonburn, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3EE, England
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Northumberland? Falconry Days is an incredible wildlife attraction and outdoor educational centre featuring over 90 majestic birds of prey. It provides an engaging day out where visitors can explore specialized aviaries, learn about raptor conservation, and watch hands-on flying demonstrations.

Guided meet-the-birds tours are priced from £38.00 for Family, while mini falconry experience days start at £52.00. Family activity days and group tour packages are also available starting from £38.00.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines up-close animal encounters with beautiful rural surroundings, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers an intimate, hands-on experience where children can see rare owls, hawks, and falcons just feet away.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Interactive Handling Sessions: Fully guided hands-on opportunities where participants can hold and fly hawks, owls, and falcons under expert supervision.
  • Diverse Raptor Collection: Carefully designed aviaries housing over 90 individual birds, including eagles, buzzards, and rare international owl species.
  • Educational Walking Tours: Informative keeper-led sessions detailing the history of falconry, natural habitats, and raptor rehabilitation.
  • Scenic Countryside Setting: Peaceful farm surroundings located in the heart of the picturesque Tyne Valley.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Guided Meet-the-Birds Tour: Join an expert falconer for an introductory walk past the outdoor aviaries. Children love hearing individual stories about the 90-plus residents and seeing the birds up close.
  • The Mini Falconry Experience: Take part in a 90-minute hands-on session that introduces younger visitors to holding and flying friendly hawks. It provides a thrilling, confidence-building highlight for kids.
  • The World-Wide Owl Encounter: Step into specialized aviaries to meet diverse owl species from around the globe. Their silent flight and distinct facial features captivate visitors of all ages.
  • The Flying Demonstration Area: Watch trained raptors swoop across open fields during interactive flight sessions. Seeing hunting birds slice through the air just inches away leaves a lasting impression.
  • The Full-Range Raptor Flight Lines: Observe larger birds of prey, including buzzards and falcons, executing traditional flight paths. It offers an authentic look at the ancient art of working with working birds of prey.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Amenities: Standard visitor restrooms located on-site at the farm facility.
  • Buggy Access: Gravel and farm pathways cover the main visitor routes, requiring sturdy pushchairs for comfortable navigation.
  • Food Options: Light refreshments available locally, with nearby Hexham cafes and country pubs offering extensive family menus.
  • Picnic Areas: Outdoor seating spaces available for visitors bringing their own snacks and lunches.

Pro-Tips

  • Dress Sensibly: Because experiences take place outdoors in open farm fields, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing are essential.
  • Book Popular Slots Early: Weekend and school holiday slots fill up quickly, so advance online booking is strongly advised.
  • Arrive Promptly: Sessions typically start promptly at 11:00 AM, meaning early arrival ensures a relaxed check-in process.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is Falconry Days worth it for toddlers? Falconry Days is worth it for toddlers and young children because they can enjoy gentle guided walking tours and see colorful owls and hawks up close in a calm environment.
  • How long does a family visit take? A typical family visit lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on whether you choose a short guided tour or an immersive mini falconry handling experience.
  • Where is the best place to park? Visitors can park directly on-site at Lady Hill Farm, which provides convenient access right next to the main reception and flying areas.
  • Are there cheap outdoor activities in Northumberland for families? Falconry Days offers budget-friendly guided walking tours starting at £15 per person, making it an affordable outdoor wildlife option in the North East.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Hadrian's Wall Country: Historic Roman fort sites, museums, and walking routes situated just a short drive away.
  • Hexham Abbey: A striking historic ecclesiastical building located in nearby Hexham market town.
  • Kielder Water and Forest Park: Vast nearby reservoir offering water sports, cycling trails, and dark-skies stargazing.
  • Local Tyne Valley Trails: Picturesque countryside walking paths winding through traditional Northumbrian farmland.

What Visitors Love:

  • The hands-on interaction allows children to hold real birds of prey safely under expert guidance.
  • Staff members are exceptionally knowledgeable, patient, and engaging with younger participants.
  • The intimate rural setting avoids massive theme-park crowds, making for a calm family day out.
  • Informative talks strike the ideal balance between being educational and genuinely entertaining.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Public transport connections to the rural farm location are virtually non-existent, requiring a car.
  • On-site catering options are limited, meaning families need to plan ahead for meals.
  • Outdoor sessions are subject to weather conditions, requiring flexibility during seasonal storms.

Attractions & Live Exhibits

  • Birds of Prey: Barn owls, tawny owls, eagle owls, kestrels, buzzards, gosharks, and peregrine falcons.
  • Interactive Sessions: Guided meet-the-birds tours, mini falconry experiences, owl encounters, and full-day handling courses.
  • Live Shows: Seasonal outdoor flying displays and handling demonstrations integrated directly into experience packages.
  • Educational Talks: Comprehensive keeper chats covering raptor biology, conservation, and training techniques.

New for 2026

  • Expanded Aviary Enrichment Zones: Newly updated multi-tier enclosures designed to improve bird welfare and visitor viewing angles.
  • Upgraded Digital Booking Portal: Streamlined online scheduling system allowing visitors to secure specific tour slots instantly.
  • Refreshed Arrival Hub: Improved check-in layout at Lady Hill Farm to welcome families smoothly during peak season.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Family Meet the Birds Tour: £38.00
  • Guided Meet the Birds Tour: £15.00
  • Mini Falconry Experience Day: £52.00
  • Owl Encounter: £63.00
  • Raptor Experience: £63.00
  • Family Activity Day: £185.00
  • Mini Family Activity Day: £139.00
  • National Park Bird of Prey Experience: £150.00
  • National Park Family Owl Encounter: £185.00
  • Half Day Falconry Experience: £150.00
  • Full Day Falconry Experience: £180.00
  • Bird of Prey Digital Photography Day: £180.00
  • Hunting Experience Day: £200.00 (October–March)

Pricing URL: https://www.falconrydays.com/book-online

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: Information available on official website. While standardized children's birthday party packages are not explicitly listed, private group tours and family experience days can be booked directly.
  • Contact for Bookings: Enquiries for private group celebrations can be arranged by contacting the team via email or telephone at 01434 689681.
  • 1 March–31 October: Open daily.
  • 31 October–1 March: Open weekends only.
  • Closed: 24, 25, 26 & 31 December and 1 January.

Address: Falconry DaysLady Hill Farm, Simonburn, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3EE, England

Post Code: NE48 3EE

Council: Northumberland

County: Northumberland

  • By Car: Located at Lady Hill Farm, Simonburn, Hexham, Northumberland (Postcode: NE48 3EE), easily reached via rural regional driving routes with on-site parking available.
  • By Train & Bus: There are no direct train or regular bus services stopping near the farm; private car travel is essential.

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