Herrings Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre

Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT, England
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Herrings Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre is an outstanding rural treasure and stands proudly as one of the most interactive things to do with kids in Bedfordshire. Originally established as a leading wildlife haven, it holds the distinguished title of housing one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the UK, featuring over 200 birds. Located on Cotton End Road in Wilstead, this remarkable facility provides a perfect blend of a working family farm with a premier avian conservation center, offering families an immersive space to connect deeply with nature.

The admission model is straightforward and represents excellent value for money, allowing families to access extensive daily schedules filled with educational experiences. Standard entry passes cover all main daily farm events, ensuring households can budget clearly without worrying about hidden upcharges at every turn. There is no requirement for special pre-qualifications to explore the grounds; the venue is designed from the ground up to cultivate a "curious spirit" and provide a relaxing, judgment-free kingdom where all little explorers can let their imaginations drift.

If you are trying to map out a great day out with family and kids, this lively activity hub offers a perfect educational excursion. Rather than navigating packed commercial theme parks, parents can relax while children marvel at spectacular flying demonstrations or handle majestic owls. Managed by a passionate team of expert keepers, the venue helps kids build confidence and self-esteem as they explore hands-on animal encounters and immerse themselves in the deep mysteries of the natural world.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Massive Birds of Prey Collection: Home to more than 200 magnificent birds from around the globe, including various species of owls, hawks, eagles, falcons, and kites.
  • Interactive Family Farm: Features a large collection of friendly farm animals such as rare breeds of goats and sheep, alpacas, ponies, donkeys, and wallabies.
  • Critter & Reptile Exhibits: A specialized indoor section housing exotic mammals, cheeky parrots, slithery snakes, and scaly reptiles.
  • Outdoor Play & Sport Zones: Upgraded outdoor play areas for children packed with playground equipment and a fun crazy golf course.

Highlights 

  • Spectacular Flying Displays: Watch in awe as majestic eagles, falcons, and kites take to the skies in dramatic, educational flying demonstrations.
  • Owl Meet & Greets: Get up close to species ranging from the tiny Scops Owl to the giant Eagle Owl, holding them safely on a heavy leather glove.
  • Tractor & Trailer Rides: Hop aboard the big red tractor for a scenic ride around the farm fields (available seasonally between April and September).
  • Animal Feeding Sessions: Take part in regular scheduled keeper talks where kids can directly hand-feed the cheeky goats, sheep, and alpacas.
  • Junior Keeper Days: Book older kids into specialized day workshops to experience cleaning, feeding, and walking the farm animals alongside real staff.

Beyond the Main Attraction: The farm sits nestled in the scenic Bedfordshire countryside, just a brief drive away from Bedford town centre. The on-site infrastructure features Maggie’s Tea Room and a well-stocked gift shop full of cuddly toys and educational books. A brief drive brings you into the heart of Bedford or nearby Wixams, where you can explore beautiful community parks, local heritage trails, and family-friendly dining options for an extended weekend trip.

Facilities

  • Maggie’s Tea Room: A cozy indoor café serving a regular daily selection of sandwiches, wraps, freshly baked cakes, hot drinks, and snacks.
  • Dedicated Picnic Areas: Landscaped outdoor spaces and lawns where families are fully welcome to bring and enjoy their own packed lunches.
  • Well-Stocked Gift Shop: Located right at the main entrance, offering space-themed souvenirs, bird-themed keyrings, sweet treats, and ice creams.
  • Full Accessibility Features: Equips visitors with designated disabled parking bays, accessible toilet facilities, and clear baby changing stations.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • Outstanding value for money, with all main bird displays and animal handling sessions included in the basic ticket price.
  • Highly knowledgeable and friendly keepers who excel at breaking down wildlife facts for young children.
  • Brilliant variety of animals, perfectly balancing majestic birds of prey with cuddly farm animals and exotic reptiles.
  • A highly welcoming, relaxed environment where children are actively encouraged to ask questions and interact.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Flying displays and tractor-trailer rides are weather-dependent, meaning heavy rain can limit certain outdoor sessions.
  • The farm tracks are rustic; while generally flat, pushing strollers through the wet grass paddocks after heavy rain can be a little tiring.
  • Specialized experiences like Junior Keeper days require a premium booking fee separate from standard entry.

FAQ

  • What is included in the standard ticket price?: Standard ticket entry includes full access to the activity farm, birds of prey displays, keeper talks, playground areas, and animal handling sessions running every 30 minutes.
  • Can we bring our own food to the farm?: Yes! Families are entirely welcome to bring their own packed lunches to enjoy in the designated outdoor picnic zones around the farm.
  • Is there free parking available on site?: Yes, the farm provides a large, dedicated on-site car park that is completely free of charge for all visitors, including accessible spaces.
  • Do birthday parties need to be booked in advance?: Yes, all birthday party packages must be booked in advance with a minimum requirement of 6 children, secured by a non-refundable deposit.

Step into the wild and treat the kids to unforgettable owl encounters and farm fun at Herrings Green Activity Farm today!

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adults: £12.95 per person.
  • Children (Ages 2 to 15): £7.95 per person.
  • Under 2s: Free of charge.
  • Annual Memberships: Individual and family passes ranging from £60.00 to £185.00, offering unlimited entry all year round.
  • Specialist Experience Days: Coordinated falconry, owl encounters, and half-day bird handling packages starting from £48.00.

Pricing URL: https://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The farm hosts spectacular on-site birthday party packages that run at 11:00am or 2:00pm daily, lasting for 2 hours followed by 30 minutes in a dedicated tea room area. Parents can choose from specialized themes including "Owl Obsessed", "Jungle Critters", or "Farm Fun", each led by a dedicated animal keeper.

  • Rate: £18.50 per child (Minimum of 6 children required; requires a one-child deposit to secure).
  • Inclusions: General farm admission, 2 hours with a private keeper, 2 FREE adult entries, party invitations, tote party bags, and a packed lunch box for every child.
  • Optional Extras: Big Red Tractor rides can be added to standard party packages for an extra £20 fee (April to September).
  • Direct Event Support Link: Official Herrings Green Birthday Party Booking

Open Daily: 10:00am to 5:00pm

  • Note: Maggie’s Tea Room operates daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm (or 5:00pm seasonally), serving hot snacks and refreshments.

Address: Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT, England

Post Code: MK45 3DT

Council: Bedford

County: Bedfordshire

  • By Bus: Regular regional bus networks connect Bedford bus station to the main roads passing through Wilstead and Cotton End.
  • By Train: Travel directly to Bedford Railway Station. From the station, the farm complex can be reached via a short taxi ride or connecting local bus routes.
  • By Car & Parking: Navigate using postcode MK45 3DT to reach Cotton End Road. The venue features an extensive, completely free on-site car park with designated accessible spaces near the entrance.

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