Name: Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Rating: 5.0

Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

Turbary House Leisure Park, Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, Lancashire PR4 4LB, England, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Preston, the Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a brilliant choice. This volunteer-run animal sanctuary gives visitors a chance to walk through sheltered woodland housing over 90 birds of prey.

Prices start from £7.00 for children, with standard adult entry priced at £12.00. Tickets are purchased directly on arrival at the entrance with no pre-booking required. It provides an educational, family-friendly day out where children can experience daily open-air flying displays.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines close-up wildlife encounters with woodland charm, this destination is a top option. It offers an intimate, engaging setting that makes learning about rescued raptors fascinating for all ages.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Daily Flight Displays: Spectacular open-air flying demonstrations held daily, giving families a chance to see aerial agility up close.
Woodland Aviaries: Large, open-fronted rustic aviaries nestled amongst trees housing over 90 rescue birds.
Educational Encounters: Informative sessions highlighting wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and natural bird behaviors.
Hands-On Experience Days: Specialized introductory falconry experiences allowing participants to handle and fly multiple raptor species.

Top 5 Highlights

The Main Flying Demonstration Area: Gather for the daily flying show to watch hawks, falcons, and owls swoop gracefully across the open arena. Children love seeing the birds fly just inches overhead during the expert-led presentation.
The Resident Vulture Enclosure: Catch a glimpse of the sanctuary's unique resident vulture, an impressive bird that stands out as a firm favorite for young explorers. It is a rare chance to see a large scavenging raptor up close.
The Owl Woodland Loop: Stroll along the shaded pathways lined with rustic aviaries housing dozens of nocturnal and diurnal owl species. Families can spot everything from tiny burrowing owls to massive European eagle owls.
Hawk and Falcon Mews: Walk past the specialized housing rows where swift hunting hawks and agile falcons rest between training sessions. Expert volunteers are usually on hand to share individual rescue stories.
The Rehabilitation and Recovery Zones: Learn about the dedicated volunteer work behind the scenes where injured wild birds are nursed back to health. It brings wildlife protection and environmental care vividly to life for kids.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilet facilities are available for visitors near the entrance area.
Food Options: Light refreshments and meals are available at the adjacent garden centre café just a short walk away.
Buggy Access: Wooded paths are generally flat, though standard pushchairs navigate the rustic ground surface easily.
Dog Policy: Dogs are generally not permitted within the sanctuary grounds to keep the rescue birds calm.

Pro-Tips

Time Your Arrival: Plan to arrive before the daily flying demonstration at 12:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot around the main arena.
No Pre-Booking Needed: You do not need to book online; simply turn up on the day and purchase tickets at the entrance.
Dress for the Woods: Since the sanctuary is nestled in a shaded woodland setting, wear practical outdoor footwear and extra layers.

Targeted FAQ

Is Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary worth it for toddlers? The sanctuary is great for toddlers who love animals, as children under two enter for free and the compact woodland layout prevents little legs from getting too tired.
How long does a visit take? A standard family visit takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore the rustic aviaries and catch the daily flying demonstration.
Where is the best place to park? Visitors can use the convenient, spacious car park located right outside the entrance area shared with the adjacent garden centre.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Duxbury Garden Centre: Located right next door, offering plant displays, local gifts, and a handy family café.
Worden Park: A sprawling historic park a short drive away featuring open green spaces, a maze, and a miniature railway.
Preston Guild Wheel: A scenic greenway path nearby ideal for family cycling and weekend walks.

What Visitors Love:

The warm, personal atmosphere created by passionate, highly knowledgeable volunteers.
Getting remarkably close to majestic birds of prey during the educational flying show.
Affordable entry pricing that directly supports a local rescue charity.
Convenient pairing with the adjacent garden centre for lunch and parking.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The woodland site can get muddy underfoot after heavy Lancashire rainfall.
On-site catering is limited to what is available at the neighboring garden centre.
The sanctuary layout is relatively compact, though ideal for younger children with shorter attention spans.

Attractions & Exhibits

Central Flying Arena: Outdoor demonstration space hosting the daily 12:30 PM flight show.
Owl Woodland Walkway: Shaded trail featuring diverse global owl species.
Eagle Aviaries: Large structural enclosures housing heavy-set apex eagles.
Falcon and Hawk Housing Rows: Mews displaying swift hunting raptors.
Vulture Habitat: Specialized enclosure for the sanctuary's unique scavenger.
Rescue Information Boards: Educational signage detailing wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Sanctuary Entrance Area: Welcome point where admission is paid directly on arrival.
Adjacent Garden Centre Area: Shared complex featuring parking and local shopping facilities.

New for 2026

Expanded Rehabilitation Shelters: Newly upgraded recovery aviaries designed to support an increasing number of rescued local raptors.
Refreshed Educational Trail Boards: Updated family-friendly interactive display boards detailing bird conservation milestones.
Upgraded Woodland Path Surfacing: Improved accessibility improvements along the main outdoor viewing loops for pushchairs.
Enhanced Experience Day Itineraries: Refreshed hands-on falconry packages offering deeper interaction with sanctuary handlers.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £12.00.
O.A.P: £9.00.
Child (over 2 years): £7.00.

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

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: The sanctuary does not list formal structured birthday party packages online, but private group visits, school trips, and wedding appearances can be arranged.
Enquiries: Contact the team directly via email at [email protected] or [email protected], or call 01772 323323.

Winter (1 November–1 April): 11am–2pm.
Summer (1 April–1 November): 11am–3pm.

Address: Turbary House Leisure Park, Chain House Lane, Whitestake, Preston, Lancashire PR4 4LB, England, UK

Post Code: PR4 4LB

Council: South Ribble

County: Lancashire

By Car: Located off Chain House Lane in Whitestake near Preston, sharing convenient visitor parking access with the adjacent garden centre.
Public Transport: Easily accessible via local bus routes operating from Preston towards Lostock Hall and Whitestake.