Name: Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre
Rating: 5.0

Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre

Westdown Lane, Sandybay, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BY, England

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Exmouth? Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre offers an incredible family day out centered around magnificent birds of prey and rural wildlife adventures. Set within over 100 acres of stunning Devonshire countryside surrounded by a deer park, this specialist zoo-licensed facility lets visitors experience exclusive animal encounters.

Experience day prices start from £45.00 per person for an hour-long handling session, or £75.00 for individual half-day flying experiences. All visits, handling courses, and private sessions operate strictly by appointment only.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines hands-on wildlife learning with expert falconry tuition, this venue delivers. Its intimate private bookings, friendly expert handlers, and peaceful rural setting make it a top choice for families.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Exclusive Private Bookings: Pre-booked sessions tailored specifically for your family or group with no large public crowds.
Hands-On Raptor Handling: Interactive sessions where participants learn to call and fly birds to a gloved hand.
Scenic Countryside Setting: Peaceful 100-acre Devon estate surrounded by open fields and a local deer park.
Educational Falconry Insights: Expert-led talks on raptor conservation, behaviour, and training from licensed handlers.

Top 5 Highlights

The Harris Hawk Flight Path: Watch trained Harris hawks glide effortlessly between trees and land directly on your gloved fist during private woodland walks.
The Peregrine Falcon Displays: Marvel at the speed and agility of magnificent falcons during specialized handling and flying demonstrations.
The Owl Encounter Sessions: Meet gentle and intelligent owls up close while learning about their specialized nocturnal hunting adaptations.
The Kestrel and Small Raptor Mews: Observe smaller birds of prey and learn about their unique hunting styles from expert falconers.
The Deer Park Countryside Trail: Explore sweeping Devon valleys and rural paths that wind through the expansive 100-acre estate.

Facilities

Toilets & Changing Facilities: Basic visitor restroom amenities located on-site for pre-booked guests.
Food Options: No commercial on-site restaurant at the rural centre, but visitors can bring snacks or dine at nearby Exmouth eateries.
Buggy Parking: Walking routes across fields and uneven rural terrain are not suitable for pushchairs; baby carriers are recommended.

Pro-Tips:

Book Well in Advance: Because all sessions are private and strictly by appointment only, weekend and holiday dates fill up quickly.
Dress for the Field: Wear sturdy walking boots and long-sleeved clothing, as walks cross grassy meadows and rural terrain.
Check Weather Policies: Falconry sessions are weather-dependent; sessions will be rescheduled if high winds or heavy rain make flying unsafe for the birds.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Because the experiences involve walking across open countryside and handling active birds of prey, sessions are better suited for older children rather than toddlers.
How long does a visit take? A standard hawk walk or experience session typically lasts between 1 to 4 hours depending on whether you book a short handling session or a half-day course.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the dedicated free visitor car parking area located directly on-site at the Westdown Lane centre.
How much does entry cost? General public day entry is not available, but private handling experience sessions start from £45.00 per person.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

World of Country Life: Popular family-friendly attraction featuring farm animals, museums, and play areas nearby in Exmouth.
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve: Expansive coastal spit offering sandy beaches, sand dunes, and walking trails a short drive away.
Exmouth Town Centre: Historic seaside town offering independent shops, parks, and scenic estuary views.

What Visitors Love:

Parents consistently praise the exclusivity of the visits, noting that having the falconer entirely to your family makes it feel exceptionally personal.
Children love the thrill of having a hawk or owl fly directly to their gloved hand in an open natural setting.
The patient and knowledgeable falconers make beginners and children feel completely safe and confident.
The stunning Devon countryside backdrop provides a memorable setting away from crowded tourist attractions.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The rural location requires advance booking by phone or online, meaning spontaneous drop-in visits are not possible.
Uneven ground and muddy walking paths mean the experiences are not easily accessible for pushchairs or less mobile visitors.
Sessions are entirely weather-dependent, meaning last-minute adjustments can occur during poor weather conditions.

Attractions & Activities

Private Hawk Walk Trail: Guided walking route across scenic Devon countryside for private family groups.
Half-Day Flying Experience: Immersive handling and flying session priced at £75.00 per person.
Multi-Person Flying Packages: Shared experiences for two people (£135.00) or three people (£202.00).
Junior Falconer Course: Specialized educational day experience designed specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old.
Child's Owl Experience: Tailored half-day interactive program introducing younger children to resident owls.
Family Experience Day: Comprehensive private package allowing families to meet and fly multiple birds together.
Mobile Village Fete Display: Traveling raptor exhibition unit booked for local country shows and summer events.
School Educational Workshop: Interactive classroom and outdoor falconry presentation tailored for visiting students.
Corporate Event Paddock: Bespoke outdoor team-building session featuring live bird handling.
Designated Meeting Point Parking: Convenient vehicle parking areas provided directly on-site for visitors with appointments.

New for 2026:

Expanded Private Booking Slots: Increased availability for 2026 family-exclusive morning and afternoon falconry sessions.
Refreshed Educational Modules: Updated interactive learning segments for children participating in family experience days.
Streamlined Online Vouchers: Enhanced digital booking and 12-month gift voucher options for 2026 celebrations.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

1 Hour Handling

1 Person: £45.
2 People: £81.
3 People: £121.
Family of 4: £135.
Additional Spectator: £10.

Family Flying Experience: £225

Flying Experience

1 Person: £75.
2 People: £135.
3 People: £202.
Additional Spectator: £10.

Pricing URL: https://www.hawkridgebirdsofprey.com/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre provides private falconry displays, handling sessions, and gift vouchers for birthday parties, family anniversaries, and special celebrations.
Inquiries: Custom bookings and private party availability can be arranged by contacting the team directly via phone at 01395 279443 or mobile at 07843 098727, or by email at [email protected].

Address: Westdown Lane, Sandybay, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BY, England

Post Code: EX8 5BY

Council: East Devon

County: Devon

By Bus: Local bus routes operate near Exmouth, though travelling by car is strongly recommended due to the rural lane location.
By Car: Located off Westdown Lane in Sandybay, Exmouth, Devon (postcode EX8 5BY).
Car Parking: Dedicated free visitor car parking is available on-site at the centre.