Name: The Devon Bird of Prey Centre
Rating: 5.0

The Devon Bird of Prey Centre

Fermoy's Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5TN, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Contact

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Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Ipplepen? The Devon Bird of Prey Centre offers an incredible family day out centered around magnificent raptors in a tranquil countryside setting. Set within Fermoys Garden Centre between Newton Abbot and Totnes, this specialist zoo-licensed facility lets visitors get up close and personal with owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles.

Standard entrance prices start from £8.00 for adults and £5.00 for children aged 3 to 16 years old. Concessions are available for £6.00, while family tickets covering two adults and two children cost £22.00, making it an affordable destination for families.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines bird watching with educational flying demonstrations, this centre delivers. Its intimate flying displays, knowledgeable keepers, and peaceful atmosphere make it a fantastic stop for nature-loving families.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Intimate Flying Displays: Daily outdoor demonstrations featuring free-flying eagles, owls, hawks, and speedy falcons.
Zoo-Licensed Sanctuary: Specialized animal enclosures dedicated to housing and caring for diverse birds of prey.
Hands-On Experience Days: Dedicated half-day packages offering visitors the chance to handle and fly birds of prey.
Educational Group Programmes: Tailored learning sessions and school visit itineraries covering raptor conservation and biology.

Top 5 Highlights

The Daily Flying Display Arena: Watch formidable Eagle Owls, mysterious Barn Owls, swift Harris Hawks, and fast falcons glide directly overhead during live flight shows.
The Eagle Owl Enclosure: Get up close to some of the world's largest and most impressive owls in secure, naturalistic housing areas.
The Harris Hawk Habitats: Observe intelligent Harris Hawks and learn about their unique cooperative hunting styles from expert falconers.
The Falconry Mews Walkway: Stroll along the aviaries to view dozens of resident birds of prey resting and preening in their enclosures.
The Young Bird Nursery Areas: Discover specialized behind-the-scenes zones where handlers care for developing raptors and rescue birds.

Facilities

Luggage Storage: Not available on-site; visitors should keep personal belongings in their vehicles.
Toilets & Changing Facilities: Standard public restrooms and accessible facilities located within the main Fermoys Garden Centre complex.
Food Options: On-site restaurant and café facilities at Fermoys Garden Centre serving hot meals, cream teas, and children's lunch options.
Buggy Parking: Flat paved pathways across the garden centre site make pushchair access straightforward for families with toddlers.

Pro-Tips:

Check Display Times: Flying demonstrations run at specific times (typically 2:00 PM on operating days), so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Dress for the Weather: Flying displays and outdoor walkthroughs are weather-dependent, meaning light waterproofs or sun cream may be needed.
Combine with Garden Centre Shopping: Plan extra time to browse the adjoining garden centre and enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea after visiting the birds.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers enjoy seeing the owls and hawks up close in the aviaries and watching the flying displays, with under-3s entering free of charge.
How long does a visit take? A standard family visit takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, giving you ample time to walk through the aviaries and watch the afternoon flying demonstration.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the spacious free visitor car park located directly outside Fermoys Garden Centre where the venue is situated.
How much does entry cost? General admission prices start at £8.00 for adults and £5.00 for children, while family tickets covering two adults and two children are priced at £22.00.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

Fermoys Garden Centre: Extensive garden and retail centre featuring gift shops, plant nurseries, and a family restaurant.
Historic Totnes Town: Picturesque Devon market town known for its independent shops, castle, and River Dart boat trips nearby.
Dartmoor National Park: Sweeping moorland landscape offering scenic driving routes and rugged family walking trails a short drive inland.

What Visitors Love:

Parents love the exceptional value for money, with entry prices remaining very low compared to larger theme parks.
The flying displays receive glowing praise for being highly engaging, educational, and close enough to see the birds' features clearly.
The friendly and approachable staff are great with children, answering questions enthusiastically after display shows.
Combining the zoo visit with the garden centre restaurant and shops makes for a relaxed, stress-free family outing.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Flying displays are subject to weather conditions and are not held on certain weekdays, requiring visitors to check schedules in advance.
The centre is relatively compact, meaning families looking for a full-day adventure will need to pair it with other local activities.
Parking areas can get busy during peak weekend gardening seasons at the main garden centre complex.

Attractions & Activities

Main Centre Entrance & Reception: Welcome area for ticket purchases and visitor information at Fermoys Garden Centre.
Open-Air Flight Demonstration Lawn: Central grass arena used for scheduled daily flying displays.
Raptor Aviary Walkway: Long row of dedicated enclosures housing owls, hawks, and falcons.
Eagle and Vulture Paddock: Specialized large-scale enclosures designed for heavy raptors.
Educational Briefing Marquee: Space utilized for school groups and curriculum talks.
Half-Day Experience Course Area: Private handling zones for participants booking intensive falconry sessions.
Mobile Display Setup: Traveling exhibition unit used for local village fetes, country shows, and weddings.
Adoption Display Boards: Information zones featuring details on adopting specific resident birds.
Garden Centre Retail Complex: Adjoining shopping facilities offering plants, gifts, and homeware.
Visitor Parking Bays: Large shared vehicle parking area located directly outside the garden centre entrance.

New for 2026:

Upgraded Aviary Signage: Modernized educational boards detailing natural habitats and conservation status for each bird species.
Refreshed Flying Display Schedule: Optimized afternoon display times scheduled regularly to suit family day-trip itineraries.
Enhanced Experience Booking Flow: Streamlined direct inquiry channels for booking half-day handler packages and gift vouchers.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £8.
Child (3–16 years): £5.
Concession: £6.
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £22.

Pricing URL: https://www.devonbirdofprey.co.uk/visit/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: The Devon Bird of Prey Centre accommodates private educational group bookings and customized experiences upon request.
Inquiries: For birthday group visits, private event bookings, or mobile display hire for external parties, enquiries can be made by contacting the team directly via email at [email protected] or calling 07801 325070.

The centre is open 7 Days a week 10.30-4.00.
Please Note we are CLOSED on Easter Sunday

Address: Fermoy's Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5TN, UK

Post Code: TQ12 5TN

Council: Teignbridge

County: Devon

By Bus: Local bus routes run along the A381 between Newton Abbot and Totnes, stopping near Fermoys Garden Centre.
By Car: Located at Fermoys Garden Centre on the A381 in Ipplepen, easily accessed from the A38 and Torquay (postcode TQ12 5TN).
Car Parking: Free visitor car parking is available on-site within the main Fermoys Garden Centre car park.