Half and full-day falconry at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex! Take a Tudor castle that's as pretty as a picture, add in some majestic birds of prey and you've got yourself a wonderful falconry experience!
If you were asked to draw a classic English castle with a moat, we reckon it'd look just like Herstmonceux and we can't think of a more appropriate background for a spot of falconry. With their daytime aviary in the grounds, the birds love their home.
This small, but perfectly formed, private collection of raptors are all impeccably trained - thanks to the passion and dedication of the head falconer. Gerard has been fascinated by birds of prey since he was 10 years old and told his slightly concerned neighbours that he was building an aviary for a Golden Eagle in the garden!
It might have been a childhood fantasy, but his dream has now pretty much come true, with Gerard and his partner Gemma raising, caring for and training their feathered friends in a truly stunning setting in East Sussex.
During your experience you'll meet little Kestrels with big personalities, gentle Barn Owls, super-fast Laner Falcons and cheeky Harris Hawks too. As well as plenty of time to meet and fly the birds, you can walk with Hawks (called hawking) around the idyllic woodlands and pastures around the castle, as the Hawks follow you, flying from tree to tree as you go.
We are offering both half and full day falconry sessions at Herstmonceux Castle and for both experiences you'll learn to fly an Owl and walk with a Hawk for around two hours, as well as seeing the falcons in flight. The full day then goes on to include more time with more of the residents of this superb castle setting. And you'll have time to explore the gardens, enjoy a pub lunch or visit the tea rooms.