Experience Gifts Logo
Home adventure gifts falconry Herstmonceux Castle Falconry

Herstmonceux Castle Falconry

What Can I Expect

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.

What's Included

A Falconry Experience in the stunning grounds of Herstmonceux Castle
• Introduction to your experienced instructor and the birds
• Fly a Harris Hawks during a hawk walk through some stunning woodland and an Owl to the glove
• Experience a falcon in flight
• All equipment is provided
• Refreshments will be provided
• Entry to the gardens and grounds of the castle is included between April and November
• Your will form part of a small group of up to 4 participants

Half Day
• Allow approximately two hours for this activity

Full Day
• Allow approximately five hours for this experience
• On a full day experiences you will fly at least six birds of prey including Owls, Hawks and Falcons

When Is It Available

• Weekday and weekend dates throughout the year, subject to availability and weather conditions
• Morning and afternoon sessions are available for the half day at 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm

Location

• Herstmonceux Castle Grounds, Hailsham, East Sussex

Suitable For

• Minimum age 14
• All participants must have a good general level of fitness
• Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn

Spectators

• One spectators per person is welcome for an additional charge payable on the day (Half Day £35 & Full Day £50)

Anything Else

• For full day sessions you may either bring your own packed lunch or food is available to purchase in the Herstmonceux Castle tearooms during the open season or the local inn in nearby Wartling
Herstmonceux Castle Falconry

  • Half & full day falconry near Hailsham
  • At the 15thC Tudor Herstmonceux Castle
  • Fly kestrels, hawks, owls & falcons
  • Hosted by head trainer Gerard & team

£99.00
£10 off gift experiences today! Use code  10TREAT  at checkout! - T&Cs apply

Consistently Cheaper

You won't find a better price online - Price promise' guarantee

12 Months Redemption

Full 12 month window to redeem your experience voucher

365 Day Exchange

Experiences can be exchanged for something else - no hassle