Haven Falconry

At Havenstreet Station our friends from Haven Falconry offer you the opportunity to enjoy the thrills and excitement of falconry and birds of prey. You can book a one hour session for an unforgettable hands-on experience with the Haven Falconry birds of prey, giving a unique insight into the art of falconry. Throughout, the emphasis is 'hands on'. Learn about basic falconry skills, handle a variety of birds (owls, hawks and falcons) and fly Harris Hawks to and from a tree to your fist!

Haven Falconry is run by Paul Martin, a skilled handler who has lifelong experience in falconry which started in the late 1960's when he was just 11 years-old! He takes great pride in his personal collection of birds, all of which have been bred in captivity, with their care and welfare being his utmost priority. For details on the birds and the team behind Haven Falconry please click HERE

Advance bookings are necessary - Please telephone 01983 884023 for availability or E-MAIL This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The 'Birds of Prey Experience'

Enjoy a close encounter with some of our magnificent birds. Spend an hour or so gaining insight into the ancient art of falconry - you will be amazed at the agility of the hawk, the grace of the owl and the spectacular flight of the falcon.

Your experience starts by meeting the falconer and the birds. You will meet a selection of our birds and learn all about their different characteristics, speed capabilities and hunting habits … Then you will have the chance to fly some of them to the fist, under the watchful eye of the trainer. Finally, there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture a truly unforgettable experience. 

Your experience will last for approx 1 hour. This is a wonderful treat for yourself or makes an ideal gift for someone special.

Bird of Prey Experience - First Adult £25, then £5 per additional adult, and £2.50 per additional child. (Under 16's must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Take a 'Hawk Walk'

Experience the unique bond and trust between man and hawk, and get a taste of the ‘sport of kings’!

On a Hawk Walk you can experience hands-on flying while walking in the countryside around Havenstreet. Lasting approximately one and half hours the walk takes along public rights of way through some of the lovely Havenstreet countryside, accompanied by 2 or 3 Harris Hawks. You will handle and fly the Hawks and be able to observe their skills and agility while they follow gracefully through the trees. Along the way you will pass natural flora, fauna and wooded areas, and you may be lucky enough to glimpse red squirrels and pheasants, the Ravens nesting in the woods, and perhaps wild buzzards circling above in the sky above.

Harris Hawks are unique in the raptor family in that they are the only species to hunt in a team or caste. They are extremely intelligent and enjoy the Hawk Walks as much as the guests!! Occasionally they may seize the opportunity to catch a rabbit.        

A Hawk Walk is a truly unforgettable experience for individuals or small groups and for all ages. It will make a perfect addition to you holiday or an excellent birthday, anniversary or Christmas treat. Don’t forget your camera!

Hawk Walks- £25 for the first person, £10 each additional adult, £5 each child. (Under 16's must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers for Hawk Walks and for the Birds of Prey Experience are also available and can be purchased in advance for a truly special gift.

A Brief History of Falconry

Falconry is a sport that involves the use of trained birds of prey to hunt game for humans.

There is no hard evidence as to exactly when and where man first trained a bird of prey, but the art of falconry was already well established in the Far East and the Middle East by 2000BC. Falconry reached its highest level in England in the 17^th century and was governed by strict rules. A king could fly a gyrfalcon; an earl would fly a peregrine; a yeoman could have a goshawk; the sparrowhawk was reserved for priests; and servants (or knave) would have a kestrel. Poet and playwright William Shakespeare, 1564-1616, was an avid falconer.

In more recent history it was reputedly the favourite sport of every King and Queen in England and Scotland, between Alfred the Great and George III.

Please Note:Haven Falconry are fully insured for public liability. The falconer has the right to cancel a session in adverse weather conditions, for the health and welfare of the birds, and in such circumstances a full refund will be given