Discover one of Cumbria’s coolest visitor attractions. The Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre, located in Thurstonfield near Carlisle, Cumbria, operates primarily by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to book a falconry course or activity in advance to ensure a spot. The centre offers a range of experiences, including one-hour Hawk Walks and Family Experiences, all coordinated from the Thurstonfield site. This location allows the centre to focus on training and flying birds while maintaining its facilities. The site is situated in the Solway basin and is home to various wildlife, including woodpeckers, red squirrels, and roe deer.
My obsession with birds of prey started at the age of 10 when I took a week long falconry course in the borders and acquired my first wild injured Kestrel. At 15 I began working for the same centre and eventually spent several years as head falconer at the Hawk conservancy in Hampshire. At the age of 23 I returned to my home county of Cumbria to establish the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre. Initially opened as a visitor centre, the outbreak of foot and mouth in 2001 forced the closure of the visitor centre and so began the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre as it is today, a centre providing exclusive tailored bird of prey experiences to people of all ages.
Birds of prey and the natural world are my passion and I look forward to sharing that passion with you. Set in our own stunning grounds in Northern Cumbria, we have created the perfect place to take part in a top rated visitor experience, or the perfect location to escape. There is so much you can do here. Come and take an experience , or stop here on the way to the Lakes or further up North. We have become a great destination and experience, so whether you are organising a family gathering or are booking for a community group. You can book the site for exclusive use.
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