A visit to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is inspiring and up lifting.
We have one of the largest collections of flying birds in the North. The centre is home to around 100 birds from 50 different species from around the world which enables us to fly an amazing variety of birds in each of our daily free flight displays. All set in our beautiful Yorkshire countryside. We fly a selection of owls, vultures, eagles and kites to name but a few of the different species that call the centre their home.
During our 35-40 minute flying display you can expect to get very close to our fantastic birds as they swoop, dive and soar over your head. Witness the heaviest species of eagle in the world take to the sky, marvel at the silent flight of the graceful barn owl and appreciate the beauty and importance of the vulture species to our world. Our passionate and knowledgeable bird staff will provide a light-hearted and informative commentary throughout the flying display.
We fly different birds in each of our displays so please try and stay for more than one, keep an eye out for the cheeky kookaburra, naughty caracaras and the graceful White Storks. During your time at the centre, you will hopefully learn about the important conservation projects we are currently undertaking. By visiting you will help support the centre and its ongoing conservation projects.
In-between displays you can take a walk around the aviaries to view our very impressive collection of birds in their rest areas. You may also see more birds flying on one of our very popular experience days.With block paved paths throughout the centre is fully accessible for all. Our well stocked gift shop has souvenirs for all ages along with a selection of cold snacks and hot and cold drinks. Picnic benches are situated around the centre so you can enjoy your snacks and drinks bought at the centre or alternatively, you are welcome to use the benches to enjoy your own picnics.
If you share our passion for birds of prey and would like to get much closer and learn more about them, we offer experience days in small groups. This is a great chance to fly and learn alot about a variety of our birds and also learn more about our conservation work with vultures and other species.
We have a selection of experiences to choose from where you can meet a greater variety of our birds, or a more specialised selection of owls, vultures or eagles, just click here for more details.
Opening times
14th July- September 10:30am-5:00pm
October 10:30am – 4:00pm
Display Times
*14th July* August* September* 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. Last Admittance 3:45pm
*October* 11:30am & 1:30pm. Closed every Wednesday in October. Last Admittance 3:00pm
Dates Closed in 2025:
The African Adventure Display…. our BIGGEST show yet!!!
Join us as we give you a glimpse of the Savannah.
This show will take you into a world of survival, resilience but most of all life!
Hosting between 25- 30 spectacular African birds including the elegant White Storks, speedy Lanner Falcon, majestic African Fish Eagle and not forgetting our White Headed Vulture with a wingspan of nearly 8ft. Watch these amazing birds show you their natural behaviour as they swoop, stoop and dive almost within touching distance of our audience. This exciting display blends music, theatre and props to bring a true message of conservation and how we can help conserve some of our most threatened species in the world.
Our atmospheric grand finale is sure to raise the hair on the back of your neck or even bring a tear to your eye.
For more information please click here
£10 pp (subject to availability)
Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.
This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.
We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.
Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.
We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience
This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.
If you’re planning a visit with us soon, here’s a reminder of our summer timetable:
Meet the Minnies Handling Experience
£10 pp (subject to availability)
Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.
This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.
We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.
Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.
We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience
This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.
For more information regarding our policy please click here.
Thank you.
£10 pp (subject to availability)
Enjoy a wonderful time at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre whilst getting to know and meet some of our smaller feathered friends.
This exciting addition to your visit runs at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Two birds will be able to be handled at one of the dedicated handling times. Photographs are welcome and the duration is around 10-20mins. Please book your Meet the Minnie’s Experience on arrival to avoid any disappointment as this experience is very popular.
We have a selection of feathered friends that might take part on the handling experience depending on the centre’s commitments on the day.
Purchase tickets at reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive at the meeting point 5-10minutes ahead of your handling experience time.
We advise for children to be 4 years old and up to take part on this mini experience
This handling experience does not include admission into the centre.