Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
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About
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a pure volunteer based, non profit group of volunteers. The flying display give you the visitors, Children & Adults, the chance to participate in the flying display and have our birds land on your gloved hand as they fly to you for their food. We have a collection of over 80 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and more unusual species. All the birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting. We assist conservation and education of these beautiful Birds and we are involved with an average of 50 rescues each year.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Sammy L1 contributionA magical and interactive experienceGreat day meeting some beautiful owls and magnificent birds of prey. What a lovely team of people, they clearly love their birds and have a passion for their care and wellbeing. When the staff told us that they were doing display flights we didn’t realise we would have owls eating off our knees, shoulders and heads! It really was a magical afternoon, a huge thank you to all of the lovely volunteers for your care and knowledge, we learnt so much.Visited March 2023Written 18 March 2023
- Moereads2 contributionsGreat day out for allWonderful day and had the joy of experiencing the birds been flown for the first time after 5 months due to Avian flu. They did wonderfully as did the staff and volunteers they all have such love for the birds in their care and make the day unforgettable. Been on a few occasions and always look forward to visiting.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2023
- Sharon30036424 contributionsYear 2 school tripWow! What an amazing place 🥰 my class went on a school trip to the sanctuary 🦉 year 2 (age 6/7) 29 children were in their element, we were guided round by the amazing John. He was so knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend the walk, fairy door hint, play area, ideal lunch setting 🥰❤️🦉🥰❤️🦉 110% recommend a groups, couples, individuals and any celebration - perfect time had be everyone x Thank you to John and his team. 🦉🦉🦉🦉Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 March 2023
- Andrew KPreston, United Kingdom15 contributionsFantastic day out with grandchildrenWe went to Turbary Wood Owl Sanctuary today- what a treat! As we walked through the fairy door wood we were met by an amazing Kookaburra singing his song, then so many beautiful birds of prey and owls. They’re kept beautifully, we spoke to the handlers who loved these birds so much and thought of their welfare at every opportunity. Before we left we were lucky enough to see some fly! First day after the avarian flu lockdown - fantastic X my husband bought a beautifully made metal hedgehog.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 March 2023
- Maria NPreston, United Kingdom51 contributionsFantastic Interactive ExperienceVisited Turbary Woods today with my young nephew and had an amazing time. There were so many birds to see in the Sanctuary itself, but the very best thing was the interactive bird display. Everyone loved it. You get the chance to not only have the owls fly to you and sit on your hand, knee or even head, but also to gently stroke them. The children absolutely loved it, and so did the adults. It was a very personal experience and you can see how the volunteers clearly love the birds and are dedicated to their care. Highly recommended, will definitely be back to visit again. Also good value for money Thank you to all!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- ZoeThomas78Manchester, United Kingdom6 contributionsBrilliant day out!!The other half was at the Blackpool Vs PNE game and we had some time to kill whilst he was cheering on the infamous PNE when I stumbled on this hidden gem. Loads to do and the flying display was amazing. My Harry potter devoted eleven year old loved meeting Hedwig's cousins. My seven year old loved the fairy garden and the play area. The kookaburras were amazing and all the staff were passionate and very knowledgeable about all the birds. I didn't once feel ripped off and I learnt so much. It's not for profit and run by volunteers and deserves the support it gets.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- GemmaWigan, United Kingdom14 contributionsGreat day out, make sure to sit down for the flight display!It's wonderful seeing the many, many owl species and some hawks too rescued by this amazing sanctuary. The best part was of course the flying display, we got to see the tawny owl, eagle owl and many others in action flying from guest to guest truely an amazing experince. The staff and volenteers care deeply for their birds, telling us their historys and how they came to the rescue. We gave a donation before we left also.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 April 2023
- James GCleethorpes, United Kingdom79 contributionsFantastic little gemStopped on way from our home to our holiday in the Lake District to break our journey up. Having googled and found on the day it was an absolute little gem. Such a range of owls, amazing to be able to see close up. The flying show is unbelievable, I am very keen on wildlife photography so hoped to get some shots of the owls in flight but we were blown away how the handlers had the owls fly between visitors allowing us chance to handle (and stroke occasionally) close up. All the birds were fantastic, looked so happy and cared for. All the handlers (all volunteers) were very knowledgeable yet easy going and welcoming. I will definitely return in future and wish this centre the best of luck. If you are undecided then give this place a try you won’t regret it!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 April 2023
- Kirsty1 contributionTurbary WoodsMy son, 7, was super excited to visit today after a previous school trip. He thoroughly enjoyed the flying demonstration, and the volunteers coaxed him to hold 4 different Owls. Easily spent 3 hours, and could have stayed longer.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 April 2023
- Graham LChorley, United Kingdom2 contributionsGreat day meeting some beautiful birdsMeeting the owls was a highlight, my 7 year old started off too scared but couldn't get enough by the end. There are a lot of different birds to look at and learn about, fairy houses and animals to search for. We arrived early and thought we would struggle to stay long enough to see the owls fly but we stayed longer than that in the end. Great staff, it's my sons third visit over a number of years!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
2,990 reviews
Excellent
2,716
Very good
213
Average
27
Poor
10
Terrible
24
Cheryl M
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
Had an amazing time, staff were amazing and very friendly. Took time to teach us about the birds and let us handle them. Would recommend
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean H
Preston, UK7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Great place which is really interesting and informative. The flying show is brilliant and the people who run it are friendly and knowledgeable. 10/10
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsty M
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
A visit to Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary never disappoints. The volunteers and those talking and flying their birds are warm, friendly and full of interesting stories. It always feel like a real privilege to be allowed to get close to the birds of prey. I love each visit
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sophie s
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
A wonderful experience everyone was really kind, friendly and happy to tell you all about the birds in there care.
The flying display was really relaxed and very enjoyable having the birds landing on your hand and everyone being included will definitely be going again
The flying display was really relaxed and very enjoyable having the birds landing on your hand and everyone being included will definitely be going again
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha H
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
took my partner as he loves birds and we had a really great time! they have lots of different birds with different personalities. the people that run the sanctuary are great and you can tell the birds are well loved. the flying display was really good as everyone gets to hold the birds at some point.
i don’t think i’d go on a weekend again as it can get busy with lots of little children but i still enjoyed it!
i don’t think i’d go on a weekend again as it can get busy with lots of little children but i still enjoyed it!
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray H
Wolverhampton, UK1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Its a wonderful experience watching these lovely birds, the display was great and a big thanks to the staff, all volunteers, they do an amazing job. Well worth a visit.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon C
Bolton, UK5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Had a lovely time seeing all the eagles, hawks and owls. Dont miss the Free Flying Display when you have plenty of opportunity to handle the birds and listen to the knowledgeable volunteers who you soon find out care very much for these magnificent animals. Please support this very worthy sanctuary.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth C
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
we didn't know what to expect but saw loads of owls and birds of prey being cared for by these wonderful volunteers. Treated to a very interactive talk including handling the birds during a flying display.
Very child friendly and we learned a lot from the approachable and knowledgeable staff/volunteers.
Overall a great visit, well worth the money and would thoroughly recommend. Try and time your visit to coincide with the flying display at 12:30pm.
Very child friendly and we learned a lot from the approachable and knowledgeable staff/volunteers.
Overall a great visit, well worth the money and would thoroughly recommend. Try and time your visit to coincide with the flying display at 12:30pm.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie T
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
John and Carol and the other staff were absolutely amazing from start to finish, such an amazing experience being able to feed and handle 2 beautiful owls, and best of all being able to hand feed the adorable Wally after he was being a monkey and hiding in the trees, thank you so much for such a memorable visit, we will definitely be back again.
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SHRAJM
12 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Fantastic place to see many Owls and Birds of Prey all of which are so well cared for. Amazing to be able to have them perch on our arms and feed them. A truly unforgettable experience. Thank you
Written 31 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you be flying birds today in bad weather and what is the cost please ?
JulesBilsy
15 contributions
Not if the weather is really bad. Drizzle no problem. £6 adult £4 for children and OAPs.
Castamere85
Manchester, UK58 contributions
In the flying shows, do the falconers feed the owls live baby chicks or just dead ones?
Andrew B
Samlesbury, UK46 contributions
Always dead chicks. In the guest interaction show it is just the meat from the legs - just looks like a piece of raw chicken.
Bettythecat
St Helens, UK35 contributions
Is it cruel to have wild birds tethered and not able to fly at will?
Andrew B
Samlesbury, UK46 contributions
Hi, Yes it is very cruel to tether wild birds, and we would never dream of doing this at Turbary woods.
However the birds you have seen tethered at our Sanctuary are all captive born and bred and as such this is what they have been accustomed to all their life. Each one of them is flown daily, weather permitting.
Regards Andy
Perky25
Chorley3 contributions
How long would you spend on average visiting here please? Just planning a day out with friends. Thanks.
Andy Bilsborough
Preston, UK8 contributions
If you time your visit to watch the superb flying display the a couple of hours at least in the sanctuary itself
skinnymallet
Blackpool, UK1 contribution
Are dogs allowed?
JulesBilsy
15 contributions
No sorry - our owls aren’t great dog lovers.
Rebekah F
Rhyl, UK
Is the owl and hawk experience day a one on one session or is it in a group?
Andy Bilsborough
Preston, UK8 contributions
Hi
It's a one on one session
Cheers
Andy
Mark S
Lancaster, UK11 contributions
Is there a picnic area?
daynesmart
16 contributions
Yeah there's picnic tables next to the lake/pond
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Frequently Asked Questions about Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
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