Wings Of Wales
Wings Of Wales
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About
We are a education, conservation and outdoor activity business based in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. We fly eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons and owls with the general public. Wings Of Wales has was established in 2015 by conservation photographer and bird of prey handler Lewis Phillips. He has been working in conservation, educating the public and flying birds for over ten years. Lewis has worked alongside many different conservation trusts in Britain and other countries around the world. We aspire to teach people about real issues that affect birds of prey in the wild. Our other aims are to encourage education on habitat management and the politics that can affect birds of prey. But more than all of that we want you to have as much fun as possible with us while you are flying our birds of prey in the stunning countryside of Wales. Our location is Penderyn, in the Brecon Beacons national park.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
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5.0
96 reviews
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twoandtwo
Salisbury8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
On 26th October 2023 we visited Raglan Castle whilst on holiday. During our visit we were lucky enough to find that Wings for Wales had a Sea Eagle, Barn Owl and Saka Falcon flying display. The flying display was excellent and conducted from a conservation point of view rather than a falconry sport one which was very interesting and informative beautifully presented. The birds were also on static display which was useful as our family could ask questions about the birds, the adults and children were impressed by the size of the Sea Eagle. An excellent display, thank you.
Written 27 October 2023
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.
bangsibear
Cambridge, MA237 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We had such a great half day experience with Lewis! We were a group of three adults and we all had a chance to fly five birds in three locations… a farm, hillside and cemetery. Lewis is a passionate conservationist, so we heard a lot about the issues of wildlife and land conservation. He cheerfully made room in his van for me when I asked to limit my walking.
Written 4 September 2023
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.
Hi all, thank you so much for the visit.
It was a pleasure taking you all out with the team.
Lewis
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom E
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Fantastic Day out with Lewis and his Team of Birds.
We met Lewis for a Coffee before heading out into the Beacons.
Lewis is very knowledgable and was able to explain the history of the birds. He is very passionate and his love for his birds is evident.
We had a great day flying the birds that he brought and his company was Superb.
Massive Thanks to Wings of Wales
We met Lewis for a Coffee before heading out into the Beacons.
Lewis is very knowledgable and was able to explain the history of the birds. He is very passionate and his love for his birds is evident.
We had a great day flying the birds that he brought and his company was Superb.
Massive Thanks to Wings of Wales
Written 18 August 2023
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.
Thank you for coming to visit the team, we enjoyed your company and hope to see you again.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andrew e
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Undertook the half day experience with Lewis on 17th August.
The birds were stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see them fly up close in a picturesque setting.
Would highly recommend to anyone.
The birds were stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see them fly up close in a picturesque setting.
Would highly recommend to anyone.
Written 18 August 2023
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.
Mon Pleasure Andrew.
It was a fun day.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew E
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Did the half day experience on 17th August 2023..
Thoroughly enjoyed the day with Lewis and the birds in picturesque surroundings.
Would highly recommend a visit.
Thoroughly enjoyed the day with Lewis and the birds in picturesque surroundings.
Would highly recommend a visit.
Written 18 August 2023
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.
Thank you for the visit and we are glad you enjoyed your experience.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kev R
Bridgend, UK21 contributions
Jul 2023
Wings of Wales – Photographic Workshop
Today (19 July 2023) nine members of Bridgend & District Camera club visited “Wings of Wales” which is based near Penderyn in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
We were met at The Ty Newydd Country Hotel by conservation photographer, bird of prey handler, and owner Lewis Phillips who over a cup of tea/coffee explained the format of the morning’s activities, suitable lenses etc.
We then set off to a wooded area where out of his van Lewis brought out “Willow” a Ural Owl. At that point Lewis explained how this area of woodland would be the type of area that this type of owl would live and hunt. During this part of the session Willow was placed in various locations for us to take our shots and for Lewis to advise to some members best camera settings, shooting positions and what to look for.
We then moved on to an old church and graveyard for Lewis to show us “Bert” the Barn Owl and once again explained that this was a typical type of area for the Barn Owl as the overgrown graveyard contained a ready supply of food for the owl, and again the bird was placed in suitable areas for us to photograph.
Then it was off to another location for Lewis to fly 3 of his larger birds.
1st up was “Rupert” a Gyr Saker Falcon. A lovely looking bird but the first thing to notice about this bird was the speed it flew, and the difficulty some of us had getting sharp in-flight images, so it was time for multiple high-speed shots which helped a lot. A description of its habitat and hunting methods was explained.
2nd up was “Twizzle” an African harrier hawk or gymnogene. This bird is a medium sized raptor not native to the UK but with a 4-5ft wingspan is a slow and graceful flyer making it easier for us photographers to capture it in flight. A lovely if unusual looking bird and once again, we were given a full run down on its usual habitat, its hunting style.
3rd and last came “Florence” a white-tailed eagle. A large raptor with a wingspan of approx. 6-8ft. Once again, we were taken to an area which was more suitable to this type of bird, i.e high up looking down on the surrounding area. Although Lewis managed to encourage Florence to fly a couple of times, the conditions were not ideal as the wind was blowing down the hill and as such not providing any lift for the bird to soar. That said it is such a large bird we all managed to get some great shots both in flight and on the ground.
After that it was back to the hotel where we had booked ourselves into an excellent reasonably priced lunch. (not part of the Wings of Wales package).
Everyone in our group remarked what an excellent experience this was and on behalf of us all would like to thank Lewis for his welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic attitude and I have no hesitation in recommending this type of outing to other Camera Clubs/Photographic Society’s
Once again, thank you
Kev Robertson
Bridgend & District Camera Club
Today (19 July 2023) nine members of Bridgend & District Camera club visited “Wings of Wales” which is based near Penderyn in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
We were met at The Ty Newydd Country Hotel by conservation photographer, bird of prey handler, and owner Lewis Phillips who over a cup of tea/coffee explained the format of the morning’s activities, suitable lenses etc.
We then set off to a wooded area where out of his van Lewis brought out “Willow” a Ural Owl. At that point Lewis explained how this area of woodland would be the type of area that this type of owl would live and hunt. During this part of the session Willow was placed in various locations for us to take our shots and for Lewis to advise to some members best camera settings, shooting positions and what to look for.
We then moved on to an old church and graveyard for Lewis to show us “Bert” the Barn Owl and once again explained that this was a typical type of area for the Barn Owl as the overgrown graveyard contained a ready supply of food for the owl, and again the bird was placed in suitable areas for us to photograph.
Then it was off to another location for Lewis to fly 3 of his larger birds.
1st up was “Rupert” a Gyr Saker Falcon. A lovely looking bird but the first thing to notice about this bird was the speed it flew, and the difficulty some of us had getting sharp in-flight images, so it was time for multiple high-speed shots which helped a lot. A description of its habitat and hunting methods was explained.
2nd up was “Twizzle” an African harrier hawk or gymnogene. This bird is a medium sized raptor not native to the UK but with a 4-5ft wingspan is a slow and graceful flyer making it easier for us photographers to capture it in flight. A lovely if unusual looking bird and once again, we were given a full run down on its usual habitat, its hunting style.
3rd and last came “Florence” a white-tailed eagle. A large raptor with a wingspan of approx. 6-8ft. Once again, we were taken to an area which was more suitable to this type of bird, i.e high up looking down on the surrounding area. Although Lewis managed to encourage Florence to fly a couple of times, the conditions were not ideal as the wind was blowing down the hill and as such not providing any lift for the bird to soar. That said it is such a large bird we all managed to get some great shots both in flight and on the ground.
After that it was back to the hotel where we had booked ourselves into an excellent reasonably priced lunch. (not part of the Wings of Wales package).
Everyone in our group remarked what an excellent experience this was and on behalf of us all would like to thank Lewis for his welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic attitude and I have no hesitation in recommending this type of outing to other Camera Clubs/Photographic Society’s
Once again, thank you
Kev Robertson
Bridgend & District Camera Club
Written 20 July 2023
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.
Hi Kev, sorry for the delay in response.
It was a pleasure to meet you all, thank you for booking and I hope to meet you all again.
Kind regards.
Lewis
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn S
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Fantastic day with lots of highlights. Lewis is a fountain of knowledge and adapted the day to suit our varied mobility needs. Breathtaking experience for all ages.
Written 6 July 2023
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.
Bonjour, it was my pleasure, thank you for visiting.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Henry N
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
This is a very unique experience, both the make up of the 'team' (they have feathers and look equally beautiful and scary) and the expertise and natural friendliness that oozes from Lewis; who runs the show. An absolutely brilliant day in a lovely setting. The highlight for me - and there were many - was meeting Harry; an enormous and endangered Vulture. Leave the preconceptions behind. This is a wonderful animal. She is quick on her pins and when she takes to the skies....breathtaking. I'm going to do this again for certain.
Written 18 June 2023
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.
John it was an absolute pleasure, thank you for the kind words.
Written 23 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway520382
2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Fantastic experience. Will always remember walking in a field as part of the pack with Tracey the Harris Hawk. Lewis was great and incredibly passionate about his extended family and the Brecon Beacons national park.
Written 28 May 2023
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.
Thank you for visiting, Tracy is very special to be honest, a wonderful part of our team.
Hope to see you again.
Written 23 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heidi Healey
Wakefield, MA31 contributions
Apr 2023
If you've ever wanted to get up close and learn more about birds of prey, then this tour is the best opportunity you'll have. Lewis is an incredibly passionate and dedicated conservationist, and it really shows in his care and relationship with the birds. You will have the chance to witness them in a natural setting and learn more about the advocacy that is needed to restore these habitats and re-introduce the white-tailed eagle to other parts of the UK. We were able to meet Tracey (Harris's Hawk), Rupert (Saker Falcon), Florence (White-Tailed Eagle), Twizzle (African Harrier Hawk), and Willow (Tawny Owl).
As an added bonus, we had fantastic conversations with Lewis for hours and felt like we made a new friend on this unique adventure. My husband and I have talked about this experience repeatedly over the past few weeks and how it was hands down our favorite part of our UK vacation. Thank you again to Lewis for an amazing time!
As an added bonus, we had fantastic conversations with Lewis for hours and felt like we made a new friend on this unique adventure. My husband and I have talked about this experience repeatedly over the past few weeks and how it was hands down our favorite part of our UK vacation. Thank you again to Lewis for an amazing time!
Written 27 May 2023
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.
Thank you again for the kind words, it was a great pleasure to meet you both and we are glad you enjoyed your visit to the Brecon Beacons.
Written 23 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suzannebutcher151
Barry, UK39 contributions
My husband is keen to go on the half day experience. I just need to ask a question. He is ok on his feet and is mobile but a little unsteady on rough ground. Would this half day be suitable for him?
Wings Of Wales
Aberdare, UK
Good afternoon.
The half days are at Craig y nos country park which is extremely user friendly, no gradients or rough ground with level paths. If you would like some more info please feel free to contact us on 07800 986673.
Kind regards.
Lewis