The Hawking Centre
The Hawking Centre
5
Nature & Wildlife AreasZoosOther Outdoor ActivitiesOther Zoos & Aquariums
About
Exclusive falconry and bird of prey centre specialising in experience days. Our centre boasts an array of feathered friends for you to meet in person on your falconry experience day. Based on the beautiful formal lawns and garden of Eastwell Manor, our experiences ooze luxury but are the perfect excursion for the whole family! Whether it's for a day out, or something to pass the time for an hour, we have the experience that's right for you. We look forward to welcoming you.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Sherpa274791716601 contributionBig Four ExperienceHad an amazing afternoon flying the Big Four at the Hawking centre. Reece, our host, was so friendly, knowledgeable and obviously passionate about the birds in his care, he made the experience extra special. Flying the birds and watching them fly was everything I hoped it would and more. Thank you so much!!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2024
- Jacky S24 contributionsHawking centre great experience great setting.Amazing experience. Took hubby for his Christmas present. Reese was our guide. He was so knowledgeable. Lots of time hands on flying. Lots of information. Great setting in Eastwell Manor. Fun day had. Reese was very chilled but made the day fun nd enjoyable. Highly recommended. Thank youVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 March 2024
- Kim GLondon, United Kingdom12 contributionsAmazing 👏Reece, our Falconer, was very knowledgeable about all the birds of prey in his care. My husband experienced the VIP package for the whole of today, along with my wife as a spectator and photographer. He was given the opportunity to feed many species of birds by them flying to him. Reece made the day top. He is a very caring, charamasic young man who thoroughly enjoys his role. However, we both had a fantastic day and would recommend it to everyone. I am not keen on birds but shall return for my VIP experience.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 April 2024
- Lesley D1 contributionBrilliant day, really enjoyed it. Would do it again.The full day experience was a Christmas present from my husband. I went with my daughter ( it was for the two of us) and included lunch. We had a great day, lots of opportunities to fly the birds and learnt a lot from Reece ( our leader for the day) about them. Would love to do it again, perhaps with more sunshine although the showers couldn’t spoil it.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 April 2024
- Surrey1000Guildford, United Kingdom7 contributionsExcellentWe had a lovely morning with Reece at the Hawking centre. The grounds of Eastwell Manor are just a perfect backdrop for viewing and flying the birds. We flew 5 different birds - they were all so beautiful and well cared for. It was interesting to see how they all had a different character. The weather was perfect too - we couldn't have asked for more. Will look forward to returning at another time.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 April 2024
- William PAmersham, United Kingdom2 contributionsWonderful experienceWe did the all day falconry experience and, despite the rather unsettled weather, we thoroughly enjoyed it. We flew 9 different birds, all totally captivating in their various ways. Reece, our falconer, was so knowledgeable, not only about the birds in his care but also in their natural environment. He also had some interesting and amusing anecdotes. It felt like a privilege to get up close to such amazing animals. We both had a wonderful time, and would love to do it again sometime.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 April 2024
- Mark PUxbridge, United Kingdom5 contributionsFab day out!!!We booked last year but had to cancel several times Zoe was extremely helpful and understanding. We finally managed to attend on May 2024. Wow what an amazing experience!!! Reece our falconer was very friendly and knowledgeable. The whole day was packed with flying the beautiful birds and had a really nice lunch in Eastwell Manors gorgeous Lounge (highly recommend even if you are not there for the birds) The setting was stunning and really made our day that much more special. We booked for the VIP one to one full day and most certainly recommend it. Thank you Reece and team. Mark and DebsVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 May 2024
- Gary M1 contributionA genuinely magical dayI bought a VIP half day experience for my partner for a birthday present and she absolutely adored the day out. Said it was the best birthday she has ever had! It was a delightful experience and getting to get up close with a lot of the birds was a genuine joy and if anyone wants a unique experience, i highly recommendVisited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 May 2024
- Tara J8 contributionsAn interesting and fun day with knowledgeable instructorWhat an amazing day, we had the whole day with Reece who was a very knowledgeable young man. we learnt so much and then some. The weather was perfect as was the experience of flying different types of Birds of Prey, all quite different personalities and flying styles. I would absolutely recommend this experienceVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 May 2024
- Samantha B5 contributionsFalconry experienceWhat an amazing incredible experience to be able so get up close to such beautiful and awesome birds. Our falconer, Reese, was really friendly and knowledgeable, explaining about the birds, their characters, how they behave and they're abilities, he made the afternoon so interesting and fun. If you're a bird nut like me, you have to do this experience, would highly recommend and in such a beautiful setting.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 May 2024
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
182 reviews
Excellent
179
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2
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MARKANDBECKIE
PORTSMOUTH44 contributions
Jun 2022
My husband bought me this 3 hour experience as a present pre-covid and so it had been postponed for a couple of years.
We travelled from Portsmouth to Kent and got to the centre (more of a beautiful stately home) with time to spare.
We entered the hotel and were advised to wait for our handler to arrive. A few others joined us and then Ryan came to take our names and sort out the lunch preferences for the all-dayers.
Ryan is such a personable, polite and knowledgeable young man. He made us feel totally at ease with the birds, and his knowledge is amazing.
After a safety briefing and a tour of all the other birds, we walked the short distance to the paddock/field area.
We were able to fly a barn owl (my favourite), an eagle owl, a vulture and a beautiful bald eagle (that weighed 7.5 pounds)!
The weather was kind and perfect for flying the birds. My husband even got to have a go with the bald eagle, that was so very kind of Ryan to suggest and totally made our day!
The place was very clean, the grounds are stunning and my only gripe was that we didn't do the full day! The photos we have are out of this world, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Thank you so very much to Ryan and the team for the best experience day we have ever done.
I thoroughly recommend this to anyone looking for an unusual gift for someone. The hotel also does lunches and cream teas by the way to make the day more pleasant if you are doing the 3 hour experience, the full day one includes lunch.
Tips: wear sturdy footwear, and long sleeves, don't forget your camera and think of some questions to utilise Ryan's fab knowledge.
We travelled from Portsmouth to Kent and got to the centre (more of a beautiful stately home) with time to spare.
We entered the hotel and were advised to wait for our handler to arrive. A few others joined us and then Ryan came to take our names and sort out the lunch preferences for the all-dayers.
Ryan is such a personable, polite and knowledgeable young man. He made us feel totally at ease with the birds, and his knowledge is amazing.
After a safety briefing and a tour of all the other birds, we walked the short distance to the paddock/field area.
We were able to fly a barn owl (my favourite), an eagle owl, a vulture and a beautiful bald eagle (that weighed 7.5 pounds)!
The weather was kind and perfect for flying the birds. My husband even got to have a go with the bald eagle, that was so very kind of Ryan to suggest and totally made our day!
The place was very clean, the grounds are stunning and my only gripe was that we didn't do the full day! The photos we have are out of this world, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Thank you so very much to Ryan and the team for the best experience day we have ever done.
I thoroughly recommend this to anyone looking for an unusual gift for someone. The hotel also does lunches and cream teas by the way to make the day more pleasant if you are doing the 3 hour experience, the full day one includes lunch.
Tips: wear sturdy footwear, and long sleeves, don't forget your camera and think of some questions to utilise Ryan's fab knowledge.
Written 28 June 2022
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.
petra w
11 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
My husband brought himself and I a half day experience at christmas 2022, because of work schedules we couldnt book till September 2023, but it was certainly worth the wait. Our Falconer Reece met us and a small group of others, including a young child with her parents in hotel waiting area. Led us all down to where birds all live, the area was wonderfully kempt and avaries were all decent sized and clean.. After doing all the necessary paper work for healh and safety we were all given a falconer glove to wear. Big old things they are... Reece then proceeded to talk to all of us while getting out first beautiful bird for us to fly, weighing it to ensure it was healthy to fly then we all proceeded out to flying ground just outside the avairy walls. We had Five birds in total for the experience, 2 were flown around just outside avairy walls, 1 was flown around the old golf course, 1 in the garden, the 5th and biggest bird, a Bald Eagle was just sat on our hands one person at a time. Weather was very hot that day and Reece was making sure the birds were not going to suffer which is absolutely important to these magnificent birds, I would highly recommend anyone, young, old, small or big to go and try one of these experiences. So much better than watching then in a large cage at a zoo where you cannot interact with them.
Thank you very much Reece for a fantastic experience. x
Thank you very much Reece for a fantastic experience. x
Written 12 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.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review, it means the world to us. We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your day with us and look forward to possibly seeing you both in the future!
Take care!
- Zoe
Written 12 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark C
Essex, UK16 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I have partaken in a number of experience days over the last 9 years or so and this was by far the pick of the bunch. I was lucky enough to have received the 5 day falconry package as a present from my wife. From the very first day I received hands on tuition from the owner and experienced falconer Ryan. I learned a varied array of topics which included how to tie a Falconry knot,attaching and removing equipment from the Harris Hawks,the importance of weight management and the individual mechanics of the different birds,the general bird handling of the Owls,Hawkes,Eagles, vultures and Falcons. I could write three or four pages on the amount of information that passed my way in what was by far the best interactive bird of prey experience I have ever had. The venue was located in a stunning setting that offered it's own plethora of wild nature and tranquility.I would highly recommend this professional company who obviously at the top of their game.
Written 20 March 2020
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.
Katie
1 contribution
Apr 2021
We really enjoyed the big 4 experience and our falconer, Bradley, was professional, informative, friendly and very supportive of the bird's needs. He was very patient with the birds and had a lovely manner. He first took us into the seating area and made us a cup of tea, whilst we familiarised ourselves with the health and safety poster which he gave us.
He showed us each of the birds in turn, telling us lots of information about them, and you could easily see that he had a real passion for the birds.
Our favourite part of the day was when we got the opportunity to fly the birds. Bradley was very patient and gave us lots of opportunities to fly and interact with the birds, whilst ensuring their well-being was catered for. The birds were stunning and we particularly enjoyed getting to know Maggie and Arthur.
He showed us each of the birds in turn, telling us lots of information about them, and you could easily see that he had a real passion for the birds.
Our favourite part of the day was when we got the opportunity to fly the birds. Bradley was very patient and gave us lots of opportunities to fly and interact with the birds, whilst ensuring their well-being was catered for. The birds were stunning and we particularly enjoyed getting to know Maggie and Arthur.
Written 29 April 2021
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.
Beverley F
Rainham, UK48 contributions
Oct 2020
I bought a VIP half-day experience for my partner as a treat for a special birthday. We were initially given a tour of all of the birds by Bradley who was immensely knowledgeable as well as interesting. There was one other couple there. After the tour we were joined by Ryan (the owner) and we went into pairs. Bradley was with the other couple and Ryan was with us. Then my partner flew a barn owl, two eagle owls,a vulture, a harrier hawk and a Chilean blue eagle. Each bird was flown several times between us and the other couple. The birds are stunning, Ryan was extremely friendly and informative and the setting is lovely. There was also an opportunity to hold a bald-headed eagle. All in all it was fantastic!
Written 8 October 2020
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.
Alex P
9 contributions
Sept 2020
What an amazing day!! This is definitely one day I will never forget, truly magical to see these magnificent birds of prey up so close, and to be able to fly them was just something else, and in a stunning location too!!
Bradley was our falconer for the day, his passion and knowledge for the birds was second to none. I cannot recommend this experience enough. It is something that should be on everyone's bucket list, and saying that my husband and I will definitely be going back.
Maggie the Vulture, (what a character she is, she will definitely bring a smile to your face...), and the Chilean Blue Eagle 'Moet' were my favourites, if you can have favourites... as all the birds are just gorgeous!!
You will definitely walk away with a big smile and very happy memories of one incredible day!
Thank you so much to Bradley and Ryan for a brilliant experience, well done guys !!
Bradley was our falconer for the day, his passion and knowledge for the birds was second to none. I cannot recommend this experience enough. It is something that should be on everyone's bucket list, and saying that my husband and I will definitely be going back.
Maggie the Vulture, (what a character she is, she will definitely bring a smile to your face...), and the Chilean Blue Eagle 'Moet' were my favourites, if you can have favourites... as all the birds are just gorgeous!!
You will definitely walk away with a big smile and very happy memories of one incredible day!
Thank you so much to Bradley and Ryan for a brilliant experience, well done guys !!
Written 30 September 2020
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.
Josie R
6 contributions
Sept 2020
We originally booked for May, however due to COVID it was cancelled and we re-booked for September. We had the full-day falconry experience, with Ryan as our falconer. It was an amazing day and we got to fly all the birds around the grounds of Eastwell Manor. It was also really educational, but engaging at the same time. We had an hour's lunch break in the hotel, and were served great food.
There were loads of opportunities for photo-taking, The schedule was quite relaxed and there was no pressure. The birds were all healthy, in great condition, and were clearly well looked after.
Would highly recommend the experience to anyone who wants a day to remember, and wants to support animals during COVID. We plan to go again in the future!
There were loads of opportunities for photo-taking, The schedule was quite relaxed and there was no pressure. The birds were all healthy, in great condition, and were clearly well looked after.
Would highly recommend the experience to anyone who wants a day to remember, and wants to support animals during COVID. We plan to go again in the future!
Written 3 October 2020
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.
Goonerite
Kent, UK41 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Great experience, hosted by Bradley and Ryan. These guys are very knowledgable, passionate and, most importantly, obviously care about the birds under their care. We flew five birds each in total, so was great value for money.
Only area for improvement would be a bit more information/ signage about where to check in (you have to go into the main hotel reception), but once you've figured that out it's brilliant.
Only area for improvement would be a bit more information/ signage about where to check in (you have to go into the main hotel reception), but once you've figured that out it's brilliant.
Written 23 August 2020
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.
Clive4999
London, UK34 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I booked the VIP full day bird of prey experience for my wife’s birthday because of her interest in birds. The day was fabulous. We were looked after by Ryan who was excellent. Ryan was incredibly knowledgeable, his passion for the birds was clear and we loved hearing about how he trains and looks after the birds. The birds are amazing, we were introduced to Darwin, the barn owl, Bailey the mackinder owl, Arthur the European eagle owl , Maggie the North African vulture, Xavier the bald eagle, Jaegar the Harris hawk and Moët the Chilean blue eagle. They were all fantastic. I just can’t speak highly enough about the day and Ryan - fantastic. Ryan asked if he could do anything to improve the experience - we both said no, it was that good. It was a day to remember and we highly recommend it.
Written 31 July 2022
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.
Mark M
Bromley, UK3 contributions
Mar 2022
Absolutely unforgettable birthday experience at Eastwell Manor yesterday. The cold, blustery wind meant we needed to wrap up warm but it also allowed these beautiful birds of prey to soar and glide at their magnificent best. I got to handle everything from little Darwin the barn Owl to (my favourite) Xavier, the majestic Bald Eagle. Being in a small group of 3-4 pairs meant that it was a very hands-on experience.
The falconer Bradley, someone who clearly loves the birds in his care, was a wonderful guide and shared his passion and extensive knowledge with us throughout the day. The beautiful grounds and tasty lunch were the icing on the cake.
The falconer Bradley, someone who clearly loves the birds in his care, was a wonderful guide and shared his passion and extensive knowledge with us throughout the day. The beautiful grounds and tasty lunch were the icing on the cake.
Written 7 March 2022
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.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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