Last Xmas other half bought me a days Falconry Course as it is something I have always wanted to learn. I need to confirm my booking by this Friday only I am stuck regarding which venue to chose from. We intend to take a long weekend break so it seems a good idea combining the 2.

The venue choices are:-
Eynsford in Kent
Settle in North Yorks
Braco in Perthshire
Kielder in Northumberland

As we are in the Midlands North or South is equally as accessible howevered wondered if anyone knew of the venues and also the surrounding area. Dogs will not be accompanying on this occasion.

Lisa this is something I have always wanted to do and looked some up on the net last night.

Let me know how it goes won't you.

Karen

Well, I went to the Cheshire Waterlife Centre for an Eagle Experience Day and it was fantastic. They have beautiful birds, treat you really well, and I flew a Harris Hawk (to practise) and all the various types of eagle, including the worlds third largest that weighs a stone and nearly knocked me off my feet when she landed!!

I went on my birthday and I had the best day ever - it was incredible.

Cheshire Waterlife Falconry

There is also a stunning hotel nearby - Nunsmere Hall Nunsmere. Very romantic, typically english, with great food.

Might be too far north for you though.

Hi Lisa, I bought this for my partner the xmas before last and we went to the one in Eynsford, fantastic day!!! I wasn't too keen on the idea but it was something he had always wanted to do so I tagged along and had an amazing day, I didn't think it would be as hands on and involved as it was, and the people were great. I would highly recommend that centre.

C

P.s Did I mention I really enjoyed it

Thanks guys - knew somebody would know some. Unfortunately it has to be at one of those specific venues and whilst the Cheshire one sounds fab Chloe I am originally from that area and know that Hotel really well so fancied somewhere a bit different. Plus if parents know I am in the vacinity they might expect a visit and then I'll have to spend hours being told how much money/time I spend on my horse,dogs,cats which could be better spent on Child, House, wedding!

What types of brids are there at Eynsford Candy if you can remember as I do love Hawks although any bird of prey will do.

:D :D @ Lisa!! Fair play.... shame though...the eagle day is fantastic. If you ever get a chance to do it, jump at it.... it was the most humbling experience ever.

Whats the name of the venue in Settle? I think I know it and I know the area quite well.
Diane

Be warned, I bought my husband an experience day 4 years ago, and now we own 2 birds of prey.

If your ever in Portsmouth you can have a free hands-on session if you want.

Juliet :) :)

Don't tempt me Juliet. I am really looking orward to just spending a day with them as I just love to watch them. Their was a fantastic Eagle at the Royal Show this year - at least I think it was an Eagle that flew into a tree and refused to come down. His poor keeper kept throwing this dead chick up in the air and calling him but the Bird just sat there! He was up there for a few hours and 2 policeman stood making sure no-one got to close. I still don't know to this day if he came down or just flew off but he obviously thought surveying the show from the top of the tree was far better than being down on the ground. And I thought it was just my Afghan that was ignorant! :)

I've never been to them but do know the area of the Settle and Kielder one. I used to live not far from Settle. Gorgeous area, right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. We live not too far from Kielder now and again, a fab area. I guess there may be more to do for you in Settle rather than Kielder although if you had the dogs, I would say go for the Kielder one.

Not much help but if you have any specific questions about those two areas, I would be happy to help.

Helen

Hi Lisa, I live about 5 miles from Eynsford in Kent. I have seen some of the birds as they often give displays at local events. Its a nice area, plenty of countryside but also very near to Bluewater and the M25, if you had time (and money) for some serious shopping. Do they give you somewhere to stay or would you have to make your own arrangements. All the venues sound wonderful - I think I would have to choose Perthshire. But Kent has plenty to offer - some good pubs in Eynsford Village, or in nearby Shoreham.
Have a wonderful time wherever you choose.
Lorna

Well its booked :D All locations sounded great so gave them a choice of 3. Keilder was ruled out as that course was more for someone looking to own their own bird and whilst learning all about husbandry, picking your own bird sounds really interesting other half would definately leave it I suggested the thought ;) Coming from a family who owned no pets to me with 3 dogs, 1 cat, 1 rabbit and 1 horse is enough for him to cope with. Settle sounded fab but wasn't that good for spectators so we are off to Eagle Heights in Eynsford. The day sounds fab and you go off on the southern equivalent of the Moors (sorry but I can't remember what she said) and do some flying there. Only prob is the only date left this year I can't do so it's booked for 24th January 2004!

I can't wait - wish it was next week!
Anyone got any birds I can practise on so I know what I talking about when I do turn up ;)

A lot will depend on what you want to do on your course. Are they offering different things? Some offer basic handling, some will take you hunting :)depending on the time of year, some include making your own falconry furniture & so on. Find out if hunting is the main priority & then ask which course offers what.Also if this was booked through an agency of some sort then A LOT depends on which company is running the course and NOT on where they are located. There are some real rip off merchants out there & even worse
:( there are folk who know little about hawks/falcons....just keep a collection & parade them round the fairs & shows but know nothing of falconry or austringery......they are just a flying circus :( :(