We’re delighted to be able to offer our guests unique opportunities to get up close and personal with a range of beautiful birds of prey on one of our educational falconry experiences in Yorkshire.
Originally a method of obtaining food, the practice of falconry has evolved over time, becoming more closely aligned with nature conservation, cultural heritage, and social engagement.
Our experiences are available all year round and run by accredited Raptor Award Assessor and renowned falconer, Jess Craven. Jess has over 15 years’ experience with birds of prey, including working for one of the UK’s largest eagle and vulture display teams, and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things birds of prey.
Each experience involves meeting, handling and learning about flying these majestic birds—which include UK, Canadian and African bloodlines—and also seeing first-hand the wonderful bond between bird and handler.
We are also pleased to be the only hotel in the UK to offer a Falconry Raptor Award short course which leads to a certificate of completion. Find out more here.
COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AS ADD-ONS FOR RESIDENT GUESTS OF THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS HOTEL & SPA, THE DEVONSHIRE FELL AT BURNSALL AND OUR YORKSHIRE COLLECTION HOLIDAY COTTAGES.
All of our Yorkshire falconry experiences need a minimum of two people to go ahead and are run from The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey.
For more information or to book, please contact our reservations team on res@devonshirehotels.co.uk or 01756 718111.
Revel in this hands-on opportunity to fly a selection of falcons and see first-hand their individual characteristics. Experiences will be hosted on the hotel grounds so are ideal for staying guests, and there will be plenty of photo opportunities throughout.
A highlight of this experience is learning how to pass a falcon with a lure, and participant’s are invited to have a go themselves.
Prices
£69.00 per adult
£49.00 per child
The Hawk Walk is an entry level experience and chance to get up close and personal with a team of hawks.
Guests will receive a run through on how to handle and fly the hawks correctly, followed by a walk within the hotel grounds and a further chance to ask lots of questions about these beautiful birds.
Available from September 2023 onwards.
Prices
£69.00 per adult
£49.00 per child
This experience allows you to meet a variety of different birds, including hawks, and falcons.
This session is aimed to give those with an interest a better general knowledge of these birds, with detailed descriptions and hands on flying to the glove.
Prices
£125.00 per person
We’re proud to be the only hotel in the UK offering this certified short course leading to a Raptor Award Certificate on completion.
This residential course is designed to expand the knowledge into birds of prey, with short lessons on handling, maintenance, flying and health. It is great for those with a serious interest and who may wish to pursue falconry themselves in the future.
Terms & Conditions:
All the courses require guests to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear – no animal fur! In the event of strong wind/rain we can offer a refund or reschedule the experience. Falconry Services staff will be on site a minimum of 15min prior to the experience. Falconry Services are are fully insured for private and public handling. The birds used are highly experienced and confident. Falconry Services are the first and only RA Assessors to offer the Raptor Awards Experience Course. AAL (Animal Activities License) awarded by North Yorkshire Council We always work in accordance with the Bird of Prey standards of Welfare.
Our hotels in the splendour of the countryside offer the perfect escape to the everyday. Set in thousands of acres of spectacular surroundings, you can social distance with ease, and at our hotels and inns, you can rest assured of the very best health and safety measures allowing you to relax and enjoy your stay.
Our hotels in the splendour of the countryside offer the perfect escape to the everyday. Set in thousands of acres of spectacular surroundings, you can social distance with ease, and at our hotels and inns, you can rest assured of the very best health and safety measures allowing you to relax and enjoy your stay.
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