Zoos & Wildlife · Yorkshire
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
📍 YO7 4EW
Photo: Richard Spencer (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Daily free-flight displays with around 100 birds
- Watch eagles, owls and vultures fly overhead
- Handle birds at Meet the Minnies experience
- Small-group experience days flying a range of birds
- Free children's activity sheets and scavenger hunts
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre, set in the North Yorkshire countryside near Newsham with Breckenbrough, is home to around 100 birds from over 50 species, including owls, vultures, eagles and kites. Daily free-flight displays bring birds swooping close overhead, with expert commentary explaining conservation work behind the scenes. You can also join hands-on experiences like Meet the Minnies, handling birds under staff guidance, or book a small-group experience day for a deeper look at owls, vultures or eagles. There's a snack bar and picnic spots, plus free activity sheets and scavenger hunts for children. It suits families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting an active, outdoor day out. Thirsk station is 2.8 miles away, and there are 22 bookable places to stay within five miles if you're planning an overnight visit.
Practical details
- Open
- 10:30am to 5:00pm in summer season
- Booking
- No pre-booking needed for general admission
- Time needed
- Each flying display lasts 35–40 minutes
- Best for
- Children recommended aged 4 and over for handling
- Accessibility
- Displays run outdoors and are weather dependent
From the attraction's own website on 30 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Bar
- ✓ Cafe
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Picnic Area
- ✓ Parking
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Create a free account to claimPlaces to stay near Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
1.5 mi
1.5 mi
1.8 mi
2.2 mi
2.3 mi
2.4 mi
🎪 What's on near Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
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🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
A weekend in Yorkshire →
A weekend in Yorkshire with the kids →
A weekend in Yorkshire: an accessible itinerary →
🗺️ Plan the drive to Thirsk Birds of Prey Cen...
🚆 Or come by train
- Thirsk 2.8 miles
- Northallerton 5.5 miles
- Yarm 16.9 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page