Welcome to Leighton Hall Falconry

Leighton Hall is home to a small, but magnificent collection of birds of prey. The standard of care at Leighton Hall is second to none. Our birds are housed in loose lofted aviaries designed around the birds natural environment. Some of these amazing birds fly each afternoon for visitors at 3.30 p.m. (School groups can enjoy a lunchtime display). The friendly and relaxed nature of our flying display is greatly enjoyed by all our visitors who are involved with the display as the birds fly breath takingly close up to their audience.

Trained and cared for by Dee Mitchell, Leighton Hall's resident falconer, some of these birds have lived at Leighton Hall for nearly 20 years and each has its own quirks and characteristics. Dee is very knowledgeable and shares with visitors the breeding, hunting and feeding habits of her proteges.

A visit to Leighton is a chance to meet Gorbachov, the Russian Steppe Eagle, Hedwig the Snowy Owl and White Creek, the Gyr x Peregrine as well as many others. For educational information on birds of prey, see our teachers' notes.

Falconry Days
An Introduction to Birds of Prey

Spend an unforgettable day practising the ancient art of falconry in the stunning setting of Leighton Hall's estate.

Our Experience Days are suitable for all age groups and fitness abilities and encompass flying various species of birds of prey, learning how to tie a falconers knot, discussing local conservation projects, as well as visiting our local nesting wild birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Little Owls. This day also includes our popular “Hawk Walk” which gives you the opportunity to put on the falconers glove and fly a Harris Hawk.

Experience Days run throughout the year and cost £125. Gift vouchers are available courses.

If you wish to become a falconer, we offer various falconry tution courses available throughout the year for all age groups and abilites.

For further information, please see the Leighton Hall Falconry web site.

Hawk Walks

Hawk Walks are a wonderful way of observing a Bird of Prey behaving naturally using its keen senses and its instincts. Wandering through the stunning woodlands or parkland of Leighton’s spectacular country estate, you will be accompanied by a Harris Hawk flying tree to tree, but also gliding gently and swiftly to land on your own gloved hand.

As the Harris Hawk surveys its territory, the falconer will envelope you in the world of a predator, giving a valuable insight into the lives of both wild and falconry birds, demonstrating and discussing how they are similar and how they differ.

Hawk Walks are suitable for all ages, and are available all year round.  Although the impact level is low, suitable footware is required. Group and corporate bookings welcome. Hawk Walk gift vouchers are available. 

Call 01524 736925 for more information or email Dee on info@leightonhallfalconry.com

To learn more about Birds of Prey at Leighton Hall, please visit the dedicated falconry website, LeightonHallFalconry.com.