Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre image

Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre

Tourist attraction Zoo Charity Wildlife and safari park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Test Valley


Address

Sarson Ln, Andover SP11 8DY, United Kingdom

Website

www.hawk-conservancy.org

Contact

+44 1264 773850

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (3.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: birds (53) displays (27) experience (27) flying (25) staff (22) great (20) amazing (19) visit (18) close (16) owls (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Louise J. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited from Devon for the first time yesterday after hearing many good things from friends. Wow… absolutely did not disappoint. You can tell the staff care so much about the birds. They were left to fly-freely during their flying slots and were encouraged to fly far and high to explore the local area. It is so healthy to see falconers having a trusting relationship with their birds. The flying displays were just incredible and some wild red kites and buzzards even got involved too (including Ian!). It was all natural as there were purpose build areas for flying, big aviaries and very close up performances (sometimes a little too close with the vultures…!!) the music made the atmosphere so special and even comical at times. The barn owls flying in the woodland was just so beautiful and I cannot wait to go back there. Food was amazing, staff were so knowledgeable and had much time for questions from the public. Such a wonderful place and you can tell the staff love what they do. Something for everyone there and incredible value. Thank you Hawk Conservancy, I will be back!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison 8 months ago on Google
    Never thought I'd say this as I didn't know what to expect but watching the bird displays felt magical! I actually had tears in my eyes at some point. They looked so serene and myself and my husband found the whole day so relaxing. So much so we will definitely be returning!!! Sadly we didn't have time to visit everywhere as we wanted to watch the displays that were put on. Highly recommend a visit....the staff are so friendly, approachable and so knowledgeable!! Great day out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JRT 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, loved watching the birds fly. Felt a bit bad for the birds in cages as I do with zoo's, but it makes you feel better when you find out they are endangered species and the conservancy are looking out for them. Would probably bring a pack lunch if travelling with family, there is a restaurant there but its nothing special and would add up if say your going as a family. Plenty of picnic tables to enjoy your lunch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucy Mortlock (. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an amazing time at the Hawk Conservancy this weekend. The place is so well kept, clean & tidy, beautiful grounds and really loved the wildflower meadow. All of the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. We paid extra for the burrowing owl experience and it was totally worth it. These cute little owls will just come and sit on your hand. All the flight demonstrations were brilliant, I wish we hadn't missed the first one of the day, would definitely go back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian B. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fantastic attraction to visit, just outside Andover. Easily accessible, and well laid out. You will be greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable staff whose professionalism is evident from the start of your visit. The flying displays are spectacular, and a visual delight. Don't forget to pack your camera. I will be back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie A. 6 months ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Wow, what a brilliant day all round. The whole experience was just wonderful. We could see all the birds close up in their aviaries, and then when they were let out to do their flying displays, it really was spectacular. They literally flew just above our heads, so close that we had to duck, so that they didn't collide with us. Also what we loved, was that they were all flying at the same time, and it was to music. A really lovely experience, and one that I would recommend to anyone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie M. 2 months ago on Google • 128 reviews New
    Had a fab day out at the Hawk conservatory. We started exploring the various bird and their personalities. There are some real characters who had fun photographing a few. The displays were fab. Would suggest for woodland one to sit on the woodland side. We ended up on the mud side and felt a little out of it. Regardless, I loved hearing the stories from the passionate workers and seeing the owls fly around. We then head straight to the cafe. Where we beat the crowd before watching the next display. All in all a great day out and so much to learn.

  • 5/5 Aaron S. 2 months ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    The displays were amazing - owls flying above your head, birds of prey, just incredible. The staff were very friendly and were great at providing knowledge. Highly recommended as a great day out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ladybird S. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic conservancy centre with birds of prey. Knowledgeable keepers, engaging display, and a genuine focus on conservation. Beautiful grounds with well maintained garden displays expertly tended by volunteers. Garden shop and gift shop. Large, easily accessed restaurant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hemanth K. 8 months ago on Google
    It was a great experience for us, looking at the fascinating shows they did with the birds. The staff are well trained and the birds are well trained too. For children this is really a good place to get some information about birds and how important are these in our ecology. One thing always comes to my mind is, what it takes a bird to become so domesticated and just follow few instructions. This is a must visit trust for anyone who likes birds.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh K. 10 months ago on Google
    An absolutely spectacular day out for all the family! Throughout the day there are events and shows - and for anyone who is visiting, we'd hugely recommend the two main displays, which both feature breathtaking birds of prey flying remarkably close and close with a huge menagerie of birds filling the skies. Every aviary seems spacious and all the animals seem happy, lively and well cared for. The grounds are beautiful and have plenty of places to stop and rest. The restaurant is Bright and comfy - and the food is straightforward and easy, just right for bringing kids along. Every member of staff we encountered was deeply knowledgeable about the birds and the organisation, and they were excited to tell us of the amazing work they're doing to aid conservation around the world. If you haven't been before, definitely go - it's well and truly worth it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann Marie W. 2 years ago on Google
    A great day out with a friendly and clearly passionate team that conserve and promote the safety of wild birds around the world. On site there is a nice cafe and shop, plenty of seating around the reserve, 3 or 4 flying displays and information about the work they do. At additional cost you can take part in other falconry and bird experiences. I personally love vultures (not having any native to the UK), it was great to get close to them and see them flying.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adventures of a Geography T. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant day out to see a variety of birds of prey including owls, hawks, falcons and vultures. There were several shows including a vulture talk, wings of Africa show, eagles show and owl show in the woods. There also was a nest building workshop and trailer rides on as well. The restaurant had a good range of lunch foods including jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, baguettes and other cooked food. There was a good range of cakes as well, with some gluten free options available. The gluten free Victoria sponge was lovely. You can also have weddings here, there was one today in the building next to the wings of Africa display area, where the wedding guests watched the show from their balcony. It was mentioned they had a barn owl carry their wedding rings during the ceremony. You can also purchase a membership to the Hawk conservancy trust and have your day's ticket price refunded for joining up. They do a lot of great conservation work at the trust.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve J. 2 years ago on Google
    Thoroughly great day out on the Birds of Prey experience. 2 excellent "guides" for the day, good lunch & refreshments. Even just a visitor entrance is well worth the money, you get to see all the birds pretty up close, 2 flying displays & friendly staff around the park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louise H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the most amazing place ever!! The people are so informative and the birds are majestic!. Watch the flying shows seeing the birds flying free and coming so close was breath taking....loved every minute!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin B. 2 years ago on Google
    The most amazing place. Have been going for years and every visit is brilliant. Spend the whole day to experience all the shows. Site has a wonderful restaurant with good food and prices. On site shop sell great things for kids and adults. The staff are truly brilliant and love their work and care for these wonderful birds. Please support this wonderful organisation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas C. 6 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    Fantastic place, demonstrations are amazing and there are a few throughout the day. A really wide variety of birds to see and learn about. I highly recommend this place to almost anyone, we enjoyed it as a couple, would be great for a family day out too, and I'd have enjoyed it if I'd gone alone also

  • 5/5 Nathan C. 7 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    We booked an owl experience for the kids in the summer holidays, it was absolutely great! Thank you so much to the staff, they were super knowledgeable and great hosts. The kids loved the burrowing owls and the owl pellet dissecting especially. Although the whole morning was great, and we then spent the afternoon looking at all the other birds and displays. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Lisa R. 3 months ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    We visit once or twice a year. It doesn't take long to walk around but if you do the displays, which are always good, have lunch you can easily make a day of it. My son has done the owl experience which was excellent. We have also done The Burrowers experience, they are so very cute. The restaurant has always been good too. There are 3 ladies toilets at different ends of the cafe.

  • 5/5 samantha d. 5 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    I love visiting the Hawk conservancy. They have a lovely selection of birds of prey. The location has ample parking, a gift shop, cafe, toilets and well marked paths easily accessible to prams or wheelchairs and a little park. They do amazing shows in the day and also seasonal shows such as owloween at Halloween which is always wonderful! and Christmas with the barn owls. They do get booked up quick though! They also have staff members doing demos and talks throughout the day. They also do experiences with the birds. I would thoroughly recommend the Hawk conservancy to all. It is a fantastic day out and I would definitely recommend booking onto one of their seasonal evening experience.

  • 5/5 Silver Rain T. 10 months ago on Google
    We absolutely love coming here and the displays are phenomenal. Only issue was there aren't any toilets at the far end, not ideal if disabled or weak bladder. Overall amazing place.

  • 5/5 Philip K. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited for the first time in 4 years. Various parts of the site have been upgraded or changed since we last visited. The show's were as captivating as ever. A great place to visit.

  • 5/5 Chris T. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic day out for the family, with plenty for all ages. Good parking, nice restaurant, plentiful facilities and a great gift shop. There is also a number of experiences that can be booked which can get you up close to the birds. Would highly recommend the sunset & owl experiences.

  • 5/5 Sophia L. 6 months ago on Google
    I’ve booked a bird of prey experience for my Boyfreind and mother. It was a amazing 3 hour experience, as I’ve been able to get close to the birds and get to learn so much about them especially on learning how important the Hawk conservancy is. Having this experience was the cherry on top since the normal activities are packed with amazing shows on displaying the birds abilities and spreading awareness, As there is plenty of areas to wonder and look around too see the vast array of birds. I would very much do this experience again and recommend to anyone since I had such a wonderful day and I will Allways remember this experience fondly

  • 5/5 Angie G. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic day out! Professional, highly knowledgeable handlers leading amazing flying displays. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Mollie F. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow what an amazing place! I got my mum and experience with birds of prey and she loved it! A three hour full on experience learning about the birds and handling them. Whilst she was doing that we were able to explore and watch the amazing displays. Our favourite being the vulture show, getting tapped on the head by a flying vulture is a one of a kind experience. The park was kept clean and the animals well looked after. All the staff were super friendly and helpful telling you all about their animals. Highly recommended as a family day out. We can't wait to come back!

  • 5/5 Gavin J. 11 months ago on Google
    What a fantastic place. Came for a morning photography experience (which was well worth doing if you have an interest in wildlife photography) and ended up staying for the whole day. The afternoon displays were awesome. The photography experience allows you to get close to the birds and you are able to ask the guides a lot of questions about the animals. The staff were really knowledgeable, helpful and approachable. A really worthwhile reason to visit Andover.

  • 5/5 Katherine P. 10 months ago on Google
    What an amazing full day out for the whole family. Ages 4 to 54 attended, and we all had the most amazing time. Such caring, kind, and knowledgeable trainers. They clearly love the animals and do a lot for endangered wildlife across the globe. We learned and enjoyed ourselves so much.

  • 5/5 Joseph E. 9 months ago on Google
    Well worth a day's visit. Brilliant flying demonstrations and great commentary, really showing the different birds in their best forms. Recommend going for the day if you can, to fit in all 3 flying displays. The snacks and drinks in the Cafe are reasonably priced too. Great day out for all!

  • 5/5 S C. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    If you didn't visit the Winter Woodland lights event this year, then make it a must for 2025. The owl display took place in a magical setting with wonderful illuminations. The narration that accompanied the show was captivating, and seeing the owls fly at night in their natural habitat was beautiful. We want to say a big thank you to Denise for showing us so much compassion when for personal reasons we could not attend on the original date we booked. We will definitely visit again in the summer season.

  • 5/5 Miriam L. 9 months ago on Google
    This was amazing from start to finish! 🤩 Expert knowledge from the guides, interactive and magically transported to the African savannah in two of the bird shows. Amazing experience and a must for everyone! Will be going back very soon 🙂

  • 4/5 VM B. 2 years ago on Google
    I eventually really enjoyed visiting the Trust! Initially I was put off by some of the stationary birds in their cages... must have been nap time. But the bird displays were outstanding! Where the handlers fly the birds in large outdoor, not enclosed areas, so the birds could just fly off. Very enjoyable! The large birds end up flying over, through and around you!! (And in some cases large owls actually perching on the bench you are seated at! Tip: when you walk into the owl woodland display, sit on the back row close to upright wooden posts just over a meter tall behind the outer row of benches - the owls fly between the wooden posts and perch on them and the nearby benches). Another tip because you are deserve it is... at the furthest "meadow" display where they get loads of birds flying around sit on the upper deck at the back or two rows from the back in the middle - birds fly from each of the sides - you will note wood covered with green fake grass the birds land on - they fly very close back and forth. Amazing!!! There are about 4 of these displays over a 6 hour stretch of time - worth it for adults but kids might get a bit stir crazy? Great facilities both indoors and outdoors for refreshments. Nice gift shop and ample parking. The only thing I wasn't keen about which give this otherwise 5 out of 5 review was some of the birds get tethered to the ground whilst they are being displayed. I'm sure it doesnt hurt them but it made me feel uncomfortable. So go visit and decide for yourself and make sure you plan to hit the bird display event times as they are amazing!

  • 5/5 Jacqui W. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic displays of different birds of prey. Close up as well as seeing them fly naturally enjoying the wind and the sky. Lots of information shared by the falconers in an educational yet humorous way. An incredible experience seeing groups of birds flying together as well as displays by the eagles and the incredibly intelligent caracara… and who can resist the owls… a great day out and you are also contributing to preserving birds who are an integral part of the world ecosystem. Lots to see in the aviaries of breeding birds. Simply a great day out and if you add on the burrowing owls experience then you get up close and personal with them - sitting on your palm - magical!

  • 5/5 Christi 9 months ago on Google
    We enjoyed a brilliant day today. After getting married here last year we decided to return today for a really lovely day out, the displays were as always super engaging and a one of a kind experience. We brought our own mini picnic but also enjoyed tea & cake at the restaurant before doing the Meet the Burrowers experience. I would 100% recommend this, it was wonderful and we both came away from it beaming ear to ear! Plus you can find gorgeous gluten free home made cakes in Feathers Restaurant (and yes this is a big deal, they're delicious)

  • 5/5 Grumpy C. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant place to visit. Excellent displays with very informed and entertaining commentary. A truly wonderful experience. Staff were fantastic around the Birds. The only negative on the day was the Coffee offering in the Restaurant. The Cappuccino was tasteless, weak and can only be described as warm Milk with a dusting of Chocolate. The filter Coffee was even worse. The taste was a mix of swamp water and the inside of an old Thermos Flask. It was beyond palatable. All that said, well worth a visit but taking your own beverage is recommended.........

  • 4/5 Steve B. 1 year ago on Google
    I went there as it was hired for a private party in the evening so we weren't there for any of the falconry displays, but we did have a opportunity to look at the majestic birds. They are impressive the enclosures were large and stimulating and the birds and owls were great looking, the sheen on their coats of feathers were shimmery. I would imagine that during the day they would be more impressive especially when the falconry arena is open for use by them. I would recommend going

  • 5/5 John G. 2 years ago on Google
    A brilliant day out. The displays are stunning and it's clear that the staff really do prioritise the well-being of all the birds - all of whom have large enclosures. Be sure to do the top-trumps activity trail. Will definitely go again!

  • 5/5 Alex M. 1 year ago on Google
    This was by far the best Bird of Prey/raptor centre I have ever been too. A massive range of birds and the shows were absolutely phenomenal. Have recommended to many people already within the first week after going. I can't stress how brilliant the shows were, they gave me chills they were so good.

  • 5/5 Tom S. 2 years ago on Google
    Some of the enclosures have seen better days, but supporting the Trust's work and the flying demonstrations make a visit absolutely worth it. Planning your day around the demonstration times is essential, with hawks, owls and vultures flying close enough overhead that you'll need to duck, and the staff are friendly and enthusiastic to share information about the birds on display. Plus the burrowing owls are adorable.

  • 5/5 Kawaii B. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing day out, very informative and friendly staff. Good facilities and ample parking spaces. A very large selection of bird to enjoy, the flying show at the arena around the back of the establishment is an absolute MUST for every visitor. So thrilling to see all the vultures/eagles and kites flying around and enjoying the outside space. The staff are incredibly kind and attentive to all the birds and treat them with the upmost respect. Will definitely be visiting again.

  • 5/5 Yvonne M. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Enjoyed the display from the birds. Visited on a cold rainy Monday afternoon but listening to the staff talk so passionately about these birds made you forget about the bad weather. I would definitely visit again if I am ever in the area. Great gift shop too!

  • 5/5 Neil M. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful day out for the family. The trust is not a large place, but that only adds to the experience. All of the staff are friendly and helpful. There were 3 displays with a number of different birds on show. All of the information placards were informative and good for the children to read themselves. The cafe is good serving freshly cooked food. I’d highly recommend this to anyone, especially if you have a love of wildlife.

  • 5/5 Tariq K. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant, my second time here was as wonderful as the first, after COVID kept us away for two years almost! Nice simple restaurant on site with hot food, fresh made sandwiches and homemade cakes. It's always incredible to see the great work they are doing here. Purchased some local Mead on the way out, and now proudly have two stickers on my car's rear window showing our support for both the conservancy and Vulture conservation as well! Would not only recommend a visit, but multiple visits often!


Call +44 1264 773850 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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