the international centre for birds of prey

From an 81 year old to a 9year-old we all found this centre interesting and informative. The staff were very friendly and answered all our questions which had probably been asked several times before with enthusiasm = they all obviously love their jobs. The flying display was excellent and exciting and we loved the owls, especially the burrowing owls. The grounds were very nice also, with lots of picnic areas, but as a tad cold today went into the cafe for a lovely (and inexpensive) hot drink. The shop also had cheap items in (from 99p) which helps when kids want a small souvenir of their trip.All in all FABULOUS.

Whether you are photographers, families with children, groups of friends or couples, the ICBP has something for everybody to enjoy. The number of birds you can find at this centre is more than any I have ever seen before at similar establishments. The variety of species you can find here is impressing to say the least and the flight demonstrations are excellent, having both an educational and a humoristic side. I visited this place with my wife on a very poor weather with many dark clouds and drizzle but this didn't affect the experience at all. I highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a great day out!

Visited in March 2015 and felt it was well worth the money. Staff are very knowledgable and we were very impressed with the variety of species. The demonstrations were excellent, so good we viewed two. It's a lovely family day out wether you are interested in birds of prey or not. For maximum value for money it's worth going in when the weathers warm and sunny. The cafe is reasonably priced and there is a good shop with quality products. I can highly recommend it !

Impromptu visit for our friend who is a keen photographer. Wonderful place, very well organised. The staff are obviously very dedicated to these beautiful birds of prey. The flying demonstrations were the best I've ever seen. The birds were very well cared for and even the grounds were very well kept. Our friend was able to get some great shots during the course of the day and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there. Would thoroughly recommend a visit.On the downside though; the four of us called in to the café for tea and cake only to be joined at the table by three black Labradors. I got up and asked the lady serving the tea and cakes to take the dogs away from us which she did, only for them to return a minute later. Again, I asked for the dogs to be removed only to hear someone from the other end of the café shouting "Put them in Charlie's room and shut the door if they don't like dogs!!' My response to that was to shout back ' I don't expect to see dogs around people while they're eating!' Not sure if we were to go in Charlie's room or the dogs!! It later transpired that the curmudgeonly response was from the owner; Ms. Perry-Jones. This was a most unprofessional manner in dealing with a paying customer!Whilst I don't mind dogs, I find it totally unacceptable to have them in a dining area. I have read a lot of the reviews and many people have commented in this way. To say the dogs are not allowed in the food preparation area does not go far enough for hygienic practice and if other members of the paying public have commented in this way, maybe it's time for her to address this issue.

Went on a very sunny day with 3 year old and was very impressed with the attraction. The birds were obviously looked after very well, many sitting outside basking in the sunlight. There are a huge range from all over the world as well as a hospital to bring locally injured birds back to health.The high spot was the flying displays with eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. We sat at the front and several perched about 2 metres from our lad. Lots of explanation but the emphasis was on the birds and the minimising of stress as they exercised for our benefit.The cafe was not overpriced and the food and drink very welcome after a chilly bright March day.Lanes to the Centre are narrow but once you are there you are in for a treat.

A bitterly cold day but a wonderful, fun, informative experience. The centre is well maintained, organised and the knowledge and care of the birds was amazing. Cafe and shop both well stocked and inviting too. Particularly liked the owner's dogs pottering around the place!!Our first visit but definitely be back, a real gem.

An educational fun day out for all ages. Seeing the birds flying was definitely the highlight. There were two flight sessions with diferent birds flying at each one. Make sure you dont miss them both. Mrs P was absolutely mesmerising as she "talked" to the birds and made time to talk to the children too. The staff are all knowledgable and interesting and quite clearly love the job and the birds in their care. Such a variety of birds of prey that we were able to see close up.The neat gardens were also of interest, with a small woodland walk and ponds below the flying field.The cafe was warm and cosy on a bitter cold day - the food looked appetising and the cost was budget friendly - £4 for a bacon bap, £3 for a slice of cake. As the money raised is for the bird conservation this was certainly not expensive. Although there was only one toilet in the cafe there were other easily accessible toilets and baby changing facilities elsewhere. The shop sold quality items which were perhaps a bit more pricey than "pocket money" in range but well worth the money. There is also a selection of ice creams available there. All in all a recommended day for all ages, giving the chance to see rare and endangered birds.

Very friendly, helpful and informative staff. Flying demonstrations were fun and interesting. Birds and grounds well cared for. Lovely day out. Will be returning.

Wonderful to see these birds so close up and to watch the knowledgable and experienced staff work with them. It is the kind of visit that is both highly enjoyable and educational and suitable for all ages.

My daughter is dotty about Owls, so having sought the guidance of an old friend we were guided to the ICBP in Newent. We arrived just after opening and from that minute till the one we left there was never a dull moment. Great value for money, friendly, well informed if slightly bonkers staff, lovely warm cafe, fantastic displays that even the handlers could not always decide the outcome. A young Eagle's first venture into a nearby hedge, a stroppy red kite, a falcon (I think it was) with delusions of grandeur, all made for the most amazing day. We were froze to the bone but stayed for the second show and then could not tear ourselves away as some extra birds were flown. We will abso blummin lutly be telling all our friends. Oh yes and we loved hearing about the receptionists grandchildren (what a lovely lady) we loved having a black lab politely sat by our sides as we had our picnic and the shop... My gosh we are coming back for those Owl statues xxx thanks for a fab day see you soon.

The Bird of Prey centre was a very enjoyable day out despite the cool February weather.Staff were very helpful and friendly and the flying displays well done and information regarding the birds was presented in an entertaining way. There are a large number of caged birds as well as the birds used for flying. The cafe was warm and the choice and quality of the food better than the usual cafe food often available at similar venues. The only down side for my husband and I, and it was a large one, was the three black labs who wandered freely around the cafe. They came sniffing around all the tables and sat and watched us eat our food. This really should not be allowed to happen.

Ok I admit to being biased, I love the ICBP at Newent. Fantastic setting, beautiful birds and a willing and knowledgable team who put education and the health of birds (and the odd Labrador) at the forefront of everything they do. I've been many times during the last few years attending a photography course, two falconry weekends and numerous occasional visits and never failed to enjoy myself. Last weekend (actually Valentine's Day), my wife, two friends and me went to the Owl evening and had a completely different but equally lovely experience. We weren't the only ones; a large number of first time and regular IVBP visitors enjoyed a night time guided tour of the centre by torchlight followed by a welcome hog roast and then the sight of several Owls flying outside in near darkness. The only minor niggle was that due to the sheer weight of numbers, it was sometimes difficult to get a good view during the escorted tour. Don't let that bother you though. Jemima and her team really go out of their way to make this a day to remember and i'll be back avec camera in the very near future.

A wonderful place to go in both summer and winter. Loved the owl nights they put on, nothing like seeing the snowy owl flying in the moonlight. Highly recommended!

Despite taking your life in your hands getting down the narrow roads to get there, Newent Falconry centre is well worth the effort...A huge array of birds to see and the flying demos are a must..well informed and oft times hilarious when the birds don't cooperate it's worth the admission alone...cat h the burrowing owls I'm you can..they're tiny but awesome..and if you're really lucky they might be babies being fed... good cafe, shop and plenty of parking round out a great attractions....excellent. ..

Thought it would be good from reading other reviews but didn't expect it to be so enjoyable on a wet and cold November day. Accompanied partner on his half day hawk experience (present from me). He was completely delighted and entranced to have hawks, owls, a kestrel, and a red kite fly to and from his hand, and I was able to practice my fledgling photography skills. Small group of five actually flying the birds plus five of us accompanying them for the three hours. Will be going back in the spring - along with everyone else in the group that day! As others have commented, very small children totally disinterested, cold and running around shouting did detract slightly during the public flying sessions but that's not the fault of the venue. That said, we were only going to stay for the start but the staff were so entertaining and the birds so wonderful to watch, we stayed to the end. And yes, there was a fearsome lady on reception!