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Kielder Water Bird Of Prey Centre

4.9 · 624 reviews
An informative and interactive wildlife experience.
Kielder Water Bird Of Prey Centre, Waterside Park, Leaplish, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1BT, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The centre actively participates in the rehabilitation of wild birds of prey found injured within the Kielder forest area.

2

The collection includes the Steller's sea eagle, one of the largest birds of prey in the world by body mass.

3

Flying displays are conducted in an open-air arena that utilizes the natural surrounding landscape of the Kielder valley.

4

The facility is situated within the Kielder Dark Sky Park, which is the largest protected dark sky area in Europe.

5

The centre's location within a large coniferous forest ecosystem supports a significant population of wild ospreys, which often nest nearby.

Overview

Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre is a specialized raptor facility located within the Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland. The centre houses an extensive collection of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. It functions as both an educational facility and a conservation hub, focusing on the rehabilitation of injured local birds of prey. Daily flying demonstrations allow visitors to observe the natural hunting behaviors and agility of the birds at close range. The site is situated near the shores of Kielder Water, Europe's largest man-made lake by capacity. Its collection includes rare and exotic species alongside native British raptors. The facility is integrated into the Leaplish Waterside Park complex, which provides additional amenities for visitors.

Photo spot

The main demonstration arena provides the best vantage point for action shots of the birds in flight.

Insider tips

Check the daily display schedule upon arrival, as flight times are weather-dependent and can change on short notice.

Bring binoculars to scan the nearby Kielder Water shoreline for wild ospreys and other waterfowl.

Wear footwear suitable for uneven forest terrain, as the paths around the centre can be muddy.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to touch or feed the birds, and avoid sudden movements near the enclosures.

Good to know

Closed during the winter months; operates seasonally from spring through autumn.

Etiquette

Maintain silence during flying demonstrations to avoid startling the birds; follow all staff instructions regarding proximity to the aviaries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-morning during late spring or summer, when the weather is most conducive to outdoor flight demonstrations.
Address
Kielder Water Bird Of Prey Centre, Waterside Park, Leaplish, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1BT, United Kingdom
55.182, -2.535
Get directions
Details
Key attractionsLive bird of prey flying demonstrations and raptor rehabilitation displays.
Bird species countOver 60 individual birds representing diverse global raptor species.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning during late spring or summer, when the weather is most conducive to outdoor flight demonstrations..

The main demonstration arena provides the best vantage point for action shots of the birds in flight.

Close by you'll find Kielder Forest, Freya's Cabin, Kielder Observatory.