There’s something utterly enchanting about owls. Perhaps it’s their silent flight, their piercing gaze, or the ancient wisdom they seem to carry in those enormous eyes. At Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, our Owl Experience invites you to step into the captivating world of these remarkable birds of prey—and discover why they’ve fascinated humans for millennia.
Why Choose the Owl Experience?
As one of the UK’s original bird of prey centres, we’ve been working with owls for nearly three decades. Our Owl Experience is designed to give you an intimate, hands-on encounter with these extraordinary creatures whilst teaching you about their behaviour, ecology, and the vital role they play in our ecosystems.
This isn’t just a viewing experience—you’ll be handling and interacting with up to four different owl species, learning the art of falconry, and gaining insights that will transform the way you see these magnificent birds forever.
What’s Included in Your Owl Experience?
Handle Up to Four Different Owl Species
The heart of your Owl Experience is the opportunity to handle and work with up to four different species of owls. Each species has its own unique characteristics, hunting adaptations, and personality traits, and you’ll get to meet them all.
You might encounter our stunning Barn Owl, with its heart-shaped face and ghostly white plumage—a bird that’s become an icon of the British countryside. Perhaps you’ll meet our African Spotted Owl, compact and characterful, or handle a majestic Snowy Owl, whose Arctic beauty never fails to take your breath away. Our Great Grey Owl, one of the largest owl species in the world, is an unforgettable presence, whilst our other resident owls each bring their own special magic to the experience.
Learn the Ancient Art of Falconry
Under the expert guidance of our experienced handlers, you’ll learn the techniques that falconers have used for thousands of years to work in partnership with birds of prey. You’ll discover how to read an owl’s body language, understand their calls and communication, and master the subtle signals that allow these wild spirits to trust you.
Feel the gentle weight of an owl on your gloved hand. Watch as they swivel their heads with that characteristic owl curiosity. Experience the thrill of their silent flight as they glide to you on whisper-quiet wings. It’s an experience that connects you to nature in the most profound way.
Expert Knowledge and Insights
Throughout your 45–60 minute experience, our knowledgeable handlers will share fascinating insights into owl biology, behaviour, and conservation. You’ll learn about their incredible adaptations—from their asymmetrical ears that allow them to pinpoint prey in complete darkness, to their specialised feathers that enable silent flight. You’ll discover the challenges owls face in the wild and what we can all do to help protect them.
This is education that inspires—the kind of learning that stays with you and changes the way you see the natural world.
Complimentary General Admission
Here’s the brilliant part—complimentary general admission to Eagle Heights is included with your Owl Experience. This means you can arrive any time from when we open and stay until closing if you wish. You’re not restricted to just your experience time! Make a full day of it: explore our grounds, meet our 50+ animal residents, including over 30 rescued huskies, meerkats, alpacas, and more than 20 species of birds of prey, grab lunch at our tearoom, and continue your wildlife adventure long after your Owl Experience concludes.
The Practical Details
When: The Owl Experience runs at 11am on selected days throughout the year. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred date, as this popular experience fills up quickly.
Who Can Participate: This experience is suitable for ages 14 and over, making it perfect for teenagers and adults alike. It’s also suitable for people with limited mobility, as the experience can be adapted to ensure everyone can participate comfortably and safely. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Duration: 45–60 minutes of hands-on interaction with our owls, plus the rest of the day to explore Eagle Heights with your included general admission.
Pricing: £99 for 2 participants.
Booking: All experiences must be booked in advance—we cannot accommodate on-site bookings. We require all Owl Experiences to be booked for two people at a time, which allows us to maintain the quality of the experience whilst ensuring our birds receive the care and attention they deserve. It also makes for a wonderful shared adventure! Your voucher is valid for 12 months, giving you plenty of flexibility to choose the perfect date.
Why the Owl Experience is Perfect for You
It’s Accessible and Inclusive
Unlike some of our more physically demanding experiences, the Owl Experience is suitable for people with limited mobility. We’re committed to making wildlife encounters accessible to everyone, and our team will work with you to ensure you have a comfortable, memorable experience regardless of your physical abilities.
At 14+, it’s also perfect for teenagers—a brilliant way to spark a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation in young people, or to share a special moment with your teen that goes beyond the everyday.
It’s Educational and Inspiring
You’ll leave with a deep appreciation for these incredible predators and a wealth of knowledge about their ecology, behaviour, and conservation. Understanding owls means understanding the intricate web of life that connects us all—and that’s genuinely empowering.
It’s Intimate and Personal
With small group sizes and expert handlers dedicated to your experience, you’ll enjoy a personal, intimate encounter with our owls. There’s time to ask questions, take photos, and really connect with these remarkable birds. It’s not rushed, it’s not crowded—it’s just you, the owls, and the magic of the moment.
It’s Perfect for Special Occasions
Searching for a unique birthday gift for a wildlife lover? An unforgettable experience for an anniversary or special celebration? The Owl Experience is the kind of gift that creates lasting memories. It’s thoughtful, it’s unique, and it’s so much better than another jumper or gift card.
You’re Supporting Conservation
Every penny from your Owl Experience goes directly towards the care of our animal residents and our vital conservation work. We’re a non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to raising environmental awareness and providing educational opportunities. When you book an experience with us, you’re not just treating yourself—you’re helping us continue our mission to protect wildlife for future generations.
We’ve successfully reintroduced Common Buzzards and Barn Owls to the local area, and they’re now breeding in the wild. We’re currently working on projects to install owl and kestrel boxes on local golf courses. We maintain our grounds chemical-free, we’ve planted 100 native trees, and we work closely with organisations like the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust. Your support makes all of this possible.
What Our Visitors Say
Our guests consistently describe the Owl Experience as “magical,” “unforgettable,” and “absolutely brilliant.” There’s something transformative about looking into an owl’s eyes—those ancient, knowing eyes that have watched over the night for millions of years. It’s a moment of connection with the wild that stays with you forever.
Meet Our Owl Family
At Eagle Heights, we’re home to multiple owl species, each with their own story and personality. From the iconic Barn Owl that’s become a symbol of the British countryside, to the magnificent Snowy Owl of the Arctic tundra, to the impressive Great Grey Owl—one of the largest owl species in the world—our owl residents represent the incredible diversity of these remarkable birds.
Our handlers know each bird intimately—their likes and dislikes, their quirks and personalities, their individual stories. They’ll share these tales with you during your experience, helping you see each owl not just as a species, but as an individual with their own character.
Planning Your Visit
Eagle Heights is located in the beautiful Kent countryside at Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, DA4 0JB. We’re just five minutes from the Swanley Interchange, making us easily accessible by car. If you’re travelling by public transport, Eynsford train station is a 1.4-mile walk away (though be warned, there’s a steep hill!). Local taxi services are available with advance booking.
We’re open daily from 10:30am to 5pm between April and September, and Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm between October and March. Your Owl Experience takes place at 11am, but with complimentary general admission included, you can arrive when we open and stay until closing. We recommend making a full day of it: start with your Owl Experience at 11am, then explore our grounds, watch our flying demonstrations, meet our other residents, enjoy lunch at our tearoom, and soak up the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
Don’t forget to visit our gift shop before you leave—we have owl-themed souvenirs, educational books, and all sorts of wildlife treasures to take home as a reminder of your magical day.
The Magic Awaits
The Owl Experience at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation is more than just an activity—it’s a doorway into a world of wonder, a lesson in conservation, and a memory you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re a lifelong owl enthusiast, a budding naturalist, or simply someone looking for an extraordinary experience, this is your invitation to discover the magic of owls.
These silent hunters of the night are waiting to meet you. Their ancient wisdom, their breathtaking beauty, and their remarkable adaptations are ready to inspire you. All you need to do is take the first step.
Book your Owl Experience here and prepare to be enchanted. Your journey into the world of owls is just a click away.
