
Cathedral Falconry and Gardens
Experience thrilling bird of prey displays and unique hands-on encounters with falcons, eagles, and more, right in Chester's city centre.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the best shows

Cathedral Falconry and Gardens
Best Time
Catch the best shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling bird of prey displays and unique hands-on encounters with falcons, eagles, and more, right in Chester's city centre.
"This is one of those hidden gems you must visit when in Chester. A truly well deserved 5 stars."

🎯 Arrive Early for Displays
Don't miss the last show! Arrive early to ensure you see the flying demonstrations and get the best spots.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Family tickets are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly outing for everyone.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bird of Prey Displays
Main Arena
Witness majestic falcons and eagles soar. Get up close and personal with these incredible birds.

Hands-On Animal Encounters
Throughout the Centre
Hold a vulture, falcon, or snake! An unforgettable, interactive experience with various creatures.

Peaceful Gardens & Play Area
Gardens and Play Zone
A serene escape with picnic benches and a dedicated play area for children. Relax away from the city bustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Family Fun & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
New to Chester from New Zealand
🎯 Arrive Early for Displays
Don't miss the last show! Arrive early to ensure you see the flying demonstrations and get the best spots.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Family tickets are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly outing for everyone.
Things to do?
🤝 Interactive & Informative
Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, offering hands-on experiences with birds and other animals.
🌳 Picnic & Play
Plenty of picnic benches and a play area make it perfect for a family day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Displays
Don't miss the last show! Arrive early to ensure you see the flying demonstrations and get the best spots.
💰 Great Value Family Ticket
Family tickets are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly outing for everyone.
🤝 Interactive & Informative
Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, offering hands-on experiences with birds and other animals.
🌳 Picnic & Play
Plenty of picnic benches and a play area make it perfect for a family day out.
🔄 Same-Day Re-entry
You can often return on the same day to catch another demonstration with different birds!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredibly interactive and hands-on nature of the falconry centre, highlighting the unique opportunity to hold birds of prey and other animals. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the great value family ticket, are frequently mentioned positives. While most reviews are glowing, some visitors have missed displays by arriving too late in the afternoon.
"Arrived a little late in the afternoon, so missed the last afternoon display. The staff were lovely, very informative and kept us entertained with the snake and a ferret, and some of the birds . We were lucky with the weather, a sunny afternoon.
They have a play area with a sand pit. The little hut where you pay entrance fee serves hot drinks,sweets, ice creams etc. There are plenty of picnic benches and tables in a nice area. Toilet facilities are nearby.
I think next time we go we'll go earlier hoping to see a display.
Lovely place away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, yet only 5 minutes away from town hall."
Sue “Bucketlist” Male
"This place is great. The only falconry centre I know where you can pretty much point at a bird and before you know it you're holding it. There's other animals to hold too such as snakes, ferret's, turtles and much more. The shows are great and very hands on. All this for £15 for a family of four. Staff are so friendly and knowledgeable and can answer pretty much anything you ask relating to the animals they have. Set in the grounds of Chester cathedral, this is one of those hidden gems you must visit when in Chester. A truly well deserved 5 stars."
Jim P (Mr JP)
"A little heavenly sanctuary smack bang in the middle of the city centre. Kids were entertained, and there was plenty of space for them to play and run around. We enjoyed it."
Willias 01
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is conveniently located in the heart of Chester city centre, just a 5-minute walk from the town hall. It's set within the grounds of Chester Cathedral, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're already exploring the city.
While specific parking details for the falconry centre itself aren't widely mentioned, being in the city centre means there are several public car parks nearby. Consider the Chester Cathedral car park or other city centre parking facilities.
Absolutely! It's described as being 'smack bang in the middle of the city centre' and only 5 minutes from the town hall, making it a very easy walk from most central Chester locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A family ticket is very affordable, typically around £14-£15, offering great value for an interactive experience. Individual prices may vary, but the family option is highly recommended.
Advance booking information isn't frequently mentioned, but given its popularity and interactive nature, it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date ticketing information, especially during peak seasons.
Opening hours can vary, and it's important to note that the last afternoon display might be missed if you arrive too late. It's best to check their official hours before your visit to plan your day effectively.
Yes, visitors often mention being able to go back in on the same day to watch another demonstration, sometimes with different birds. This adds significant value to your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of birds of prey, including falcons and eagles. Visitors have specifically mentioned holding red-footed falcons and golden eagles, highlighting the diverse collection.
The displays are highly interactive! Visitors often get the chance to participate in the demonstrations and even hold some of the birds with a glove on, making it a truly memorable experience.
Beyond the birds of prey, the centre offers encounters with other animals such as snakes, ferrets, and turtles, providing a broader range of hands-on experiences.
Yes, there is a dedicated play area with a sandpit, ensuring that younger visitors are entertained and have space to run around.
The centre provides plenty of picnic benches and tables in a nice area, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by a pleasant environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially during the displays and encounters. Capturing the moments you hold these magnificent birds or witness their flight will create lasting memories.
The most stunning photo opportunities arise during the bird of prey displays when they are in flight, and of course, during the hands-on encounters where you can get close-up shots of the birds on your arm.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the birds, especially during demonstrations, to ensure their comfort and safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the numerous benches, and take advantage of the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are great at engaging younger visitors. It's an educational and exciting experience that combines learning about wildlife with pure fun, all within a safe and accessible city-centre location.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect activity that provides hours of entertainment and unique experiences without breaking the bank. Its central location also means you can easily combine it with free city exploration, making it a cost-effective highlight of your trip to Chester.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Hands-On Encounters
Beyond the birds, the centre also provides encounters with other fascinating creatures like snakes, ferrets, and turtles. These interactions are designed to be educational and engaging for all ages. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions, share insights into the animals' adaptations and behaviours, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This hands-on approach transforms a typical visit into an unforgettable adventure.
A Sanctuary in the City
The gardens themselves provide a pleasant environment for visitors. With ample picnic benches and tables, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a packed lunch. For families, the inclusion of a play area with a sandpit is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that children have space to burn off energy and have fun. This combination of natural beauty, interactive animal experiences, and family-friendly amenities makes it a truly special destination.
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