Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the Secrets of The Hawking Centre
What Makes Our Experiences Unique?
At The Hawking Centre, we offer an unparalleled blend of luxury and adventure. Nestled in the picturesque grounds of Eastwell Manor, our experiences are designed to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned falconer or a curious beginner, our expert team ensures a memorable day out.
How Do I Book an Experience?
Your enquiry is very important to us. We are open 6 days a week and you are able to contact us on info@thehawkingcentre.co.uk. 07544696199. or, via facebook, instagram or you can use the various contact forms throughout our website. To avoid any frustration, please note our phone lines are extremely busy and we are not always available in the office as each member of our team also work very closely with the birds. If you drop us a message or an email will be get back to you! We do advise that if you have a particular date in mind for the near future, please get in touch before purchasing an experience as slots go very fast. As such, we do advise booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance of your chosen date to avoid any disappointment.
We do suggest getting in touch before purchasing your voucher if you have a very particular date in mind, to avoid any disappointment. Otherwise, we’d suggest getting in touch 4-6 weeks in advance of your chosen date as our availability goes very quickly! If you are the lucky holder of a VIP Experience, we’d suggest getting in touch even further in advance.
When getting in touch, be sure to have your voucher number to hand!
What Should I Wear for My Visit?
Dress comfortably for the great outdoors! We suggest wearing weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Long sleeves are recommended for added protection during your falconry experience.
Can I Bring a Friend or Family Member?
Absolutely! Our experiences are perfect for sharing. Spectators are welcome to join and capture the magic of the day with photographs. Your spectators are just as much a part of the session and spend the duration with you taking photographs and enjoying the scenery. On the Full Day, Falconer for the Day, and Talons & Targets Experience, spectators also enjoy lunch as part of the experience.
We do charge spectators fees for all experiences, the fees will vary.
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?
We aim to fly in most weather conditions. However, if the weather is unsuitable, we will aim to notify you by 8:30 am on the day of your experiencce and offer alternative dates for your session. Where this is the case, refunds cannot be offered.
How Big are The Groups?
We book to a maximum of 10 people, made up of any number of participants and spectators. There could be 5 participants and 5 spectators or 8 participants and 2 spectators etc.
For our VIP experiences, it is just your voucher booked for that slot. If you’ve got a VIP half day for 1 person, it’s just you and your falconer, if you’ve got a VIP Half Day for 6 people it’s 6 people and their falconer, we would not book any other members of the public on your session.
Can You Tell Me More About the Vouchers?
The voucher can be downloaded for immediate use via your confirmation email. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. To book, please contact us on 07544696199 or info@thehawkingcentre.co.uk. We do suggest a lead time of at least 4-6 weeks when booking your voucher and 4-8 weeks for the VIP Full Day and the Talons & Targets Experience.gs.
When Do You Run Experiences?
Experience Days bookings are subject to availability. We run sessions 7 days a week and will edeavour to find a date that is suitable for you. We do advise getting in touch before purchasing a voucher if you have a very particular date in mind, to avoid any disappointment.
Are There Age Requirements?
We don’t have an age limit in place. However, we do have a height requirement of 1200mm tall. Any persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult participant or spectator at all times throughout the experience. Only people over the age of 18 can handle the bald eagle.
Do We Get to Fly an Eagle?
We currently have 3 eagles with us. Xavier, Moët, and Azul. You will certainly have the opportunity to fly one on the full day experience and hold one on the half day experience.
Is Your Site Accessible?
Yes! Eastwell Manor is accessible and there are various routes that your falconer can take you to begin your experience. if you have any specific concerns or questions regarding accessability, please get in touch with our team prior to booking.
Where's my email receipt?
Please check your junk/spam folder and allow a couple of hours for this to come through. If you still have not received your voucher, please get in touch with us at info@thehawkingcentre.co.uk with your details.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Whilst we are huge fans of all creatures great and small, our birds aren’t and so, to protect our animals and your own, dogs and visiting pets are not permitted at The Hawking Centre, including Guide Dogs.
Please note this is only in relation to our experience days and where we are based on site at Eastwell Manor. Eastwell Manor, is dog friendly and you can even book a mews cottage and bring your pooch along for a stay at Champney’s!
Where is The Hawking Centre?
The Hawking Centre is permanently based at 1 location on the private estates of Eastwell Manor Hotel in Kent. Our Full Address is:
The Hawking Centre,
Eastwell Manor,
Boughton Aluph.
Ashford, Kent,
TN25 4HR