Mercer Falconry | Falconry Experience | Bird of Prey Experience

You'll walk away from Mercer Falconry with a proper respect for birds of prey. This Nottinghamshire operation gives you the chance to get up close with hawks, falcons and eagles - the real thing, not stuffed museum versions. The experience centres on hands-on interaction: you'll handle the birds, learn about their hunting instincts, and watch demonstrations that show why these creatures have fascinated humans for centuries.

It's brilliant for anyone genuinely interested in raptors rather than just wanting an Instagram moment. Kids will either love it or find it a bit slow depending on their age - younger ones might fidget during the educational bits, but teenagers who care about wildlife will be absorbed. Adults who've spent years wondering how a peregrine actually kills mid-air get proper answers here.

The location near Newark puts you on the edge of Sherwood Forest territory, which matters if you're basing yourselves at one of the local holiday parks. Sherwood Pines Camping gets solid reviews and sits just five miles away, making this a natural add-on to a broader forest visit rather than a standalone trip. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest is closer still at four miles if you want the full resort experience.

Bring layers - you'll be outside for chunks of this, and Nottinghamshire wind doesn't take prisoners. Allow a couple of hours minimum. Check their website for specific timings and pricing before you go, as these specialist operations don't always keep regular hours.