Situated in the grounds of Duncombe Park, Hemsley, North Yorkshire, the northern branch of the International Centre for Birds of Prey opened in March 2013. This new centre is well worth a visit, it is the brain child of Charlie Heap the main falconer of the centre and has been an ongoing project of his for the past number of years. Since securing a suitable site within the grounds at Duncombe Park, Charlie has spear headed the project from the drawing board to laying concrete and putting up fencing to displaying the birds to the public. This is a fantastic venue, the staff are well informed and it is quite apparent as you venture around the site, that conservation and education are some of the core values at the site. The birds are housed in spacious state of the art aviaries all with heating. The centre is open seven days a week from 10.00am - 5.30pm. There are three flying displays throughout the day at 11.30am, 2.00pm and 4.15pm with different raptors flown at each display.

There are ample photographic opportunities during the flying displays and the falconers give a excellent commentary as they are handling and flying the birds,. The Hawk Walk Trail leads you around the avaries where you can see all the birds, several of which during my visit in April where sitting on their eggs.

The trail leads you back to the well stocked shop selling locally sourced gifts and presents and across the small court yard is the Fountain Tea Room, where you can get a wide selection of home made meals, sandwiches, home made soups as well as tea and coffee.