The Hawking Centre

The Hawking Centre sits in the Kent countryside as a working tribute to the ancient art of falconry. You'll find yourself watching handlers work with everything from buzzards to harris hawks - real birds doing what they've done for centuries, not performing tricks for crowds. It's genuinely educational stuff, and the handlers know their birds inside out.

The centre works best for anyone with a genuine interest in raptors and field sports rather than casual visitors seeking a quick afternoon out. Kids aged eight and up tend to engage properly; younger ones can lose interest when the birds aren't actively flying. Allow two to three hours to get the most of it - rushing through defeats the point.

If you're based at Dunn Street Farm Campsite just up the road, this makes a solid half-day addition to your itinerary. The location works equally well if you're staying at Broadhembury or Longberry Farm, both within easy reach. Combine it with exploring the wider Kent landscape rather than treating it as a standalone day out.

The practical side: opening hours and admission fees aren't confirmed in advance, so ring ahead before you plan around it. Spring and autumn tend to be best for visiting - the birds are more active in cooler weather, and summer crowds can make the outdoor areas feel cramped. Worth a detour if falconry interests you; skip it if you're after carnival-style animal encounters.