Let's face it, there are only so many times that the kids are going to get excited when parents say ''Let's go to the cinema!'' or ''Let's go to the museum!''. It's time to try something completely different - a trip to Cheshire's premier falconry venue, to meet some magnificent birds of prey up close. Everyone gets the opportunity to handle four different birds of prey, from an eagle owl to a vulture and find out what makes a hawk a hawk, a falcon a falcon and an owl an owl. Once comfortable with the birds, you'll have the chance to fly some of them - there's nothing quite like the feeling you get when a top predator swoops in to land on your glove. You'll also go for a hawk walk, where you'll learn some more about the basics of falconry. There'll be lots of photo opportunities with the birds and you can also catch some of the flying displays that take place at the venue throughout the day. Tea and biscuits are included.
£ 145.00
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Lots of people assume that the most exciting thing you're likely to see in the coastal waters round Britain is a mackerel. In fact there is a staggering variety of marine and bird life living happily round our shores - and with this experience you'll get the chance to see it for yourselves. You'll be welcomed at the marina, before going aboard your boat and heading out. You might see bottlenose, common or striped dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales (yes, whales and sharks around Britain!), atlantic grey seals and visiting seasonal sea birds including skuas, sabine's gulls and the fabulously-named sooty shearwaters. Of course these are all wild animals so we can't guarantee which ones may make an appearance on the day, but we can guarantee a fascinating and eye-opening experience.
Get up close and personal with some of nature's magnificent and regal birds of prey. You'll learn all about the art of falconry and have a chance to try it for yourself. You'll spend a full day at the falconry centre, finding out all about the birds and getting plenty of time to experience falconry first hand. You'll start with a tour, where you'll meet the eagles, harris hawks, falcons and owls and learn what makes a hawk a hawk, a falcon a falcon and an owl an owl. Then you'll get expert tuition in the art of falconry, with time to handle the birds so that you get comfortable with them and they can get comfortable with you. What happens next depends on the time of year: during the game season from September to February, you can take the birds out into the hills hunting for live quarry. Between March and August, you'll go for a 'hawk walk' with the birds, flying them but not hunting (you can always choose this option in the hunting season if you'd rather not hunt). Lunch is included.
You don't need to go to the Arctic wilderness. Huskies love to run, so if the sled is on wheels then any terrain works. All you need to think about is holding on tight, these dogs don't hang around for slow boarders! But don't worry, we're not going to throw you to them (they are quite happy with their diet of meat and fish), you'll meet a husky handler who can explain what the dogs do, why and give some history of where they come from. You'll be shown how to ride the cart and control the dogs and along with your handler, will get to ride behind a team of two to four dogs through the stunning Darent Valley. Back at the centre, warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake. It may look easy, but the balance and skill required makes for some tiring mushing or hiking (terms used to run the sled). You also get a family pass for two adults and two children into the centre, which houses many fascinating creatures including displays of reptiles and birds.
Learn the basic principles of carriage driving and finish the day with a speedy obstacle course. After a safety briefing you'll meet Charlie, Dini and the other resident characters at the stables. You'll learn the basic techniques of carriage driving and, using your new skills, negotiate a purpose-built obstacle course. After a short refreshment break, the experienced demo team will show you how much fun carriage driving can be. Have a go yourself and get on the backstep of a carriage pulled by two of the famous Chariots ponies. Hold on tight as you race around corners and obstacles at speed! Your session ends with coffee, cakes and a rosette to take home.
