Cotswold Falconry Centre Reviews Summary

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The staff run the place so well and the love they have for the birds is clear as soon as you arrive."
• "The staff couldn't have been kinder or more patient with their questions."
• "The staff were knowledgeable and passionate about the birds and they really made the experience enjoyable."
• "The staff are fantastic and you can see why these endangered birds choose to stay there because they are safe and get well looked after!"
• "The staff are great, incredibly knowledgeable and make the demonstrations both entertaining and educational."
• "The keepers were so knowledgeable and kind."
• "The people who run this centre are committed, knowledgeable and passionate about the birds, ensuring you leave with visual and educational learning."

Cons:

• "I wish I hadn't given my money to this place."
• "A few selfish parents who let there very young children mess about during the display if young children are really not interested why take them there and spoil it for other people."
• "The garden centre restaurant was expensive and not good value, as the salad I had was limp and very small."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Car park for free with easy access also for disabled people."
• "Children under four go free, so absolutely no complaints there!"
• "I would say its wheelchair friendly too."
• "Helpful staff opened a lower gate for us on leaving giving easier (flatter) access to the car park."
• "There is a slight hill as you enter, but is disability friendly."
• "Easy to walk round as it's not massive, so great for small children & kids of all ages."
• "The ticket price allows you in for all 3 bird flights, and you are allowed in and out as you wish which was really great."

Cons:

• "Only thing I would say is each toilet is packed full of large spiders and bag I bought had cobwebs all over the bottom."
• "Oh dear theres no disabled toilets and only one for everybody to use so you probably will need to queue on busy days."
• "The disabled parking is quite away from the entrance down a steep wooden slope and round the side of the garden centre and then down another very steep slope."

Animal Welfare and Enclosures

Pros:

• "The birds are all kept in very good conditions."
• "The birds seemed well cared for and happy to get back into their aviaries when done flying."
• "The birds are free-flown every day & come back because life is so good there."
• "The birds all look healthy and are clearly very well cared for."
• "Amazing that there were so many baby chicks from these amazing birds of prey is testament to care they receive."
• "The birds have so much room to fly about."
• "Great visit - great project - birds are extremely well cared for and there is complete transparency."

Cons:

• "Stop buying more birds you don’t have the space for."
• "A collection of captive birds, some of which are tethered to posts all day long."
• "Tiny spaces for beautiful wild birds. It’s cruel to keep large birds in such small enclosures."
• "It was upsetting to see these birds and wish I had not gone."
• "We saw birds attacking each other because of the small enclosures."
• "The enclosed birds where in small enclosures for their size, my heart went out to them."
• "I thought the tethered birds were very sad being kept prisoners."

Experiences and Demonstrations

Pros:

• "Getting to see the birds in flight and up close and personal."
• "I spent the day here and thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration flights of the birds."
• "Amazing display getting to see the birds in flight and up close and personal."
• "Bird show is terrific; all about showing the birds as they are, not as circus animals."
• "The flying displays are breathtaking (even in a little rain!)"
• "At the last display we were all able to wear a glove in turn and the tiny owl flew to each of us, what a lovely experience, for children and adults alike."
• "The demonstrations they have 3 times a day are incredible with a large variety of birds being shown."

Cons:

• "The display this time was not very successful as a previous bird wouldn't come in to be put away so they were only able to fly one or 2 birds this time."
• "A few selfish parents who let there very young children mess about during the display if young children are really not interested why take them there and spoil it for other people."
• "The flying arena is small so gets packed quickly you need to be seated at least half an hour before each of the 3 daily displays."

Value and Pricing

Pros:

• "Entry £25 for a family of 4, ticket is valid all day."
• "We also booked a flying experience which once again is very affordable and really worth doing."
• "Excellent value for money as you can return to see all three displays with just the one entrance fee."
• "Nice experience... ticket for adults at 12 pounds..."
• "To get in cost £15 and my wife as my carer was free."
• "The entrance fee is so cheap and makes this a very good and affordable family day out."
• "Very reasonably entry fee and I would definitely come back again."

Cons:

• "The enclosures looked tired and worn, for the admission price they charge I would of expected the birds to be in better kept conditions."
• "The garden centre restaurant was expensive and not good value, as the salad I had was limp and very small."