England's Island

Haven Falconry Centre

Museum

Category
Museum
Location
Main Road, Arreton PO30 3AA

The Haven Falconry Centre at Arreton is a birds-of-prey centre set in the countryside of the central Isle of Wight. The centre keeps a collection of owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, and other raptors from around the world, and offers flying displays, handling experiences, and educational talks throughout the day. Visitors can watch the birds fly in outdoor demonstrations and, with certain experience packages, can have birds fly to their gloved hand, which is a memorable experience for children and adults alike. The centre provides close encounters with birds of prey that most people would otherwise see only at a distance or on television, and the staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of each species in their care. The centre is located near Arreton Barns, a craft and shopping complex that provides additional things to do in the area. Arreton is in the agricultural heartland of the island, a flat valley between the northern and southern chalk downs that has been farmed since at least the Roman period. The falconry centre is a popular family attraction and works well as a half-day visit combined with the other Arreton attractions. It is open seasonally, and booking may be required for hands-on experiences.