When I was younger I spent a lot of time at a local bird of prey centre in Eynsford called Eagle Heights which opened in 1996 with around 30 birds and a collection of rescued reptiles under their roof. In fact, I believe I spent most of my weekends there with my family watching the outdoor flying displays, marvelling at the indoor aviaries, demonstrations and learning about their conservation campaigns.
Since 1996 Eagle Heights has rapidly expanded and now it has a large array of Birds of Prey, a big reptile house as well as a collection of mammals including Husky Dogs, Meerkats, Serval cats and Alpacas. Eagle Heights offers both indoor and outdoor aviaries, a large indoor lecture room, large flying arena, play area, shop and a small tearoom with flying displays held throughout the day making it a great day out, particularly for a family with children.
Eagle Heights also offers you the chance to take part in special experiences so you can get up and close with the birds and animals under their care. Experiences include Husky Hikes, Meerkat Experiences, Owl Experiences, Hawking and Falconry experiences as well as photography workshops for any budding photographers looking for some exciting subjects.
Another of the experiences offered at Eagle Heights is an overnight stay in one of their stunning Geodome tents which fits up to 4 people, available throughout the year. I have stayed twice now in one of their Geodomes and the experience was as good the second time as the first!
My boyfriend and I arrived at 5pm and after a health and safety talk were taken to our Geodome. Having unpacked for the night – it’s a must to bring your own bedding, entertainment, tea/coffee and snacks – we enjoyed a casual stroll around Eagle Heights checking in on our favourite birds of prey and other animals as we headed to the Hillgrillies Smoke Shak.
The Hillgrillies Smoke Shak is open for part of the evening and offers exactly what you’d expect from a BBQ Shak – burgers, hot dogs, fries etc, with vegan options available. All funds from the refreshments go back into caring for the animals so we always stock up on goodies for dinner. Which we enjoy at our dome’s little picnic area complete with a picnic table.
After dinner, we enjoy playing board games or cards or watching DVDs on the provided DVD player before snuggling up on the surprisingly comfortable bed. Breakfast Hampers are available to purchase for £5 per person if you don’t bring your own. In the morning you’re invited to a meet the Huskies experience where you get to go into the husky kennels and get some furry cuddles!
Check out is at 10.30am the following day, but of course, the experience includes entry for the day so there’s no need to rush off – stick around to enjoy the flying displays and grab some lunch at the tearoom.
What’s included:
- 1 x Double Bed
- 1 x Bunk Bed
- Fridge
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Fresh Drinking Water
- Starlight Projector
- TV/DVD
- Cupboard Storage
- Entry to Eagle Heights for the day
An overnight stay costs £249 per Dome. For more information or to book see the Eagle Heights website.
