Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
Duration:
Half day
Price range:
£10 to £25
Suitable for:
About Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
Discover the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns Park, A Family-Friendly Day Out in the Heart of Suffolk
Located at Stonham Barns Park, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary offers a wonderful experience for families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, this popular attraction is home to over 80 stunning birds of prey, including a wide variety of owls, falcons, hawks, and other raptors.
Visitors can enjoy daily flying displays, where these magnificent birds soar overhead during informative and engaging demonstrations. Each bird is housed in a spacious, well-maintained aviary, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
There’s plenty to see and do beyond the birds too:
- Say hello to our curious meerkat mob
- Let little ones explore the fun-filled Owl Safari trail
- Learn more about wildlife in our interactive Discovery Centre
- Relax while the kids play in our inclusive playground and sandpit
- Browse unique owl-themed gifts in our quirky gift shop
With our flexible come-and-go ticket, you’re free to explore the many other attractions at Stonham Barns Park, then return to the sanctuary for another flying display or to enjoy a peaceful picnic in our scenic surroundings.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out in Suffolk, an educational wildlife experience, or simply a relaxing visit with some of the UK’s most fascinating birds, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a must-visit destination.
Opening Hours
- Open daily: 10am – 5pm
- Flying displays: 11:30am and 2:30pm
- • Enjoy flexible “come-and-go” admission — explore Stonham Barns, then return for more wildlife fun later the same day.
Winter Opening (Nov–Feb): 10am–4pm with indoor flying shows at weekends and during school holidays.
Entry Prices
- Adult: £15.00 standard
- Senior (65+) & Concessions: £11.25 standard
- Child (Aged 4–14): £11.25 standard
- Family of 5 (includes at least one child): £54.00 standard
- Children aged 3 and under: Free
Close Encounters & Keeper Experiences
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary offers an amazing range of hands-on Close Encounters and Keeper Experiences, perfect for families, animal lovers, and adventurous day-trippers. These unique experiences must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
Fly With Me Encounters
Fly a real owl or bird of prey under expert supervision! These 20-minute sessions let you handle and fly trained raptors.
Price: £30 per person (ages 8+)
Meerkat Encounters
Step inside the meerkat enclosure and meet The Mob up close while learning from expert handlers.
Price: £30 per person (ages 6+)
Armadillo Encounters
Discover the quirky world of desert armadillos. Feed, interact, and learn all about their unique behaviours.
Price: £30 per person, max 4 people (ages 8+)
Porcupine Encounters
A longer experience (approx. 20 mins) exploring the lives of crested porcupines. Includes feeding time and keeper-led insights.
Price: £50 per person, max 4 people (ages 13+)
Keeper for a Day & Half-Day Experiences
Go behind the scenes and work with the sanctuary’s incredible birds and animals:
- Animal Keeper (Half Day AM) – Meerkats, armadillos, porcupines & more
- Bird Keeper (Half Day PM) – Aviary care, bird handling, flight training
- Full Keeper for the Day – A full 6-hour experience combining both!
Prices from £90–£140 per person. Minimum age 13. Booking required.
All experiences include free entry to the sanctuary and come with a Keeper Certificate.
Things To See
- Over 70 birds of prey including owls, falcons, hawks, vultures & eagles
- Live flying displays daily (weather permitting)
- Close encounters:
- Meet the Meerkats
- Hairy Armadillo & Crested Porcupine experiences
- Red Squirrel talks
- Owl & Bird Keeper Experience Days
- S.O.S. Safari Trail for kids – complete the trail and win a prize
- Discovery Centre & Wildlife Info
- Inclusive playground, sandpit & picnic areas
- Unique owl-themed gift shop
- Raptor Hospital – learn how we rescue and care for injured birds
- The Owl-lotment & Sensory Garden
- Indoor Flying Theatre (for winter displays)
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary,
Stonham Barns,
Stonham Aspal,
Suffolk,
IP14 6AT
Tel: 03456807897
Email: catherine@owlbarn.co.uk
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