Plan your day
Show times, experiences and everything you need to know before you visit.
Daily flying displays and Meet a Bird
12pm
Flying display
then Meet a Bird
2pm
Flying display
then Meet a Bird
Weather permitting.
Daily flying displays
Watch our birds show off their speed and agility in seasonal routines, so every visit brings something new. After each display, our handlers bring a bird out for Meet a Bird and share fascinating insights into its life and habits.
Flying displays and Meet a Bird sessions are free on the day – your ticket is for admission only. Our animals' welfare always comes first, so displays may be cancelled (for example in bad weather) and no refunds are given for cancelled displays.
1PM, EVERY DAY WE’RE OPEN
Barn Owl Experience
Fly and handle Casper, our resident barn owl.
- 10–15 minute experience
- Ages 4+
- £15 per person, online or at the gate with your admission
Places are limited, so we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot.
12.30PM AND 1.30PM, EVERY DAY WE’RE OPEN
Meerkat Experience
Step inside the meerkat enclosure and spend 30 minutes feeding our curious, chattering mob their favourite fruit and vegetables, while you learn all about how these social animals live.
Keep an eye out for our porcupines too. They share the enclosure with the meerkats, and their inquisitive noses may well come to see what's on the menu.
- 30 minute experience
- Admission to the centre included
- Under 7s must book with an adult
- £45 per person, online or at the gate, including admission
Places are limited, so we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot.
Please wear sensible closed-toe shoes, as there's a footbath at the entrance to keep the animals healthy. Under 18s must be supervised by an adult, who pays normal admission and watches through our large viewing window.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Send us a message or call 01403 273458.
Planning your visit
When are you open?
Summer (Easter half term to the last Sunday in October): Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm, last entry 4.30pm. Sundays, 11am to 4pm, last entry 3.30pm.
Winter (end of October to Easter half term): Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am to 4pm, last entry 3.30pm.
How long should we allow for our visit?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours with us, which gives you time to see the birds and animals, enjoy a flying display and Meet a Bird, and have a picnic.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free in the Hillier Garden Centre car park. Set your sat nav to Hillier Garden Centre, then walk past Mulberry & Thyme restaurant and Pavers Footwear and follow the path up to us.
Do you have toilets?
We do not have toilets within the centre, but Hillier Garden Centre has toilets, including an accessible toilet.
Is the centre accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Yes, the centre is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. See our accessibility page for toilets, carers, parking and more.
On the day
What times are the flying displays?
Flying displays are at 12pm and 2pm, with Meet a Bird after each one, weather permitting.
Are the flying displays included in the ticket price?
Flying displays and Meet a Bird sessions are free on the day – your ticket is for admission only. Our animals' welfare always comes first, so displays may be cancelled (for example in bad weather) and no refunds are given for cancelled displays.
What happens if it rains?
In wet weather the flying displays are cancelled, as flying in the rain is not safe or comfortable for the birds. Meet a Bird still goes ahead under cover, so you can still get close to our birds and hear all about them. No refunds are given for cancelled displays.
Can we bring food into the centre?
Yes – you're very welcome to bring food to enjoy in the centre, and we have picnic tables available. You can also visit the garden centre's restaurant to eat in or take food away to enjoy in the centre.
Can we come back in if we leave to use the garden centre facilities?
Yes. Once you have bought your admission, or checked in if you booked online, you will be given a receipt. Keep hold of it and you can leave and return as you please for the rest of the day.
Tickets and prices
Is it cheaper to book online?
Yes. Booking online is cheaper and guarantees your place on the day.
Do under 2s need a ticket?
No, children under 2 get in free.
Do carers get in free?
Yes. Carers who are required to accompany a visitor are admitted free with valid proof. See what counts as proof.
Can we book the Barn Owl or Meerkat Experience on the day?
Yes, if there are places left. On the gate the Barn Owl Experience is £15 per person with your admission, and the Meerkat Experience is £45 per person including admission. Places are limited, so we recommend booking online to guarantee your spot.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, we accept all major credit and debit cards.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, you can buy gift cards online. There are two kinds, because our bookings are split across two accounts:
Each gift card can only be used for the experiences in its own list.
Good to know
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, we do not allow dogs, including assistance dogs. Our birds fly freely around the centre, and a dog nearby can frighten them and put them at risk.
Can we take photos?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos for your own use. Flash is fine as long as you keep your distance from the birds, but drones are not allowed. Photos of our site and animals cannot be used commercially without our written permission. See the photography section of our Visitor Code of Conduct for details.
Can we hold a birthday party or private event?
Yes. Please send us a message with your date and how many people, and we will get back to you.
Ready to visit?
Check our prices and opening times, then come and meet the animals.