Do you want to do something nearby in Vermont, but you don’t feel like going skiing or shopping at the outlets? How about visiting the British School of Falconry for a one-of-a-kind experience?
The British School of Falconry is situated behind historic Hildene in Manchester, Vermont, and it advertises itself as being the nation’s first school of its kind to offer hands-on lessons with trained birds of prey.
There you can learn, as Robert and I did a couple of summers ago, the basics of falconry with Harris hawks.
We were taken around the facility, introduced to the hawks, and then eventually allowed to fly them. A small piece of meat that the guide placed on each of our gloves tempted the bird to land. We felt like we were back in medieval times, and we had a great experience.
Travel Gal tips: During the winter weather, the experience is shorter. Instead of going outside to fly the hawks, you’re inside a closed facility where you fly them to a specific perch.
After you’re finished, check out the other great things that Manchester Village has to offer including Hildene itself, the restaurants and the Equinox Spa.
Travel Gal Kim Swidler 
10 responses to “The British School of Falconry-Manchester, Vermont”
Wow, that sounds great. i love falcons and birds of prey, so regal and elegant. Being taught to handle them must be pretty awesome.
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It was a wonderful experience.
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What a great idea for entertainment that’s out of the norm. This is something I, or many people would not think of doing. We are so caught up in modern entertainment that we miss out on so many great activities outside of it.
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Thanks Matt
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I’d never heard of this place. I will definitely have to go (this weekend or soon). Sounds like an amazing day out.
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I’d never heard of this place. I will definitely have to go (this weekend or soon). Sounds like an amazing day out.
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Let us know if you go, LM
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PS There is also VINS in VT where you can adopt a raptor (like I did). You’re not allowed to touch the raptors, but it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon as they do have exhibits and shows, plus nature trails.
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PS There is also VINS in VT where you can adopt a raptor (like I did). You’re not allowed to touch the raptors, but it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon as they do have exhibits and shows, plus nature trails.
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Wow, that would be very nice to learn. It is like going back through the medieval ages when hawks used to be part of daily life.
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