Just before the summer holidays began, `Poppy was delighted to win us all a family day out to the International Birds of Prey Centre in Gloucestershire. She had to guess how many balloons were in her headmistress car and got it exactly right! We were all amazed and thrilled as you can imagine:

We didn’t go straight away but saved it for a day when it wasn’t quite as hot as it was at the start of the holidays. We weren’t quite sure what to expect having never been anywhere like this before but all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

With more than 250 incredible birds of prey, 12 acres of enclosures as well as gardens, field and woods to explore there is lots to keep you busy. We didn’t take a picnic but said next time we definitely would. It was the ideal setting for one:

We were very impressed with how clean and tidy everything was as well as how passionate the team were about their job. A highlight was definitely the displays where you got to see these amazing birds up close and in action. My favourite had to be the little burrowing owl. He was adorable and so cheeky. Yes the smallest bird definitely stole the show for us:

My girls are really into animals (Rosie has always wanted to be a vet and Poppy currently wants to become a Marine Biologist/ Conservationist). They were particularly happy to hear about all the good work this team do. They work all around the world helping to protect and save many of the most endangered species of birds of prey. Currently, they are working hard to save vultures from disappearing. Its good to see that if we had of paid for our tickets, then our money would have been going to a good cause:

The girls happily skipped around exploring, sat listening to the talks and observed the birds. The were pretty amazed to be honest. Daisy found it really funny when she had to duck during one show because one was aiming straight for her head:

In-between displays we enjoyed an ice cream in the sunshine. Very relaxing. It really was a lovely spot to relax and play. No pressure to rush around, you could take as long or as little time as you liked.

All in all, a great day out made even more special because Poppy won it for us:

Country Kids linky

Karen x