Falconry

Left: Photo of Elm, a peregrine falcon, © Suffolk Owl Sanctuary.

Hunting with birds of prey was one of the prime leisure pastimes of the Tudor courts. Henry VIII roaming the countryside with a falcon on his wrist must have made a powerful picture.

There is a thriving community of falconers in the United Kingdom, dedicated to conserving, breeding and educating the public about these beautiful birds.

There's the Raptor Trust in Norfolk, The National Birds of Prey Centre near Gloucester and The Hawk Conservancy in Weyhill to start you off.

Take the family to see these magnificent birds in the flesh, children can't help but be entranced.