Another Competition Review From Allyson – Birds of Prey At Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome

Allyson Payne and her daughter went to the Birds of Prey Centre at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park in Bedfordshire. Here’s her review on a day out with a difference:

“Not only do they have a birds of prey centre there, including owls, condors, falcons, pelicans and storks plus other types of birds of prey but it is an old airfield, the Shuttleworth Collection, housing various ages of planes which come out to fly on special days and you can also see them in the hangars. 

Our Birds of Prey experience was a really hands on day where we were able to have the birds perched on our hand (with a special glove!!), watch various owls, falcons, pelicans and storks fly and be shown off and able to have owls and falcons fly to the glove.  The experience lasts about three hours and at the end you are allowed to wander about and look at the other birds that are housed there.  Access and parking are good for drivers and disabled people and you can drive up to the bird centre, although you have to “walk” from the car park to the birds.  I managed with my walker and it is smooth and wide enough for a wheelchair and the paths around the enclosures are equally accessible. Looking into the enclosures again is accessible from a wheelchair and the sight is clear enough.  Some parts are a bit narrow so a give way attitude may be needed if pushchairs come the other way!!!

The restaurant is at the entrance to the whole area where there is also a gift shop.  The shop is adequate – a bit touristy but there are a few good quality items and some reasonable bits for children. 

Toilets – there is a designated disabled toilet through a doorway from the restaurant – this door opens towards you and could be slightly awkward from a wheelchair if you are on your own as you have to manoeuvre round it – somebody kindly opened it for me and I was able to go straight through. The toilet itself was clean and had all the rails and safety equipment and low washing facilities – again could be slightly tight with a wheelchair so take someone with you.

The restaurant has a good menu selection and also a good selection for gluten free – one of the best I have seen for a while as my daughter is wheat intolerant and she commented on the choice as being a change.  Prices are also reasonable with portions a good size. Manoeuvrability around the restaurant is TIGHT.  I had problems with my walker banging into chairs and trying to get to a seat.  There is outside seating and two indoor areas. 

I would say the whole day was positive enjoyable and worth returning.  Out of 10 for accessibility to the site – 10, shop and restaurant – 8, toilets both clean and access – 9″.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (By Allyson Payne)

This sounds a great day out and we give Shuttleworth 2.5 BBS Ticks.