New adventures await

With the seasons changing, it's the perfect time to discover fresh adventures and create lasting memories. We've curated a list of exciting UK attractions and experiences to keep the whole family entertained as you step into the magic of autumn.

Cotswold Falconry Centre, Gloucestershire

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A friendly warning: Your SatNag (not a typo) device may disagree with reality as to where the entrance to the Cotswold Falconry Centre actually is. It’s important you know this, as the highlight of your visit is likely to be one of the live displays held there every day, so making sure you’re in the right place at the right time could be crucial. 

Situated in Batsford Estate (of Mitford sisters fame), Cotswold Falconry Centre is home to over 150 birds spanning more than 60 species, including (not just falcons, as I naively thought) hawks, buzzards, eagles, kites, owls, vultures, and my new favourite, the handsomely odd-looking secretary bird. Many of these birds are from critically endangered breeds, and the Centre’s conservation programmes are key to their survival.  

A volery of birds greets you on arrival, sitting patiently by their open-air weatherings, while others can be observed in aviaries appropriate to their needs – some tall and spacious, others with discreet peepholes to view the shy inhabitants within – amid rich greenery that straddles the aviaries’ fencing, often causing it to blend away. You could be forgiven for thinking you’re strolling through lush wild gardens, until you spot keen eyes watching you from within.  

Of course, falconry is about training birds of prey, and the highlight of your visit will surely be seeing this in action. A small exhibition by the entrance shows equipment used in falconry, and the Centre holds three live displays daily, with different birds given an outing each time. The staff are incredibly informative and entertaining, but it’s a testament to the effect of watching these graceful creatures in free flight that the only fact I took away was that a pigeon can out-fly a kite (apparently it’s the kite’s dive speed that’s lethal). It’s hard to listen attentively while a large raptor is swooping towards you, talons out, because its keeper has quietly moved behind you with an enticing titbit. Braver visitors can even have a private hands-on (gloves-on?) experience of flying a bird of prey themselves, and pre-booking this is recommended due to popularity.

Despite my intransigent SatNag, I managed to catch two of the displays and ambled happily around the aviaries in-between, soothed by the surround-sound birdsong (definitely take a moment to close your eyes and just listen). I left the Centre feeling calmer, with a better understanding of the lives and plights of these animals, and a sense of awe at having met them.

The Cotswold Falconry Centre can be found at the end of a long stately drive (look for the beflagged turning just east of Bourton-on-the-Hill) and shares a large carpark with neighbouring Batsford Arboretum (also worth noting for it’s Garden Terrace Cafe if watching the birds feast has left you feeling peckish).

My SatNag, on the other hand, can be found, crushed and discarded, in front of the locked gates on the far side of the estate.

Info: cotswold-falconry.co.uk

Stay at: Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway Club Campsites

Member saving: Two for the price of one – free ticket applies to lowest price admission. Centre temporarily closes during the winter each year (mid-November until mid-February). 

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Cumbria

This ‘little zoo with lots to do’ is great for families. Take the chance to see more than 100 species of insects, fish, birds, reptiles and mammals, and venture through the tropical hall where bats, butterflies and birds fly freely. One child admitted free when accompanied by one full-paying adult. Motorhome parking available; contact the venue directly for more details.

Info: wildlifeoasis.co.uk

Nearest Club campsites: Meathop Fell, Kendal Club Campsites

Member saving: One free child when accompanied by one full paying adult. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Members must present one Great Savings Guide voucher.

Ark Wildlife Park, Lincolnshire

This award-winning wildlife park and rescue centre gives guests the chance to see exotic animals such as skunks and bobcats. It also has play areas (including an indoor soft play area), a café and Jurassic Ark, where you can enjoy a variety of life-like animatronic dinosaur models. Club members get 20% off admission.

Info: arkwildlifepark.co.uk

Nearest Club campsite: Sutton-on-Sea Club Campsite

Member saving: 20% discount applies to entrance fee only and cannot be used in café, gift shop or animal experiences. Members must present one Great Savings Guide voucher.

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, Norfolk

Situated just outside King’s Lynn, Watatunga is an award-winning wildlife reserve offering self-drive guided safaris in electric buggies (for which Club members get a 10% discount). Look out for deer, antelope, water buffalo and rare birds such as the great bustard.

Info: watatunga.co.uk

Nearest Club campsite: The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite

Member saving: 10% off 4-seater, 6-seater and their wheelchair trailer buggy tours. Open April to October. Pre-booking required using the discount code at https://info@watatunga.co.uk.

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Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and pre-booking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling.