The World Owl Centre

Muncaster Castle The World Owl Centre

Where Wildlife Conservation and Captive Breeding come together in wonderful Lakeland Scenery

The Trust’s Owl Centre is based in the beautiful wooded gardens of historic Muncaster Castle and every year we welcome over 70,000 visitors to see one of the most comprehensive owl collections in existence.

Here you will see over 100 owls from over 50 different species and sub-species (some not commonly found in other collections) ranging from the biggest owl in the world - the European Eagle Owl - to the tiny Pygmy and Scops Owls.

Attractions at The Owl Centre include:

See all of the British owl species living communally in the unique LAYBOURNE AVIARY and test your powers of observation

Closed circuit TV in our OBSERVATION UNIT enables you to see owls on their nests and rearing their young in the breeding season

“MEET THE BIRDS” (22nd March - 2nd November 2009) - daily on the Castle lawn at 2.30pm - your opportunity to see the birds at close quarters and take that special photograph. Some birds are flown free (weather permitting)

“CONSERVATION IN ACTION” exhibition - pictures, information and displays. Continuous owl videos play all day

OWL TOURS - learn more about owls and the work of the Trust on a guided tour - suitable for school and adult parties (must be pre-booked, ring 01229 717393)

WILDFLOWER MEADOW - learn how it is managed and how you can make one at home

WILDLIFE POND - feed the ducks with our specialist food and support our work with owls at the same time

“HERON HAPPY HOUR” - every afternoon at 4.30pm - see the impressive spectacle of wild Herons being called down to feed by the Castle

CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

CREEPING KATE’S KITCHEN - is open from 10.30am to 5.30pm*. Your menu choice will be freshly prepared and individually cooked to order. Please note that last orders for meals is approximately 4.30pm, with cakes, coffee and tea available until 5.30pm
* The Café may close a 5.00pm on quiet days

FRIENDLY STAFF - always willing to answer your questions

HIMALAYAN GARDENS - featuring many specimens rarely seen in the West. Along with Europe’s oldest leading collection of rhododendrons

MUNCASTER MEADOWVOLE MAZE - Where the secret of wildlife makes for a wild experience, and you’ll also have the chance to meet Max MeadowVole

THE COACHMAN’S QUARTERS
Bed and breakfast accommodation in the Castle grounds. See www.muncaster.co.uk for details and prices.

DISABLED ACCESS - Please see Muncaster website or telephone 01228 717614 for further information, but good facilities and reasonable access on a difficult and hilly site

World Owl Trust
Registered Charity Number: 1107529
Limited Company Number: 5296745

The World Owl Trust is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Trust relies on a dedicated membership, visitors, donations and legacies.

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