A Day Out at the Cotswold Falconry Centre

On Friday, I spent the day at the Cotswold Falconry Centre, bringing along my Golden Eagle watch and my new Fujifilm X-T5 to capture the experience. The centre is one of my favourite places to visit, and this time was no exception.

From the moment you walk through the entrance, you’re greeted by the Falcon Courtyard – a space filled with incredible birds of prey perched out in the open, not hidden behind cages. It’s a refreshing way to start the visit, instantly connecting you to the birds in a much more natural setting. That first impression really sets the tone for what makes this place so special.

The aviaries themselves are equally impressive. They’re spacious, well-kept, and designed to feel natural rather than artificial, which clearly benefits the birds and makes the whole experience more immersive for visitors. You really get a sense that the welfare of the birds comes first, and it’s inspiring to see them in surroundings that mirror their wild habitats as closely as possible.

The highlight of the day, though, was the flying display. I’ve seen a number of displays here before, but this one was easily the best. They flew eight black kites together in the sky, and in a moment that felt almost scripted, a wild red kite joined in with them. Seeing nine kites twisting and turning overhead was nothing short of breathtaking – a true reminder of how spectacular these birds are, both in flight and in the way they interact with one another.

I only had my 16–50mm Fuji lens with me, which was great for capturing the atmosphere of the day, but it did leave me itching for a bigger lens to really get those close-up shots of the kites in flight. Watching them soar and dive made me realise how much more I could capture with the right reach, so that’s definitely on my wish list for next time.

Alongside the camera, my Golden Eagle watch felt right at home too. There’s something fitting about wearing a timepiece inspired by birds of prey while surrounded by the real thing.

Days like this are a big part of what inspires Maystone. Seeing the power, elegance, and individuality of each bird always sparks ideas for future designs, whether it’s the shape of a wing in flight, the detail of a feather, or simply the way these birds command your attention. Visiting places like the Cotswold Falconry Centre is more than just a day out – it’s fuel for creativity and a reminder of why Maystone watches exist in the first place.

If you’re ever in the area, I can’t recommend the centre highly enough. It’s a brilliant experience for anyone with an interest in birds of prey, photography, or just being inspired by the natural world.