Wild and Domestic
There are several places where humans can interact with other creatures. Here are five places that work with sheep, horses, and birds of prey. There are many more opportunities beyond these, so please add suggestions of additions to the guest book so they can be listed here.
The Lakeland Sheep and Wool Center is located in Cumbria in the Lake District. It is in the town of Cockermouth. "Here is a real hands-on opportunity to meet Cumbria's most famous residents. Visitor are guaranteed a wonderfully wooly experience as we bring you face-toface with 19 different breeds of live sheep during our indoor presentation (four times daily)." There are also exhibitions of the local Border Collies' herding prowess.
Telephone and Fax: 01900-822673
The Halstead House Farm and The Brisitsh Pony Centre have combined Britain's equine and rural heritage in one lovely location. The complex includes a working farm, a museum and exhibition hall, and representatives of British native breeds of ponies in the paddocks and stables around the farm. They also offer a video theatre and oral archive as well as an art gallery and, oh yes, a tea room.
Telephone and Fax: 0116-259-7239
Email: a.swan@zetnet.co.uk
Another horse oriented place is the Northcote Heavy Horse Center in Great Steeping, Spilsby, Linconlnshire (PE23 5PS). They offer workshops on horse care and handling, wagon rides, and hands-on experience with grooming and harnessing. They also give pulling demonstrations.
Telephone and Fax: (01754) 830286
Email: northcote.horses@virgin.net
URL: http://freespace.virgin.net/northcote.horses/
The Birds of Prey Centre focuses on falconry in Sion Hill Hall, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. They offer "Hawk Walks" where you get to fly a falcon with an experienced handler. They also do general flying displays and offer exhibitions of the birds in their mews. There is also the requisite museum "crammed with a wealth of antiques" and, (wait for it) a Tea Room.
Telephone: 01845-587522 Fax: 01845-523735
Muncaster Castle hosts the Owl Center in Ravenglass, Cumbria. They boast 180 birds from around 50 species. You can visit the castle and its antiques, the lovely surrounding gardens, the owl mews. There is nothing called a tea room, but you can snack at Creeping Kate's Kitchen reputed to have "delicious freshly made cakes, snacks, and meals." I bet you could get a cup of tea anyway, if you wanted.
Telephone: 01229-717614 Fax: 01229-717010
