Bird of prey Loch Lomond: the Balloch centre
The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, beside Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch
Verdict
Go if you want close-up eagles, hawks and falcons and a flying show, and you are at Balloch between February and October.
Skip if you are visiting from early November to early February, when it is closed to visitors, or you are bringing a dog.
- Adult ticket, 2026
- £10
- Flying shows a day, March to October
- 2 a day
- Closed to visitors (early November to early February)
- Nov–Jan
- Walk from Balloch train and bus stations
- 10 min
The short answer
For a bird of prey near Loch Lomond, the place to go is the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre at Balloch, next to Loch Lomond Shores. It is open daily from the second week of February to the end of October, with flying shows at 11:30am and 2pm, and it is closed to visitors from early November. Adults pay £10 on the 2026 price list. Dogs are not allowed. The centre's own site tells visitors to check its Latest page for current times and prices, so do that before you travel. Days out and activities has the other options for the day.
What you get
Daily flying shows
Shows run at 11:30am and 2:00pm, except in extreme weather. The centre flies kestrels, falcons, hawks, owls and eagles, and the mix depends on the time of year. Be seated at least five minutes before, because once a show has started you cannot enter the flying area until it ends.
The birds
The centre's own list includes golden eagles (Orla and Scout), steppe eagles, Harris hawks, a goshawk, a red kite, common buzzards, a turkey vulture and falcons including peregrine, lanner and gyr. That answers the common search for a list of birds of prey: these are the species you can expect to see here, not a general guide to every British raptor.
Experiences
Experience days include Fly a Hawk and close encounters with owls. The centre says experiences run all year, including when it is closed to general visitors, and are booked online or by phone on 01389 729239. You do not need to book to walk in during the open season.
Family run
The centre describes itself as family run, in loch-side woodland next to Lomond Shores. It lists schools and groups, a discovery trail and a gift shop on its site.
Around Balloch
A stop in Balloch covers the village, and lunch and dinner in Balloch covers where to eat. If you are staying overnight, places to stay in Balloch compares the options.
Wild birds instead
The centre keeps captive birds. For wild birds and animals on the loch, where to see wildlife lists the places to look.
How long to allow
The centre does not publish a visit length, so these are planning estimates built from the show times, not timed visits.
| Time you have | What fits | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| One show | Arrive for the 11:30am or 2pm show, then walk round the birds. | Be seated five minutes before the show starts. |
| Both shows | The 11:30am show, lunch at the Shores, then the 2pm show. | The wristband gives free entry through the day, so you can leave and come back. |
| A day at Balloch | The centre in the morning, then Balloch Castle Country Park or a cruise. | Last hours differ by season: 4pm in winter time, 5pm in summer time. |
| A wet day | The shows are in a natural setting, so bring a waterproof. | Shows may be cancelled in extreme weather. |
Prices and opening
- Opening
- Daily including bank holidays, 10am to 4pm (GMT) or 5pm (BST), from the second week of February to the end of October. Closed to visitors from early November to early February.
- Adult
- £10 (2026 price list). Child 3 to 16 £6. Infants 0 to 2 free.
- Seniors and students
- £8.50 for seniors aged 66 and over and for students with a student card.
- Disabled visitors and carers
- £7.20, with proof of identity for carers. NHS staff get 10% off with ID.
- Groups
- 12 or more people: adult £8.40.
- Wristband
- Given at reception; it gives free entry throughout the day.
Getting there and parking
The centre is next to Loch Lomond Shores and uses its car park. The centre's address is Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL, but it advises against trusting the postcode on a satnav, which can send you to the wrong place. Use a maps app and follow signs for Loch Lomond Shores. To compare with the other car parks, see where to leave the car.
Loch Lomond Shores car park (Wise Parking)
- Operator
- Wise Parking, with number-plate cameras (ANPR)
- Charging
- Paid since 28 January 2026
- Tariff
- 50p for 30 minutes, £1.50 up to 2 hours, £2 up to 4 hours, £4 all day
- Payment
- Three pay machines (one takes cash and card, two card only), RingGo or PayByPhone. Pay on arrival.
- Blue Badge
- Blue Badge holders must pay
- EV charging
- Two double EV points in the coach park, free to use, but parking still applies.
Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Car-free
The centre says it is a 10 minute walk from the train and bus stations at Balloch. Trains run direct from Glasgow to Balloch about twice an hour, and the Ember E5 coach also stops at Balloch. Train, bus and waterbus options covers the wider network.
Is it for me?
| If you are | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families with children | Good | Children aged 3 to 16 pay £6, and infants go free. |
| Wheelchair users | Good | The centre says it is fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking frames, with dedicated space in the flying area. |
| Dog owners | Poor | Dogs are not permitted. There is no smoking or vaping either. |
| Visitors without a car | Good | It is a 10 minute walk from Balloch train and bus stations. |
| Winter visitors | Poor | It is closed to visitors from early November to early February. Experiences can still be booked. |
| Anyone on a tight budget | Mixed | Seniors, students, carers and groups pay less. Parking at the Shores is charged on top. |
Questions people ask
Can you give me a list of birds of prey?
Not a full list, but the centre's own site names its residents: golden and steppe eagles, Harris hawks, a goshawk, a red kite, common buzzards, a turkey vulture and falcons including peregrine, lanner and gyr.
What is the most beautiful town in Loch Lomond?
An opinion: Luss for an easy waterside stop and Balmaha for hills and islands. Every village in the park lists the rest.
Where is the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre?
On Ben Lomond Way in Balloch, next to Loch Lomond Shores. It is a 10 minute walk from Balloch train and bus stations.
What time are the flying shows?
11:30am and 2:00pm daily from March to October, except in extreme weather. Be seated five minutes before.
How much is the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre?
Adults pay £10 and children aged 3 to 16 pay £6 on the 2026 price list. Infants aged 0 to 2 go free.
Is the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre open in winter?
It is closed to visitors from early November to early February. Experiences can be booked all year.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not permitted at the centre.