our hides
Our hides
At Argaty, we have four hides:
- the main red kite viewing hide
- the red kite photography hide
- the 3–4 person woodland hide
- the 1 person studio woodland hide
Main Red Kite Viewing Hide
Open all day, our main red kite viewing hide offers great views of the birds and the surrounding landscape.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon for the ranger-led visit at the time when we put out the feed for the birds. Of course, the number of birds and the duration of the feeding does vary according to season and weather – they are wild!
The ranger will explain the history and behaviour of the birds as well as the story of the kite reintroduction and stay with you to enjoy the spectacle as the birds swoop and dive for their food.
We make a small entry charge at the formal visit time and you are of course welcome to take photographs. However, you are also welcome to drop in at other times of the day (honesty box system applies).
Access
Access from the car park is up a gently sloping 350m path.
Pre-booking recommended
We do recommend booking ahead to confirm time and availability and particularly if a lift up to the hide would be helpful.
Red Kite Photography Hide
Our 3-person dedicated photography hide offers bigger viewing hatches, room for tripods and a closer view of the red kite feeding area.
There are great views of the kites against the dark trees that border the site.
Access
Access is from the main path but there are 3 steps up to the hide itself.
Pre-booking recommended
Although pre-booking is recommended, there may be spaces available on the day of your visit.
Woodland Hides for Red Squirrels and Woodland Birds
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The 3–4 person Woodland Hide
Set in secluded woodland, this special 3–4 person hide gives close-up and intimate views of red squirrels and woodland birds (including greater spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, long tailed tits, treecreeper and even a jay).
Additional floor level hatches offer the opportunity for eye-to-eye photography – be sure to bring along a short focal length lens as well as something longer as the wildlife can come very close indeed.
The booking is for exclusive use of the hide and can of course be shared amongst your group.
The 1 person Studio Woodland Hide
The Studio Hide is set in a forest clearing with perches and jumps, offering a new opportunity to watch the red squirrels and woodland birds in action. As well as the main viewing hatch there is a floor level hatch and a side hatch with an eye level perch right beside the hide giving the chance for intimate portraits. A short focal length lens is definitely to be included in your kit for this hide.
Access
While we can offer a lift across the grass fields to reach the hides, there is a short walk to the hide through the wood itself.
Pre-booking essential
As the hides are not adjacent to the main centre and to minimize disturbance, pre-booking is essential.
Useful information
| Main Red Kite Hide | Red Kite Photography Hide | 3–4 person Woodland Hide | Studio Woodland Hide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| capacity | 30 | 3 | 3–4 | 1 |
| pre-booking | recommended | strongly recommended | essential | essential |
| arrival time | 1.30pm winter 2.30 summer |
1pm winter 2pm summer |
by appointment | by appointment |
| prices | adults £7 (concessions £6) children aged 6–16 £3 Under 6s free |
£15 per person | whole hide: £25 per hour £50 two hours £80 whole morning £150 whole day |
introductory prices: £30 two hours £50 whole morning |
| accessibility | 350m path lift can be arranged viewing flaps for wheelchair users |
350m path and 3 steps viewing flaps not suitable for wheelchair users |
walk across fields then short walk through wood. lift across fields can be arranged |
walk across fields then short walk through wood. lift across fields can be arranged |
| photography | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| dogs welcome? | yes | no (except assistance dogs) | no (except assistance dogs) | no (except assistance dogs) |