Frequently asked questions

Are you open all year round?

Yes, we are open from 9am–5pm and feed the birds every day.

Almost every day we run a run a ranger-led visit to the hide at feeding time.

There are, however, a few days each year when we are closed due to farming activity.

How do I find out which days you are closed?

Details of closed days can be found on our home page.

Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0)1786 841373.
If you reach our answer phone, please leave a message and we will call you back.

Do I need to book ahead?

To avoid disappointment we advise people to book ahead. You can email us* at info(at)argatyredkites.co.uk or call +44 (0)1786 841373. If you reach our answer phone, please leave a message and we will call you back.

* We have had some difficulty with our e-mails in the past. If you have not received a reply to your message within 24 hours please call us on +44 (0)1786 841373.

What time do you feed the birds?

Please check our booking page

What are your admission prices?

Please see our booking & prices page

I'm an RSPB member. Do I have to pay?

As we're not an RSPB reserve, we do charge RSPB members.

The day-to-day running costs of the project are funded entirely by our visitors' contributions – but without the RSPB we would not have Red Kites back in England and Scotland, so your membership is vital!

What is the best time of year to visit your site?

The greatest numbers of Kites are to be seen in winter although it is very rare for visitors not to get good views at any time of the year.

They spend the autumn and winter in large roosts, seeking food in groups and as the days are short and they are hungry the feeding displays are magnificent.

The hide can get pretty cold in winter, however, so we advise all visitors to wrap up warm before coming. On the plus side, we now have hot drinks and a wood-burning stove in the visitor centre so guests can thaw out after a trip to the hide!

How long will the visit last and what will I see?

As these are wild birds it isn’t possible to predict just how many will come to the feed on any given day nor how quickly they will actually start feeding – it depends on what they have found for themselves already in the day.

Typically, visitors stay for about an hour and a half but you are welcome to stay longer or leave earlier as you decide.

We have seldom had a day without good sightings of the birds, even if they are slow to start feeding.

Can I see red squirrels during my visit?

You can see red squirrels from the woodland hide

Book your place here.

Do you have toilets on site?

We have male, female and disabled access toilets, located to the left of the visitor centre

Am I able to get food or drink at Argaty?

You can get hot drinks in the visitor centre but aside from that visitors are asked to bring their own food and drink or visit Doune which is only 5 minutes away.

If you wish to bring a picnic, there are tables outside the visitor centre.

We would ask all visitors to please help us be green by taking away their rubbish with them.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your dog.

However, as we run a working farm we would request that you keep your dog on a lead. We would also ask you to clean up after your pet, out of respect for other visitors.

If other visitors agree, your dog is also welcome to the main hide.

We can find a shady spot for your car if you do need to leave your pet on a hot day.

How far is it from the car park to the hide?

From the Car Park, there is a walk of about 350m on a gently sloping, winding path up to the hide, which has 360-degree views.

Both path and hide are suitable for all-abilities access.

Is there disabled access?

If you let us know in advance, it is usually possible to offer a lift to the hide for those who find the walk difficult