Name: Birdland Park and Gardens
Rating: 5.0

Birdland Park and Gardens

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BN, England

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Searching for the best things to do with kids in Bourton-on-the-Water? Birdland Park and Gardens offers an engaging day out for families looking to explore a unique wildlife park set within nine acres of woodland and river-side scenery. This popular attraction features hundreds of birds, ranging from exotic parrots and owls to the UK's only colony of King Penguins.

Standard gate prices are £14.95 for adults and £10.95 for children aged 3 to 15. Discounted online tickets are available, and children under three years old enter for free.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fascinating animal encounters with peaceful natural surroundings, this destination is a top choice. Its combination of daily feeding displays, informative trails, and children’s play areas makes it a stress-free outing for parents.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Penguin Shore: Observe the colony of King Penguins and the smaller Humboldts during daily feeding sessions.
Discovery Zone: Explore indoor habitats showcasing smaller birds, reptiles, and amphibians in an interactive setting.
Marshmouth Nature Reserve: Wander through this natural habitat area to spot native birds and wildlife in a protected environment.
Flamingo Point: Watch the graceful flamingos and pelicans that reside along the tranquil water features.

Top 5 Highlights

Penguin Shore: Seeing the King Penguins is the absolute highlight for most children. These birds are charismatic, and the keeper-led feeding sessions allow you to watch them interact up close.
The Flamingo & Pelican Feed: The feeding times at Flamingo Point are high-energy and fun. Kids love watching the pelicans catch their food and the flamingos strutting around the water.
The Discovery Zone: This indoor exhibit is perfect if the weather turns. It houses a variety of smaller, fascinating creatures that younger children find very easy to spot and enjoy.
Dinosaur Tracks: Explore the natural history trail that features dinosaur footprints. It adds a layer of adventurous play to the walk, which children love to follow.
Parrot Path: Walk through this immersive aviary where various colourful parrots fly overhead. It provides a great opportunity to see these birds outside of cages in a lush, green setting.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible facilities and baby-changing stations are located near the main entrance.
Buggy Parking: The park features flat, gravelled paths suitable for pushchairs, with ample space to leave them near main exhibits.
Food Options: The Flamingo Café serves snacks, light lunches, and hot drinks with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Play Area: A dedicated children’s adventure play area is situated near the café for extra outdoor fun.

Pro-Tips

Timing: Check the daily feeding schedule at the entrance so you don't miss the penguin or pelican shows.
Village Parking: Birdland does not have its own private car park; use the public village car parks which are a short walk away.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or wellies if it has been raining, as the paths can be uneven.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers enjoy the interactive Discovery Zone, the penguin feeding sessions, and the adventure play area, making it a very manageable and fun morning or afternoon activity.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 2 to 4 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore all the enclosures, watch the scheduled feeding displays, and enjoy a quick break in the café.
Where is the best place to park? Parking is available at the public car parks in Bourton-on-the-Water village centre; all are within a comfortable walking distance to the park entrance.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

The Model Village: Located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, this one-ninth scale replica of the village is a charming experience that children and adults find fascinating.
Cotswold Motoring Museum: A short walk away, this museum is packed with vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and nostalgic memorabilia that appeals to all generations.
Dragonfly Maze: A beautiful, traditional hedge maze that challenges families to find the centre while solving clues, making for a fun and active afternoon.
River Windrush Paddling: During summer months, families often enjoy sitting or paddling in the shallow, clear waters of the River Windrush that runs through the village centre.

What Visitors Love:

The park’s compact size makes it very easy to manage with younger children without them getting too tired.
The daily feeding talks are informative and engaging, keeping kids focused during the sessions.
The setting is visually beautiful, and the atmosphere in the park is generally calm and welcoming.
The mix of animal encounters and play areas offers a good balance for a morning or afternoon trip.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Public parking in Bourton-on-the-Water can get extremely busy during summer weekends.
The park does not provide a covered area for picnics, which can be an issue if the weather is unpredictable.
Some visitors feel the exhibits for certain birds are quite simple compared to larger zoos.
Café queues can grow quickly during school holidays, so packing your own lunch is often recommended.

Detailed Inventory:

Penguin Shore: Home to the UK’s only breeding colony of King Penguins, where families can watch these charismatic birds dive and swim during daily feeding sessions.
Flamingo Point: A stunning water feature housing elegant flamingos and pelicans, offering great photo opportunities and engaging live feeding displays.
Discovery Zone: An interactive indoor exhibit perfect for all weather, featuring smaller birds, reptiles, and amphibians in naturalistic, child-friendly habitats.
Parrot Path: An immersive walk-through aviary where visitors can observe various species of colourful, exotic parrots flying freely in a lush, planted environment.
Marshmouth Nature Reserve: A tranquil area within the park dedicated to native species, providing a quiet space to observe wild birds and local biodiversity.
Dinosaur Tracks: A fun educational trail featuring life-sized dinosaur footprint casts, perfect for younger children to follow and learn about prehistoric wildlife.
Owl Aviaries: A series of dedicated enclosures housing various owl species, allowing visitors to see these impressive birds of prey up close in a quiet setting.

New for 2026:

"Keeper-in-Training" Digital Quiz: The 2026 season features a new interactive trail where kids can scan QR codes around the park to answer wildlife questions and learn about animal care.
Virtual Park Badge: Upon completing the digital quiz trail, families receive a unique 2026 digital badge to share or save as a souvenir of their visit.
Educational Conservation Hub: A new 2026 space near the entrance provides deeper insights into the park's specific breeding programmes for endangered species, tailored for school-age visitors.
Upgraded Viewing Platforms: Enhanced observation points have been installed throughout the grounds for 2026, offering clearer views of the habitats for shorter visitors and families with pushchairs.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard Prices

Adult: £14.95 Gate & £13.95 Online.
Child (3–15 years): £11.50 Gate & £10.50 Online.
Under 3 years: FREE.
Senior (60+) / Student: £13.95 Gate & £12.95 Online.
Accompanying Carer: £3 Gate & £3 Online.

Membership:

Adult: £39.50.
Child: £29.95.
Senior / Student: £36.50.

Pricing URL: https://www.birdland.co.uk/visit/admission-prices-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Birdland offers birthday party experiences with a guided tour and reserved seating.
Contact: Call 01451 820480 or email [email protected] for booking inquiries.

Open Daily from 10am – 5pm (Last entry at 4pm).
We are open all year round with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Address: Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BN, England

Post Code: GL54 2BN

Council: Cotswold

County: Gloucestershire

By Public Transport: If you are travelling to Bourton-on-the-water by train the nearest station is in Moreton-in-Marsh. From here catch the Pullhams bus to Bourton on the Water. From Cheltenham Spa catch a bus to Cheltenham Royal Wells and then Pullhams bus to Bourton on the Water.
By Car: The closest Pay and Display Car Parks are on Rissington Road (1 min walk) and Station Road (5 min walk). On some weekends additional paid parking is provided by Bourton Vale Cricket Club, Manor Fields on Station Road and The Cotswold School.