Birdworld (Farnham)

Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Farnham brings families straight to Birdworld, a sprawling 26-acre zoo and bird park located in the Surrey countryside. This popular family visitor attraction allows children to discover hundreds of exotic birds and animals from across the globe through immersive walk-through exhibits and outdoor displays. 

General admission ticket prices start from £22.95 for children aged 2 to 15, and £22.95 for adults, with children under 2 entering for free. Concession rates for seniors and students are available at £17.95. Visitors can spend hours exploring landscaped gardens, meeting friendly farm animals, and enjoying interactive feeding sessions.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational wildlife encounters with outdoor play, this Surrey attraction offers exceptional value. Its famous penguin displays, knowledgeable keepers, and expansive picnic grounds make it a top choice for a memorable weekend trip.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Walk-Through Aviaries: Immersive netted enclosures where exotic birds fly overhead along scenic garden pathways.
  • Interactive Animal Handling: Educational keeper talks and scheduled feeding sessions providing an educational day out for families.
  • Outdoor Adventure Play Areas: Multiple themed play zones designed for children to burn off energy between exhibits.
  • Conservation and Breeding Programs: Dedicated efforts protecting threatened species and supporting global biodiversity.

Top 5 Highlights

  • Penguin Beach: A coastal-themed habitat where Humboldt penguins dive, swim, and play above and below the water line, offering children a close-up look at their agile movements.
  • Parrot Point: An outdoor interactive zone populated by bright, chatty macaws and parrots surrounded by open picnic benches and lush planting.
  • Stevenson Farm & Jenny Wren Farm: A friendly paddock area where younger children can meet traditional farm animals like donkeys, pigs, goats, and fluffy rabbits.
  • The Palm Café and Terrariums: A tropical warmth zone housing delicate exotic species, reptiles, and small mammals beneath lush green canopies.
  • Outdoor Play Parks: Dedicated children's play spaces featuring climbing frames, slides, and swings set amid the park's landscaped gardens.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Changing Facilities: Accessible public restrooms and baby-changing facilities located centrally near the main entrance and visitor hubs.
  • Food Options: Hot meals, children's lunch boxes, and snacks available at the Palm Café and seasonal kiosks.
  • Buggy Parking: Open buggy parking spaces available adjacent to the main indoor play areas and dining spots.

Pro-Tips:

  • Timing Your Visit: Arriving right at 10:00 am opening time allows families to beat the crowds and catch morning animal feeding sessions.
  • Footwear Choice: Comfortable walking trainers or flat shoes are recommended for exploring the 26 acres of parkland and gardens.
  • Weather Awareness: While many exhibits feature outdoor paths, checking local weather forecasts and dressing in practical outdoor layers ensures a comfortable day.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers thoroughly enjoy meeting the farm animals at Jenny Wren Farm, exploring the outdoor play areas, and seeing the penguins up close.
  • How long does a visit take? A typical family visit takes between 3 to 5 hours to comfortably explore all the aviaries, farm zones, gardens, and enjoy a lunch break.
  • Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the spacious, complimentary on-site car park located directly outside the main entrance gates.
  • What are the best free sights to see? Visitors can enjoy exploring all standard walk-through aviaries, flamingo lagoons, penguin displays, and garden trails included with general park admission.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Alice Holt Forest: Extensive woodland recreation area located less than a mile away featuring walking trails and bike hire.
  • Rural Life Living Museum: Open-air heritage museum situated nearby showcasing local rural history.
  • Farnham Historic Town Centre: Nearby Georgian market town offering independent shops, cafes, and historic architecture.

What Visitors Love:

  • Parents frequently highlight how engaging the walk-through aviaries and penguin displays are for children of all ages.
  • Families appreciate the spacious layout, clean grounds, and abundance of picnic spots scattered throughout the gardens.
  • The mix of exotic birds and a traditional children's farm area offers a great variety of things to see and do.
  • Staff members receive high marks for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful during daily keeper talks.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Some visitors note that catering queues can get long during peak summer weekends and school holidays.
  • Parts of the park can experience muddy paths after heavy winter rainfall, requiring sensible footwear.
  • Advance ticket purchasing online helps avoid ticket queue wait times on busy event days.
  • Parking areas can fill up quickly during peak holiday periods.

Attractions and Experiences:

  • Penguin Beach Display: Underwater viewing zone for Humboldt penguins.
  • Parrot Point Enclosure: Open-air habitat for colourful talking parrots.
  • Jenny Wren Farm: Petting area with domestic farm animals and goats.
  • Flamingo Lagoon: Vibrant waterside enclosure housing flocks of bright pink flamingos.
  • The Terry Lambert Forest Owl Zone: Specialized woodland aviary featuring rare owl species from around the world.
  • Timed Keeper Talks: Daily educational presentations and feeding demonstrations.
  • Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas: Multi-zone play spaces for toddlers and older children.
  • Discovery Trail: Park-wide path network highlighting conservation goals.
  • Seasonal Holiday Events: Special themed family trails and shows during school breaks.
  • Gift and Souvenir Shop: On-site retail outlet offering wildlife toys and mementos.

New for 2026:

  • Updated Wayfinding Signage: Enhanced trail markers across the 26-acre park to help families navigate exhibits seamlessly.
  • Refreshed Interactive Displays: New digital and tactile educational boards detailing global bird conservation efforts.
  • Expanded Seasonal Event Schedules: Added family activity days and holiday activity trails throughout the year.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult (16+ years): £22.95 Online & £24.95 On the Day.
  • Concession (60+ years / Student with valid ID): £20.95 Online & £22.95 On the Day.
  • Child (2–15 years): £22.95 Online & £24.95 On the Day.
  • Child (Under 2 years): FREE.
  • Carer: FREE.

Pricing URL: https://birdworld.co.uk/faqs/?tickets=open

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: Birdworld offers specialized birthday party packages and group celebration options combining park entry, private party spaces, and dedicated animal encounters.
  • Inquiries: For birthday party availability, pricing, and private group bookings, contact the venue team directly via email at [email protected] or telephone at 01420 22140.
  • Summer (British Summer Time): Open 10am – 5pm (Last Admission: 4pm).
  • Winter: Open 10am – 4:30pm (Last Admission: 4pm).
  • Play Barn: Open 10am – 5pm.

Address: Birdworld, Holt Pound Lane, Farnham, UK

Post Code: GU10 4LD

Council: East Hampshire

County: Hampshire

  • By Train: South Western Railway services run from London Waterloo to Alton, stopping at Farnham or Bentley, followed by a direct Stagecoach bus.
  • By Bus: Local Stagecoach bus services run from Farnham and Aldershot train stations directly to the gates of Birdworld.
  • By Car: Located 3 miles south of Farnham on the A325, well signposted from the M3 (junction 4) and easily accessible from the M25.
  • Car Parking: Large complimentary on-site car parking facilities are provided for visitors, including designated spaces for blue badge holders.

5

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!