Name: Tropical Birdland
Rating: 5.0

Tropical Birdland

Tropical Birdland, Lindridge Lane, Desford, Leicester, Leicestershire LE9 9GN, England, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Searching for the best things to do with kids in Leicestershire? Tropical Birdland is a specialized bird sanctuary and animal attraction located in Desford, offering a unique day out for families. It provides a peaceful setting where visitors can walk through aviaries and see hundreds of exotic birds in a natural, open-air environment.

Prices start from £13.95 for adults and £9.45 for children, with various concessions available. Family passes are also on offer to help visitors manage their budget for a full day of exploration.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines immersive wildlife encounters with outdoor adventure, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers a rare opportunity to observe parrots, parakeets, and other exotic species up close within an ethical, conservation-focused sanctuary.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Walk-Through Aviaries: Immersive pathways allowing families to observe exotic birds in large, flight-friendly enclosures.
Parrot Encounter Zones: Controlled areas where visitors can interact safely with some of the more social birds.
Conservation Education: Informative signage throughout the site focusing on avian care, species diversity, and habitat preservation.
Outdoor Wildlife Trail: A scenic woodland walk that helps families connect with nature beyond the bird enclosures.

Top 5 Highlights

The Parrot Path: Walk through an open-air area where many different species of parrots are housed. This is a favourite for children, as it allows for close-up sightings of colourful feathers and unique bird behaviours.
Meet the Residents: Get introduced to the many rescued birds that call the sanctuary home. The centre focuses on the individual personality of each bird, which makes the experience feel personal and engaging.
The Woodland Walk: Take a stroll through the natural landscape surrounding the bird enclosures. It is a relaxing way to break up the visit and spot local wildlife in the Cumbrian-like green scenery.
Feed Time Demonstrations: Keep an eye on the daily schedule for feeding times. Watching the birds interact with the keepers provides a great educational moment for kids to understand dietary needs and care.
Adventure Play Area: Let the children burn off energy in the dedicated play zone. It is a perfect spot to let them play while parents enjoy a view of the surrounding greenery.

Facilities

Toilets: Standard facilities are available on-site near the cafe and entrance.
Buggy Parking: The site is largely accessible, with paths suitable for pushchairs.
Food Options: The Parrot Cafe serves a range of hot drinks, light lunches, and snacks.
Accessibility: Most paths are gravelled or paved and flat, ensuring accessibility for families with young children in buggies.

Pro-Tips

Arrive Early: Visit in the morning when the birds are most active to ensure you see them at their most vibrant.
Check the Weather: While much of the site is outdoors, there are sheltered areas, but waterproofs are recommended for typical British weather.
Dress Appropriately: Sturdy footwear is best for the woodland walks and gravel paths around the aviaries.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the small size and gentle nature of the bird sanctuary make it an excellent choice for toddlers who can easily walk the paths or be pushed in a buggy while enjoying the colourful birds.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that between 2 and 4 hours is the ideal amount of time to explore all the aviaries, walk the woodland trail, and spend time in the cafe or play park.
Where is the best place to park? The venue has a large, free car park located directly on-site at the main entrance, making it very convenient for families carrying bags or supervising young children.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre: A short drive away for those interested in history.
Local Leicestershire Footpaths: Several public rights of way exist near Desford for those wanting a longer rural walk.
Nearby Village Cafes: Traditional tearooms in Desford village offer post-visit refreshments.
Twycross Zoo: Located a convenient drive away for families looking to extend their animal-themed day out with a wider variety of mammals and primates.

What Visitors Love:

The intimate scale of the sanctuary allows children to see birds much closer than in a traditional, large-scale zoo.
The peaceful, unhurried atmosphere is perfect for young families who want a relaxing day out.
Friendly staff who are clearly passionate about the welfare of the rescued birds.
The outdoor play area is well-positioned, allowing parents to keep an eye on kids while relaxing.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Some areas can get muddy during heavy rain, so choosing the right footwear is essential.
The site is smaller than a large commercial wildlife park, so some older teenagers may find it less "thrilling" than expected.
Food options in the cafe can be limited during extremely busy weekend periods, leading to longer wait times.
The lack of significant indoor activity space means that options are somewhat restricted for long durations during very poor weather.

Attractions & Live Events

The Main Aviary: A large space housing a variety of exotic species.
Interactive Parrot Zones: Dedicated areas for supervised bird interaction.
Woodland Wildlife Trail: Outdoor walking path through local trees and shrubs.
Birdland Play Park: Outdoor playground equipment for children.
Keeper Insight Sessions: Regularly scheduled talks regarding bird welfare.

New for 2026

Enhanced Sensory Enclosures: Upgraded habitat features designed to stimulate the birds' natural foraging behaviours.
Refreshed Educational Boards: New visual guides installed to help younger children identify different species quickly.
Extended Accessible Pathways: Newly surfaced routes throughout the woodland trail to ensure easier access for all-terrain buggies and wheelchairs.
Digital Encounter Planner: A new mobile-friendly tool available at the entrance to help families track daily feeding times and bird demonstration slots.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16+): £13.95.
Child (4–15 years): £9.45.
Infant (Under 4): FREE.
Senior (60+): £10.25.
Student (16+, valid photo ID): £10.25.
Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Children): £43.50.
Family of 5 (2 Adults + 3 Children): £50.75.
Carer: £5.00 (valid proof of eligibility required).

Pricing URL: https://tropicalbirdland.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/74484?catID=69891&

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Please contact the team directly via the website for information regarding private group visits or birthday party inquiries.

March–October: 10am–5:30pm (last entry 4pm).
November: 10am–4pm (last entry 3pm).
December: 10am–2pm (last entry 1pm).
January: 10am–2pm (last entry 1pm).
February: 10am–4pm (last entry 3pm).
Closed: 24 December to the first Saturday in January.
Opening Days: Open 7 days a week.

Address: Tropical Birdland, Lindridge Lane, Desford, Leicester, Leicestershire LE9 9GN, England, UK

Post Code: LE9 9GN

Council: Hinckley and Boswort

County: Leicestershire

By Bus: Arriva Bus route 153 (Market Bosworth) runs from st margaret's bus station in Leicester City Centre. This route runs through the village of Desford with the bus stop located on Manor Road, opposite Desford Library. Tropical Birdland is located on Lindridge Lane, a 10 minute walk from the bus stop. On departing the bus, cross Manor Road and head down Main Street (past the Library) until you reach the Co-op. Lindridge Lane is opposite and you will need to follow this downhill (for approximately 100 yards) where you will see the entrance to Tropical Birdland on your right. Please note that Lindridge Lane is a country road and is on a steep incline.
By Car: From M1 get off at junction 22, on roundabout take the A50 signed towards Markfield. We have brown Tourism signs thereafter. From the M69 go to the end then take M1 North and get off at junction 21a. Follow the signs to Kirby Muxloe and just before you reach Kirby Muxloe you will see signs to Desford. In Desford, continue up to the mini island and turn right down Main Street. Follow the sharp bend left and then take 1st right down Lindridge Lane towards Merrylees. Tropical Birdland’s entrance is on the left hand side. There are brown Tourism signs located in Desford village and also on the A47 Hinckley Road, Leicester and A50 Markfield island in Leicester.