Located amongst nine acres of gardens and woodland, alongside the winding River Windrush in the Cotswold town of Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland is home to over 500 birds who live in the riverside habitats and aviaries. But there are not just birds here, you will also encounter life-size dinosaurs hiding amongst the trees in the Jurassic Journey area.
Wander through Birdland’s gardens where you will see over 130 species of birds on display. The exotic and the rare include flamingos, storks, pelicans and cassowary who live in and around the river. You will also find owls, hornbills and touracos in over 50 aviaries.
If you love penguins, you’ll be able to observe these fascinating creatures up close in one of two daily feeding displays. The small feed takes place at 11am and the main feeding display at 2.30pm. As well as rare Humboldt penguins, Birdland features England’s only collection of king penguins. Peer through the window into the water, where you will see the elegance of the penguins underwater.
In addition to birds, the Encounters Area features egg-laying creatures such as snakes, lizards and poisonous frogs. You will also be able to see newborn chicks in the hatchery and meet tortoises, rabbits and chickens in a close encounter session.
Dinosaur hunters and fossil fanatics can journey back over 64 million years to visit former residents of the Cotswolds. Armed with a special dinosaur tracker kit, venture along the Jurassic Journey where you will be able to search for fossils, spot complete dinosaur skeletons and giant dinosaur eggs. Alongside these, 30 life-size dinosaurs range from a metre-long baby stegosaurus to a 5-metre tall brachiosaurus.
While Birdland is a wonderful place to visit for all ages, children can let off steam in the outdoor, obstacle-type play area. There are some picnic spots dotted around the grounds if you’d like to bring your own picnic or pick up some snacks from the kiosks.
The Flamingo Point Café serves up Cotswold cream teas, homemade cakes and sandwiches and hot soup, which you can enjoy inside, or sit outside overlooking the Flamingo River.
Birdland opens daily except Christmas Day. Check their website for opening times and admission charges.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.
