Birdland Park and Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Water

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

What's on offer:

Birdland was first established in 1957 and was sited in the centre of Bourton. It moved to its present site , a few hundred metres down the road, in 1989. The current location was a trout farm and a Poplar plantation for match stick production owned by Bryant and May.

There are still over 150 trees which create a high canopy for the River Windrush and enclosures. Birdland is set in woodland, river and gardens. The natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds; flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary and waterfowl can be seen on various aspects of the water habitat.

Over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more.The Tropical, Toucan and Desert houses are home to the more delicate species. There are large areas to picnic and watch the activities of the birds on and around the river Windrush and a play area for young children to enjoy.

Opening times:

Open all year except Christmas Day.

April to October: 10am to 6pm

November to March: 10am to 4pm Last admission an hour before closing

How to get there:

From Worcester get on to the M5 at junctions six or seven and head south to junction nine. Turn onto the A46 for three miles, before taking the B4077 at the roundabout. After ten miles bear right on to the A424 Evesham Road before continuing straight ahead on the A436 to Bourton-on-the-Water. There is car parking around the town and Birdland is within easy walking distance.

Prices:

Adults: £5.25, Children: £3.25 (4 - 14 year olds, under 4's free), Senior Citizen: £4.25, Family: £15.50 (2a & 2c) Group rate: Minimum of ten for a 10 per cent discount Season Ticket: Adults: £22, Children: £13, Senior Citizens: £18

Review:

Birdland is great place to visit if you are going for a day out in Bourton-on-the-Water. In itself, it takes only an hour or so to look round and see all of the varied species. But the birds that are there are impressive and provide some great entertainment.

Educational signs on all of the aviaries provide information on what you are looking at, and details of the active breeding programmes that the park is part of. The aviaries are a bit scruffy round the edges, and look like they could do with a bit of a facelift. But the natural habitat that Birdland is set in is beautiful.

A series of fascinating sculptures dotted around the park also provide an interesting focal point. A play area suitable for younger children is guaranteed to keep them entertained and is surrounded by a picnic area where you can enjoy your lunch surrounded by wildlife.

Once you have finished looking round, you can take a stroll round the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton. Your tickets are valid for Birdland all day and I recommend returning at 2.30pm to watch the penguin feed. Birdland is home to the only King Penguins to be found in England, Wales and Ireland.