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Birdland Park & Gardens

Meet England's only King Penguin breeding group and 500+ birds across nine acres of Cotswolds woodland.

4.5

Birdland Park & Gardens is a nine-acre bird sanctuary in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, home to over 500 birds from around the world. Established in 1957, it features England's only breeding group of King Penguins, exotic species across 50+ aviaries, interactive feeding experiences, and the Jurassic Journey dinosaur trail. The park combines natural woodland with riverside habitats along the River Windrush, offering family-friendly encounters with rare and endangered birds.

A brief summary to Birdland Park & Gardens

  • Rissington Rd, Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2AY, GB
  • +441451820480
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekday mornings outside school holidays to experience the park with fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere for bird watching.
  • Plan your visit around the 3:00 PM daily feeding display to see birds at their most active and hear expert keeper commentary on behaviour and conservation.
  • Bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst the gardens to save money and extend your stay; the café can experience busy periods during peak times.
  • Book the Feed the Penguins experience in advance to go behind the scenes and help prepare meals for the King and Humboldt Penguins.
  • Carry cash as a backup payment method, as the park occasionally experiences power issues affecting card payment systems.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Cheltenham town centre, take the A40 towards Oxford, then follow signs to Bourton-on-the-Water (approximately 10 miles, 20–25 minutes). Birdland is located on Rissington Road. Pay and Display car parks are available on Rissington Road (1-minute walk) and Station Road (5-minute walk). On weekends and holidays, additional paid parking is provided by Bourton Vale Cricket Club and Manor Fields on Station Road. Arrive early during peak times as car parks fill quickly. Parking costs approximately £1.50–£2.00 per hour.

  • Bus

    Pulhams Coaches operates services to Bourton-on-the-Water from Cheltenham and surrounding areas. Journey times vary from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on route and stops. Check Traveline SW or Pulhams Coaches websites for current timetables and fares. The bus station is within walking distance of Birdland.

  • Train

    The nearest railway station is Cheltenham Spa (approximately 10 miles away). From there, connect via bus services (Pulhams Coaches) to Bourton-on-the-Water, with total journey time approximately 1.5–2 hours. Check National Rail Enquiries for train times and fares from your origin.

  • Coach

    Dedicated coach parking is available in Bourton-on-the-Water (SAT NAV: GL54 2AA). Group bookings and coach tours are accommodated; contact Birdland directly for group rates and arrangements.

Birdland Park & Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Birdland Park & Gardens

A Living Legacy of Avian Wonder

Birdland Park & Gardens opened in 1957 as one of the UK's pioneering bird attractions, founded by local Cotswold builder Len Hill, whose passion for birdlife transformed nine acres of woodland and gardens into a sanctuary for some of the world's most extraordinary species. The park has since become a cornerstone of wildlife education and conservation in the Cotswolds, famously hosting Sir David Attenborough during the filming of Natural Curiosities in 2013. Today, it remains a testament to dedicated bird welfare and environmental stewardship, with carefully designed habitats that reflect the natural ecosystems of each species.

Encounters Across Continents and Eras

Walking through Birdland's grounds, you'll encounter over 500 birds representing more than 130 species, each inhabiting thoughtfully curated environments. The park's crown jewel is England's only breeding group of King Penguins, alongside the charming Humboldt Penguins whose antics delight visitors daily. The Out of Africa section showcases hornbills, village weavers, and other African species in spacious aviaries, while the Pandemonium of Parrots features vibrant macaws and lorikeets in newly designed enclosures. The Parliament of Owls reveals nocturnal hunters in specialized settings, and the riverside habitats host flamingos, pelicans, cranes, and waterfowl that thrive along the winding River Windrush.

The Jurassic Journey Through Time

Spanning two acres of woodland, the Jurassic Journey invites visitors to wander among life-sized dinosaur sculptures nestled between ancient trees, creating an immersive experience that blends paleontology with natural history. This unique attraction adds an educational dimension to the park, particularly engaging for younger visitors who can hunt for dinosaurs while learning about prehistoric life and modern bird evolution.

Interactive Experiences and Daily Rhythms

Birdland's feeding displays occur daily at 3:00 PM, offering expert keepers the chance to discuss bird behaviour, diet, and conservation. The park also offers the Feed the Penguins experience, where visitors can assist staff in preparing meals and go behind the scenes with the penguin residents. Interactive sessions with tortoises, ducks, and chickens provide hands-on learning opportunities, particularly for children. The Nest Kitchen and Café provides refreshments, while the newly installed Double Zip-line near the café adds an element of adventure for thrill-seekers.

Landscape and Accessibility

The park's nine-acre setting creates a picturesque canopy of woodland and open gardens, with the River Windrush winding through the grounds. Most paths are tarmacked, with some gravelled sections and grassy areas leading to picnic benches and encounter zones. The flat terrain and well-maintained pathways make the park fully accessible via wheelchairs and pushchairs, with staff available to assist visitors requiring additional support. Water bowls are positioned throughout the park for visiting dogs, and well-behaved pets on leads are welcome to explore alongside their owners.

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