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Winter review of Birdland - a 'Great Day Out' in the Cotswolds

It was a dull day in January when my daughter asked to go to Birdland Park & Gardens “again”. About half an hour out of Cheltenham, in Bourton-on-the-Water, is Birdland. Right on our doorstep is the only colony of King Penguins in England, Wales and Ireland. My daughter loves penguins and Birdland is one place she often asks to go to time and time again.

It was mid-week and it made a change from going to the park. Although it was very quiet, we had a great day out and my daughter probably enjoyed it the most out of all the times we have been. The King Penguins are in an enclosure which gives a fantastic close-up encounter. They have a pool where you can see them swimming under the water as well.

The King Penguins share their enclosure with another rarely found penguin; the Humboldt. This summer they hope to breed more of both types so we look forward to baby penguins as well. There are only a couple of Humboldt’s at the moment, but more are due from Newquay Zoo in February with the intention of breeding them. The few they have however, were very entertaining particularly at feeding time. They are smaller than the King’s but are VERY defensive of their fish!

The talk at feeding time was very good and my 4 year old listened intently and seemed to take in far more on this visit than she has at other times, when it has been busier. Perhaps it was because it felt more like a personal talk.

Pink-backed Pelican, flamingoes and young Black Swans.

There are many birds to see other than penguins. There is a duck pond, with swans, and trout to feed which is great fun for small children (and adults). The river flows straight through Birdland which is lovely at all times of the year. The flamingos and pelicans can be found on the river amongst the ducks and swans.

There's also a children’s play area, cafeteria and shop selling a variety of eduactional and fun gifts.

Look out for special days at Birdland throughout the year on their website below. A memorable event from a previous visit, was a 'Bird of Prey Encounter Day', when my 4 year old daughter held an Eagle Owl (almost as big as her) and stroked baby birds. Absolutely brilliant for children and adults.

We had a really fun day out on a quiet day in January. Birdland looks to be a very exciting place to visit in coming months, with much development and lots more interactive fun for children and adults to enjoy. We hope to visit again at Easter as there is a Birdland Easter Egg Hunt planned.

Andrea Smith
Explore Gloucestershire
15 February 2009

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