Birdland Park & Gardens

You'll find Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds' most visited villages, and it's a proper animal park rather than just a zoo. Walk around landscaped gardens and see everything from flamingos to owls, with plenty of hands-on opportunities if you've got kids in tow. The whole thing takes a couple of hours if you're not rushing, less if you just want to tick off the main enclosures.

Families get the most from this one. Children under ten will be genuinely engaged - there's feeding time, keeper talks, and the kind of direct contact with animals that feels special without being dodgy. Adults who aren't mad on birds might find it a bit samey after the first forty minutes, if I'm honest. The gardens themselves are pleasant enough, all manicured and calm, but they're not the draw here.

If you're staying at Cotswolds Meadow Glamping just down the road, this works as a half-day trip when the weather's decent. Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Bluewood Lodges are both within striking distance too. It slots neatly into a Cotswolds park holiday alongside walks along the River Windrush and visits to the village itself, though honestly the river walk is free and just as good for blowing off steam.

Check ahead for opening times and admission prices before you go - they vary by season and can shift without warning.