Birdworld and Underwater World, Farnham

The Park

Birdworld is the largest area of the park and houses the bird enclosures, including aviaries, cages, open areas, and paddocks.

The condition of these enclosures ranges from tired and dated to well-equipped and modern. 

Penguin Island

There are two penguin areas and both have penguin feeding sessions.

Penguin Island is a traditional penguin tank enclosure where you can see penguins above and below the water.

Penguin Beach by contrast, is an attempt to recreate Robben Island in South Africa, the natural habitat of the penguins and other birds in the enclosure.

You enter Robben Island as if stepping off a ferry. It was pretty grotty when we visited.  

The enclosure itself was better – pretty to look at and fairly spacious with the birds a little freer than in some of the other enclosures.

Terry Pratchet Owl Parliament

At the time of writing, Terry Pratchet Owl Parliament was the newest enclosure.

From the outside this is a large wooden structure with a magical feel – it incorporates elements of the Discworld books, with little doors and windows.

From the inside, this feels like a normal bird enclosure (although better landscaped than many) and like the owls could do with some more space. While we were there a snowy owl tried to fly around, bashing into the cage walls. It was uncomfortable to watch.

The Lost Trail

Along the Lost Trail dinosaurs hide along pathways and peer out from the bamboo. The children found it atmospheric and fun.

We found a tyrannosaurus head snarling from the bamboo, a massive spider climbing down a tree, and a large diplodocus hiding in a clearing.

Other Things To Do

There is also a willow maze, a safari train, an insect garden, a bug palace, and the chance to buy a bag of food to feed birds around the park. The children loved this as many of the ducks are braver than birds in the wild and will come close. 

Jenny Wren Farm

We all agreed that Jenny Wren Farm was the best part of Birdworld. There are tractors to play on, a multi-play unit for younger children as well as farm animals like sheep, pigs and ducks.

The encounter enclosures are lovely and offer the chance to cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs, and pet goats and their kids.

Underwater World

This is a small aquarium with a row of fish tanks and one large tank with two dwarf crocodiles and some turtles. It’s not very exciting and a bit run down.

Overall

My children left Birdworld feeling excited about the animals, Jenny Wren Farm in particular, and were keen to go back.

I left Birdworld feeling amazed that in 2017 we are still keeping animals in this way and sad that I had just supported it.

With the exception of the farm, I found the visit a pretty miserable experience. I struggled with the atmosphere from the start. 

I would love to see Birdworld retire the birds and other zoo-type animals and concentrate on building up the farm, which could be terrific.

The Play Areas

There are two play areas around Birdworld, both said to be designed for children of 5 to 12 years old.

The first one has:

• a large and modern multiplay with a slide, bridges, ropes and balancing beams. 

The second is near Jenny Wren farm and has:

• a multiplay with a slide, tunnel and bridge
• swings
• a tyre swing
• a wobbly bridge
• hanging logs. 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: RG24 8BQ

Opens: Daily

Adult Cost Range: Various depending on the season. 
Child Cost Range: Various depending on the season. 
Free if: Under 3

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or buy food from the cafe.
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic area, snacks, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Animals You Might See: Owls, penguins, flamingos, love birds, ducks, swans, pelicans, parrots, herons, storks, rheas, emus and various other birds, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, starfish, turtles, piranhas, dwarf crocodiles and various types of fish.

Information Written: March 2017