Tropical Birdland
ENTRY
from £9.45
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Desford
What it’s like
Walk-through parrots, flamingos and woodland trails outdoors near Desford - child from £9.45, free parking, cafe and play area.
Walk among parrots on the Parrot Path, peer into the walk-through aviary, then follow the woodland trail past flamingos and more tropical birds. Optional add-ons include alpaca walks, meet-the-meerkats and miniature donkey grooming if you want a hands-on stretch.
The Real Macaw cafe serves hot and cold food with homemade cakes; picnic spots sit by the kids' play area. Paths are mostly compacted gravel (wheelchair-friendly on the main routes; woodland walk is rooty). Free parking; no dogs, including assistance dogs, because of the birds.
Child (4-15) day tickets from £9.45; adults £13.95; under-4s free. March-October typically 10:00-17:30 (last entry 16:00), with shorter winter hours and a Christmas/New Year closed stretch. Peak summer holidays can be e-ticket-only - book ahead on busy days. All outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, booking is required, and you can book on their site. Turning up on spec risks a wasted trip.
How much does Tropical Birdland cost?
Entry starts from £9.45. The full price list, taken from the venue's own published prices, is on this page.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking on site.
Can we eat there?
Yes, there's a café, and there's a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own.
Is it OK with a baby or toddler in tow?
Yes, there's baby change.
How accessible is it?
The venue lists wheelchair access and an accessible toilet.
Do they do birthday parties?
Yes, the venue offers group bookings. Details and booking on their site.
Is it indoors?
No, this one's an outdoor day, so pick your weather.
How do we find it?
From M1 junction 22, take the A50 towards Markfield, follow brown Tourism signs. From M69 take M1 North to junction 21a, follow signs to Kirby Muxloe then Desford; in Desford turn right down Main Street, follow the bend left then 1st right down Lindridge Lane towards Merrylees; entrance on the left. Arriva Bus route 153 from St Margaret's bus station in Leicester runs through Desford; Tropical Birdland is a 10 minute walk from the bus stop on Manor Road.
Animals
Alexandrine Parakeets
A flock of Alexandrine parakeets, one of Asia's largest parrots.
The Budgies
A budgie and cockatiel aviary of friendly Australian parrots.
The Flamingos
A flock of Chilean flamingos, viewable from the undercover picnic area.
The Military Outpost
Home to military macaws, listed vulnerable in the wild, bred on site through a breeding programme.
Also on site
Dads Cave Camping
A campsite with 13 spacious pitches on site.
The Chick Room
Viewing room where newly hatched chicks can be seen through large windows; not open to the public for safety reasons.
The Gift Shop
On-site shop selling parrot themed presents and souvenirs.
The Real Macaw Cafe
On-site cafe serving hot and cold food, homemade cakes and barista coffee; open daily with last food orders one hour before park closing.
Experiences
Meet the Meerkats
An animal encounter to get up close with the meerkat mob.
Miniature Donkey Groom & Walk
adults only (18+)A 30-minute hands-on experience grooming and walking a miniature donkey.
Step into the Wild Experience
A 45-minute hands-on experience involving four species of birds and animals.
Walk with the Alpacas
A 45-minute guided stroll leading an alpaca through the Leicestershire countryside.
Areas to explore
Parrot Path
outdoorsA path where visitors can meet and interact with exotic parrots including macaws, cockatoos and Amazons, plus rare Hyacinth macaws and Red-tailed black cockatoos.
The Play Area
outdoorsChildren's play area situated next to the Real Macaw cafe and picnic area.
The Walk-Through Aviary
outdoorsA walk-through aviary with birds from around the world; meal worms can be bought to attract them.
The Woodland Walk
outdoorsA natural woodland walk where native wildlife such as woodpeckers, kingfishers, jays and squirrels may be seen.
See all Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Leicester · Things to do in Leicester
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