is set in a wooded valley at the centre of a monastic estate between the impressive New Abbey to the north and the Old Abbey, once the hunting lodge of the Abbots of Gloucester and King Henry VIII.

The park has been landscaped to resemble an 18th century park with traditional follies enhanced by beautiful birds and animals. You will see over 50 peacocks and waterfowl, golden pheasants, love birds, the fishpond, fallow deer, song birds, crown cranes, black swans, and African Pygmy Goats.

This is fun mostly if you or your kids really, really like birds. The peacocks are lovely since there are so many to see close up. Being able to walk among them was great for pictures, and you could purchase bird food to feed them. (Of course, the kids liked that, but it's pricey. Each bag was like gold to the parents!) The goats and deer are quite friendly (i.e. looking for food). The dovecotes, Wendy houses, and follies make for a picturesque atmosphere. Stop in at the abbey, too, for a quick look.

The café and shop are nice. There's also a replica of a Roman mosaic you can view, which costs extra (we elected not to see it). There are a playground and picnic tables nearby. There's plenty of parking, too.

-M. Velez / August 07

http://www.thebirdpark.co.uk/