Review: New dinosaur experience at Birdworld near Farnham

This time, the family attraction near Farnham took us back to the prehistoric age as dinosaurs descended for the May half-term holidays.

It might seem unusual to have dinosaurs at Birdworld, but there is a remarkable link between modern birds and their long-extinct ancestors. Modern birds are not just related to dinosaurs; they are the last surviving lineage of theropod dinosaurs, sharing a direct evolutionary ancestry and many of the same anatomical features.

For the holidays, the park has been transformed into a dinosaur-filled trail of theatrical shows, hands-on activities and surprise discoveries for visitors of all ages.

On the day I visited with my son, it was hot and sunny, and Birdworld’s birdbath-inspired water play area, which opened last year, was the perfect place to cool down. While my son had fun pumping water along wooden runways, I took off my sandals to paddle in the cool water before taking a seat to watch him from the shade.

We then headed to watch the live dinosaur show, which had attracted a large crowd of families.

Two actors had the audience laughing along with their upbeat, energetic performance, introducing puppet dinosaurs before a T. rex appeared from inside a tent and playfully “terrorised” the crowd.

My son’s hand shot up when they asked for volunteers, and he was chosen to help train the T. rex with a giant lolly stick, even being asked to lie on the ground before it chased him back to his seat, much to my amusement.

Next, we followed the Dino Discovery Trail, searching for 10 hidden signs scattered throughout the attraction, each one revealing interesting dinosaur facts alongside models of prehistoric creatures.

Alongside the dino-themed fun, we also enjoyed exploring the park and admiring all the birds, our favourites being the pelicans, who amaze with their extraordinarily large beaks.

A new interactive exhibition, Winging It, invites visitors to discover the world of feathers and explore the fascinating connection between birds and dinosaurs in a playful, hands-on way designed to spark curiosity in all ages.

We had a great time examining real feathers under microscopes and learning how their intricate structures help birds stay warm, waterproof and airborne.

The exhibition features stunning close-up images of feathers displayed as works of art, as well as a handmade feather chandelier crafted using feathers collected at Birdworld, making the space feel exciting and interesting to wander through.

Birdworld seems to create experiences that really capture the imagination of its younger visitors, while also appealing to adults who can discover something new every time. Along with its new treetop adventure playground and indoor play barn, there is plenty to keep families entertained for a full day.

We finished where we started, back at the water play area, where my son delighted in getting himself soaked from head to toe, embracing his inner bird by having an actual “bath” in one of the troughs before playfully splashing me. I feigned annoyance, but with the temperature hitting a sweltering 30 degrees, I was secretly grateful for the cool down.

Birdworld has managed to blend fun and play with learning and discovery, making a day out both educational and entertaining.