Name: Prinknash Bird & Deer Park
Rating: 5.0

Prinknash Bird & Deer Park

Prinknash Abbey, Cranham, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 8EX, England

1-90 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Prinknash Bird & Deer Park is a charming wildlife destination located in a peaceful wooded valley near Gloucester. As one of the best things to do with kids in Gloucester, it offers families the chance to interact closely with over 50 species of tame birds and animals in a setting that replicates an 18th-century parkland. The site was once the hunting lodge of King Henry VIII and now provides a tranquil escape where children can roam freely alongside peacocks and waterfowl.

A family day out here is designed to be affordable, with prices starting from £4.70 for children and £6.80 for adults. For those who plan to visit regularly, season tickets are available, and children under the age of two can enter for free. The park also offers dedicated family tickets and provides free entry for wheelchair users and their carers, ensuring an inclusive experience for all budgets.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines nature with historical charm, this is a top choice. The park moves away from traditional cages, allowing animals like fallow deer and miniature donkeys to walk right up to you for feeding. It is an essential stop for families who want a hands-on wildlife experience where the focus is on quiet interaction and beautiful, scenic walks.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

Interactive Animal Feeding: Buy bags of specialized feed at the entrance to hand-feed tame deer, ducks, and geese.
Sensory Nature Walks: Explore nine acres of landscaped parkland featuring follies, fish ponds, and wooded valleys.
Educational Wildlife Spotting: Identify over 50 forms of creatures, from exotic crown cranes to traditional farm animals.
Hands-on Experiences: Visit the refreshment area to participate in seasonal activities like toasting marshmallows on an open fire.

Top 5 Highlights

Fallow Deer Interaction: The stars of the park are the free-roaming deer. They are incredibly tame and will often follow you or "nose" into bags looking for treats, which is a magical experience for children.
The Tudor Wendy House: This two-storey structure by the lake is a delight for younger kids. It’s a traditional play space filled with wooden toys that offers a break from walking.
The Reindeer Enclosure: Visit the dedicated reindeer area, with feedings typically scheduled between 10:00 and 12:00, allowing you to see these festive animals up close.
White Peacocks & Golden Pheasants: Keep an eye out for the stunning white peacocks and the vibrant birds in the Golden Wood and Domed Aviary.
The Gypsy Caravan: Located within the park's landscaped gardens, this traditional folly is a beautiful spot for photos and adds to the site's unique "fairytale" atmosphere.

Detailed Inventory

Fallow Deer: Tame deer that roam the park and interact with visitors.
African Pygmy Goats: Friendly and curious goats located in the central park area.
Miniature Donkeys: Known for being adorable and enjoying attention from families.
Black Swans & Crown Cranes: Elegant waterfowl found around the romantic island and formal pools.
The Monks' Fish Pond: A "haunted" pond teeming with large, hungry fish that children can feed.
Love Bird Aviary: A dedicated space for small, colourful birds.
Budgerigar Aviary: Located near the end of the main visitor path.
The Gazebo & Pergola: Decorative garden structures reflected in the park's various water features.

Facilities

Toilets: Located in the main car park and near the tea rooms.
Visitor Centre: Features three balconies overlooking the park and the reindeer enclosure.
Food: The café serves hot beverages, luxury biscuits, ice creams, and light snacks like homemade soup.
Buggy Parking: The Visitor Centre is accessible by steps, but be aware that some parts of the park trails are steep and can be difficult for pushchairs.
Shop: A "Pocket Money" gift shop sells cards, toys, and animal feed.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The hands-on nature of the park, specifically the ability to feed tame deer and donkeys.
The peaceful and quiet atmosphere, which is less overwhelming than larger commercial zoos.
Friendly staff who are welcoming and helpful with children.
Great value for money, with many parents finding they can spend up to three hours exploring.

What Visitors Don't Like

The terrain can get very muddy after rain, so wellies are a must in wet weather.
Accessibility issues: some paths are quite steep, which can be a challenge for those with standard buggies.
The café menu is great for snacks but can be a bit limited if you are looking for a full hot meal.

Targeted FAQ

Is Prinknash Bird & Deer Park worth it for toddlers?: Absolutely. Toddlers love the interactive feeding and seeing tame animals like donkeys and deer at eye level. The Tudor Wendy House provides a safe and fun place for them to play, though parents should bring a sturdy buggy or a carrier for the steeper valley paths.
How long does a visit to the park take?: A typical visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours. This gives you plenty of time to walk the full nine-acre loop, feed the various animals, explore the Wendy House, and stop for a snack or an ice cream at the Visitor Centre café.
Where is the best place to park?: The best place to park is the dedicated on-site car park located right at the park entrance. Parking is free for all visitors, including those arriving by coach or mini-bus, and is conveniently located near the main toilets and the entrance booth.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £6.80
Child (2–16 years): £4.70
Under 2s: Free
Seniors: £6.00
Wheelchair Users & Carers: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cy_GB/attraction/prinknash-bird-park/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Summer (March – October): 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
Winter (November – February): 10:00am – 4:00pm daily
Note: Closed on 25th/26th December and Good Friday.

Address: Prinknash Abbey, Cranham, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 8EX, England

Post Code: GL4 8EX

Council: Stroud

County: Gloucestershire

By Car: Use postcode GL4 8EX or GL4 8EU. From the M5 J11a, take the A417 toward Cirencester, then the A46 to Stroud. Follow the brown tourist signs. Free parking is available for cars and coaches.
By Bus: Local services to Cranham or Upton St Leonards; check Stagecoach West for the most current routes.
By Train: The nearest station is Gloucester, approximately 5 miles from the park.