Birdland in Running for Top Accessible Tourism Award
Birdland Park and Gardens has been named a finalist in a prestigious regional tourism award recognising attractions which make their experiences accessible and welcoming to everyone.
The popular Cotswold wildlife attraction is one of just four finalists in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category at the 2026 Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards.
Birdland is shortlisted alongside the Roman Baths in Bath, WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol.
The nomination means Birdland is guaranteed to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award, with the final results being announced at a ceremony at Batch Country House in Somerset on Thursday 26th November.
The recognition follows a series of improvements at Birdland designed to make the attraction more accessible to visitors with different needs and abilities.
These include a Changing Places toilet, BSL-signed talks and practical changes to pathways, entrances and fence heights throughout the park.
While some of these improvements may be less immediately noticeable, they can make a significant difference to how visitors move around the attraction, view the birds and enjoy their day.
Birdland also has ongoing plans for further improvements, reflecting its commitment to making the park increasingly accessible and inclusive.
The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, sponsored by WECIL, recognises attractions and tourism businesses committed to making their experiences welcoming and accessible to visitors with different needs and abilities.
Finalists are selected by an independent panel of former award winners, tourism industry leaders and specialists, with judges examining entries alongside each attraction’s website, social media and visitor reviews.
Particular attention is paid to evidence of accessible and inclusive tourism and a commitment to regenerative tourism.
Simon Cox, General Manager at Birdland Park and Gardens, said: “We want Birdland to be somewhere that as many people as possible can come and enjoy, so to be recognised in this category is particularly pleasing.
“We’ve made a number of improvements, including our Changing Places toilet and BSL-signed talks, but it’s often the smaller things which can make a real difference.
“Something as straightforward as the height of a fence, the width of an entrance or the condition of a pathway can have a big impact on someone’s ability to enjoy their visit.
“It’s about looking at the park from the perspective of people with different needs and recognising where changes can help.
“We also know there’s always more we can do. Accessibility isn’t something you achieve once and then forget about. We’re continually reviewing the park and planning further improvements to make it as welcoming as possible.
“To be recognised by an independent panel of tourism experts, particularly alongside three such well-known attractions, is a lovely reflection of the work our team has put in,” he added.
Set in nine acres of gardens and woodland beside the River Windrush, Birdland is home to more than 500 birds, including penguins, flamingos, pelicans, parrots and birds of prey.
The annual tourism awards celebrate excellence across the region’s visitor economy, with more than 80 finalists recognised this year across categories covering attractions, accommodation, experiences, events and hospitality.
The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 26th November, hosted by broadcaster Laura Rawlings.
