Bournemouth Aviary
A vibrant sanctuary in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, home to rescued tropical birds offering a free, educational, and colorful experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active birds
Bournemouth Aviary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active birds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant sanctuary in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, home to rescued tropical birds offering a free, educational, and colorful experience.
"Amazing aviary with a whole host of vibrant birds from across the world. "
🎯 Donate to Support
The aviary relies on donations. Look for the contactless card receiver to help care for the rescued birds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 173 reviews
Type
Zoo
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Tropical Birds
Bournemouth Lower Gardens
Marvel at a diverse array of rescued tropical birds, showcasing stunning colors and patterns.
Chatty Parrots
Inside the Aviary
Listen for 'Posh,' a parrot known for its adorable 'Hello,' adding a unique interactive element.
Lower Gardens Location
Top of Lower Gardens / Westover Road
Easily accessible within the beautiful Lower Gardens, perfect for a stroll or a break.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Best Viewing Times
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donate to Support
The aviary relies on donations. Look for the contactless card receiver to help care for the rescued birds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The new aviary design is great, but can be tricky for photos. Be patient!
☕ Nearby Coffee
Grab a coffee from @picnicparkdeli next to the aviary for a perfect pairing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donate to Support
The aviary relies on donations. Look for the contactless card receiver to help care for the rescued birds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through the gardens, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The new aviary design is great, but can be tricky for photos. Be patient!
☕ Nearby Coffee
Grab a coffee from @picnicparkdeli next to the aviary for a perfect pairing.
🛍️ Market Buzz
Check for the Art and Makers Market nearby on weekends for local crafts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Bournemouth Aviary for its free entry and the vibrant collection of rescued birds, calling it a lovely experience and a great educational tool for families. Some reviewers note that the aviary can appear a bit dark or dingy, and photography can be challenging, but the presence of unique birds and its sanctuary status are highly appreciated. Donations are encouraged to support the birds' care.
"Now, I do love animals, so may be a little biased, but I have to visit the aviary every time I head to Bournemouth, it's just a lovely experience, and they have some incredible birds I've not seen anywhere else... plus it's free, just in the park. Honestly, it is really lovely, if a little raucous at times 😅 when the budgerigars get excitable (but I grew up with budgies (as in we always had them as pets, I wasn't raised by budgies or anything) so I lime their sounds)."
Dan Dare
"Amazing avirary with a whole host of vibrant birds from across the world. I'm not usually a fan of caged animals, but this avirary is a sanctuary with rescued birds that are happily living together 😄 one parrot called Posh chats "Hello" adorably!
Make sure to donate on the contactless card receiver."
Julia Saunders
"I don’t like caged birds! The aviary is dark, dingy and dirty. It’s apparently volunteer maintained so I hope the birds are looked after, although it’s not nice seeing them living like this. Please donate"
Shim 76
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aviary is located at the top of the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth, easily accessible from Westover Road. It's a central spot within the town's beautiful green spaces.
There are several car parks in Bournemouth town centre, including the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) car park and the Westover Road car park, which are within walking distance.
Yes, Bournemouth town centre is well-served by buses. The aviary is a short walk from most central bus stops in the town.
The aviary is located within the Lower Gardens, which are generally accessible. However, some paths might have inclines.
Head towards the top of the Lower Gardens from the town centre, or access it via Westover Road. It's a prominent feature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Bournemouth Aviary is free! It's a wonderful public attraction within the gardens.
The aviary is generally open during daylight hours as it's within the public gardens. Specific times can vary seasonally.
No booking is required as entry is free. You can visit anytime during garden opening hours.
Yes, there is a contactless card receiver for donations, which are crucial for the care of the rescued birds.
Dogs are generally allowed in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens on a lead, but may not be permitted inside the aviary enclosure itself. Check local signage.
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of rescued tropical birds, including parrots and budgerigars, known for their vibrant colors and sounds. +1
The aviary houses rescued birds, and while they are in an enclosure, it's described as a sanctuary where they live happily.
Absolutely! It's a great educational spot for kids to see different bird species up close. +1
Feeding the birds is generally not permitted to ensure their health and safety. Please refrain from feeding them.
Mornings and late afternoons tend to be when the birds are most active and vocal.
📸 📸 Photography
It can be challenging due to the aviary structure and bird movement, but with patience, you can capture some great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, more flattering light for photography.
The newer aviary design is visually appealing, but finding clear shots of individual birds might require careful positioning.
It's best to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle the birds and disrupt their behavior.
A faster shutter speed will help freeze the birds' movements, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit