LITTLE people can be hard to please. But a short attention span doesn’t have to mean forking out for overblown themeparks with headache-inducing rides or frustrating queues.

A visit to Birdworld on the Surrey/Hampshire border proved to be a wholly relaxing experience, even with an energetic toddler in tow.

Its shady walkways and pristine landscaped gardens are enough to make any parent sigh inwardly with relief. Its 26 acres are an oasis of calm, and for children with an inquisitive nature and the urge to run – it’s that joyous sense of freedom but in a safe, contained environment.

The park itself is such a pleasant place to be, the birds are just an added bonus.

More exotic than you find in zoos, the parrots and myna birds with their bright feathers and loud sqwawks caught the imagination of my twoyear- old son, Charlie, who wanted to take them all home.

Black swans float serenely among your usual pondlife, then there is an island of stunning great white pelicans and the penguin inclosure is a fun stop-off with its feeding frenzies and daily talks at 11am and 3pm. Here, you’re also likely to see herons perched at the side of the penguins’ water tank, ever hopeful of a free feed.

Some of the 150 different species of birds are endangered in the wild, such as the pretty Bali starling, a Montserrat oriole, and a northern bald ibis – a weird, black-feathered, bald-headed bird with a red face and long curved bill.

Though captive, the birds’ enclosures are large with plenty of interest to keep them occupied.

Some of the birds also get the opportunity to fly at the displays, which run daily.

The keepers give informative talks about some of the owls and the amazing African Macaws (we also saw the enigmatic Kookaburra) who are then allowed to show off their aerobatic talents, swooping over the heads of a receptive audience in a shady, wooded area with benches.

The demonstrations were perfect for little ones, who like to be involved but can’t manage to sit still for long.

Before long you’ve worked up an appetite and there are designated picnic spots dotted around the park.

If the weather is less kind, Puddleducks cafe provides everything from snacks and sandwiches to full-blown hot dinners.

Jenny Wren’s Farm had the usual collection of chickens, ponies and donkeys, but its petting zoo with its baby rabbits, gerbils and hamsters was the biggest hit with our little boy, who adored being allowed to stroke them all.

Last stop was the aquarium – a separate addition to the park – which, though small, is a good chill-out zone. The interactive parts of the day were the most memorable, but Charlie enjoyed the space – and we enjoyed the peace – just as much.

The park is well laid out with play areas, opportunities to stop and refuel and plenty of toilet facilities.

A minor downside is the strategically placed ride-ons (for example, the Little Tikes cars, £5 a go) as you walk in and rides outside the penguin inclosure and all the cafes, which had to be carefully side-stepped to avoid meltdowns.

Overall though, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day with many highlights for all kinds of visitors alike.

FACTFILE

Where: Bird World, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD

Contact: Tel: 01420 22992

Web: birdworld.co.uk Open: 10am-6pm (4.30pm during GMT) every day. Last admissions are an hour before closing.

Tickets: Adults £15.95 (save a £1 buying online) Children under 3 go free, (3-6) £11.95, (7-12) 12.95