Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Established in 1970, this expansive 160-acre park surrounds a Victorian Gothic manor house and is home to over 260 animal species, making it one of the UK's largest privately-owned zoological collections.
Animal Encounters
The park is thoughtfully divided into distinct sections, each providing unique wildlife experiences:
- Walled Garden: Features aviaries, a Humboldt penguin enclosure, and a Tropical House where visitors can observe free-roaming sloths, tropical birds, and bats. Daily penguin feeding sessions occur at 11 am and 3 pm.
- Madagascar Exhibit: A walk-through area highlighting endangered lemur species, including ring-tailed and red-bellied lemurs. Visitors can enjoy lemur feeding talks daily at noon.
- Large Mammals: Spacious paddocks house giraffes, zebras, ostriches, white rhinoceroses, and Bactrian camels. The Giraffe Walkway allows guests to meet these gentle giants at eye level.
- Woodland Walk: Home to South American species such as Brazilian tapirs, capybaras, giant anteaters, and Visayan warty pigs. The area also includes enclosures for Canadian timber wolves and parma wallabies.
- Reptile, Bat, and Insect Houses: Display a variety of species, including black mambas, crocodile monitors, poison dart frogs, rhinoceros iguanas, and Seba's short-tailed bats.
Gardens and Landscapes
Beyond the animal exhibits, the park boasts meticulously maintained gardens that enhance the visitor experience. The Walled Garden showcases exotic planting, including bananas and cannas, thriving in its favorable microclimate. The park's naturalistic planting style complements animal habitats, creating immersive environments that reflect the animals' native settings.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families can delight in various attractions:
- 'Bella' the Train: A narrow-gauge railway offering rides around the park from April to October.
- Adventure Playground 'Skymaze': An extensive play area designed for children to explore and enjoy.
- Children's Farmyard: Provides interactive experiences with domestic animals.
Visitor Information
- Accessibility: The park is predominantly accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with the only exception being the first floor of the Bat House.
- Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, though they are restricted from certain areas such as indoor exhibits and specific animal enclosures.
- Dining: Visitors can enjoy hot meals, drinks, sandwiches, and snacks from the on-site restaurant and kiosks. Picnics are also welcome in designated areas.
Opening Times and Admission
The park operates year-round, except on Christmas Day:
- Summer Hours (BST): 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, with last admission at 4:00 pm.
- Winter Hours (GMT): 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with last admission at 3:00 pm.
Admission prices vary, with options for advance e-tickets, season tickets, and gift vouchers available for purchase online or by post.
Location
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is situated at Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP. The park offers ample free parking for visitors.
For a memorable day immersed in nature and wildlife, the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens stands as a premier destination in the Cotswolds, offering enriching experiences for all visitors.
