Cotswold Wildlife Park photo
ZooEngland, GB

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Nestled within 160 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a uniquely charming and intimate wildlife experience in Oxfordshire, England.

About

Nestled within 160 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a uniquely charming and intimate wildlife experience in Oxfordshire, England. Unlike a typical zoo, it seamlessly blends a diverse collection of over 260 species with the elegant backdrop of a Victorian manor house, allowing visitors to encounter exotic animals in remarkably open and naturalistic settings. It's a place where the majestic and the miniature coexist, promising delightful discoveries at every turn.

Stroll through the park and you might find White Rhinos grazing on the sprawling lawns in front of the Gothic Manor House, a truly iconic sight. Get eye-to-eye with graceful Giraffes from the raised Giraffe Walkway, or immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Madagascar exhibit, a walk-through enclosure teeming with free-roaming lemurs like the Ring-tailed and Crowned Sifakas. The Tropical House beckons with sloths, bats, and exotic birds amidst lush jungle plants, while the Walled Garden provides a sheltered micro-climate for meerkats, Humboldt penguins, and a stunning array of ornamental flora. Beyond these, encounter Asiatic Lions, Clouded Leopards, Giant Anteaters, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is more than just an animal collection; it’s an immersive journey into nature's beauty, where the animals are complemented by award-winning gardens and mature specimen trees. The park’s dedication to conservation, education, and breeding programmes for endangered species makes every visit meaningful. With a relaxed atmosphere and a commitment to keeping visitor interactions authentic, it’s a memorable destination that captivates both the young and the young at heart, providing a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens was established in 1970 by John Heyworth, who sought to breathe new life into Bradwell Grove Manor House, his family home, which he had inherited and found in disrepair. His vision was to create a wildlife park where visitors could intimately connect with animals while enjoying the beautiful grounds. Starting with a shoestring budget, Heyworth, along with curator Brian Sinfield and head gardener Les Scott, transformed the overgrown wilderness into a world-class attraction. The park steadily grew, adding a reptile house in 1971, welcoming rhinos and zebras in 1972, and opening the popular narrow-gauge railway in 1975. The 1980s saw the introduction of the Tropical House and the arrival of big cats, with Asiatic lions joining in the 1990s. Today, managed by John's son, Reggie Heyworth, the park continues its legacy, focusing on conservation and offering a vast collection of species within its historic and picturesque setting.

What to do here

Enjoy daily keeper talks and feeding sessions for various animals, take a ride on "Bella" the train, explore the beautifully maintained gardens, and let children burn off energy at the adventure playgrounds. Don't miss the Reptile House for snakes, crocodiles, and amphibians, or the Children's Farmyard for encounters with domesticated animals.

Seasonal info

The narrow-gauge railway runs from April to October. During colder months, some animals may spend more time in their indoor quarters, but these often provide excellent viewing opportunities. Be prepared for potentially muddy areas in winter and wear appropriate footwear. Refreshment kiosks might have reduced service outside peak season.

Accessibility

The park boasts 99% accessibility, with wide, maintained paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs throughout. Disabled toilets are available in all toilet blocks, and a Changing Places toilet is located by the Gift Shop. Free wheelchair hire and mobility scooter hire are available, though booking in advance is essential, especially during busy periods. Ramps provide access to key exhibits like the Giraffe house and wolverine enclosure. The narrow-gauge railway is also wheelchair accessible.

Don't miss

1

White Rhinos on the Manor House Lawn

An iconic and unique sight.

2

Giraffe Walkway

Provides eye-level views of giraffes.

3

Madagascar Walkthrough

Get up close with free-roaming lemurs.

4

Tropical House

Home to sloths, bats, and tropical birds amidst exotic plants.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early or Visit Off-Peak

To avoid the busiest times, especially during school holidays, consider arriving shortly after opening or visiting on a weekday. Weekdays, particularly Wednesdays and Thursdays after 2 pm, are often quieter.

Bring a Picnic

There are numerous picnic tables and sheltered areas throughout the park, including spots overlooking the giraffe enclosure and adventure playground. This can be a cost-effective and pleasant way to enjoy your lunch.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

The park spans 160 acres, so you'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must. In wetter weather, wellies or waterproof boots are advisable as some areas can get muddy.

Take the Train Early

Consider taking a ride on the narrow-gauge railway (operates April-October) soon after arrival. It offers a great overview of the park and can help you orient yourself and decide which areas you want to explore more thoroughly.

Check Daily Talk Schedules

Plan your visit around the popular daily feeding sessions and keeper talks, such as those for the Humboldt penguins (twice daily) and lemurs, for engaging and informative experiences.

Book Wheelchairs/Mobility Scooters in Advance: If you require a wheelchair or mobility scooter, it's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially during holiday periods, as numbers are limited.

Frequently asked questions

A: Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in most outdoor areas of Cotswold Wildlife Park. However, they are not permitted in indoor exhibits such as the Bat Belfry, Reptile House, Children's Farmyard, the Madagascar lemur exhibit, the restaurant, or the gift shop, or any areas with free-roaming animals. Please remember to clean up after your dog; poop bags are available at the pay desk.
A: Cotswold Wildlife Park recommends allowing at least four hours for your visit to fully appreciate its diverse collection of species and 160 acres of parkland. Many visitors, especially families, find it easy to spend a full day exploring the animals, gardens, and various attractions.
A: Yes, parking is free for visitors to Cotswold Wildlife Park, and there is ample space, including disabled parking. You can access your car at any point during your visit. The car park is conveniently located within a short walk of major exhibits like the rhinos, lions, and giraffes.

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