Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park showing zoo animals, a park and dangerous animals
Oxford showing zoo animals
Oxford showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Oxford showing dangerous animals and zoo animals
Oxford which includes cuddly or friendly animals and zoo animals


Have fun in the treetop adventure playground, stroll around the landscaped grounds and meet giraffes, penguins, big cats and more at this animal-themed attraction.

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.

The park was originally founded in 1970 and has since grown in scale to be one of the largest zoological collections in the U.K. As well as its spacious animal enclosures, the park also has lots of other additional attractions, including a miniature train, a children’s farmyard and an adventure playground.

Wander around the park and encounter some of the 131 species of birds currently housed there. Ostriches, penguins, Chilean flamingos, white-faced owls and macaws can all be seen. Get close to large mammals including giant anteaters, giraffes and camels. Primates are also well represented and include endangered species such as bamboo lemurs and crowned sifakas. Head to the reptile house to examine scaly species, including anacondas, crocodiles and lizards.

More dangerous predators, including lions and leopards, also have their own enclosures here. For a more hands-on experience, book in for an animal encounter. These keeper-led experiences include the chance to meet the giraffes, giant tortoise, lemurs or farmyard animals. You can also help to feed the bats, penguins or tapirs and capybaras. Visitors can also sign up for “Keeper for a Day” experiences, which allow them to get involved in the day-to-day running of the park.

Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy the park just as much as animal aficionados, with a wide range of planting styles to be found in and around the animal exhibits. Many of the plants here have been specifically chosen to take advantage of the park’s microclimates.

For a fascinating insight into life for some of the animals in the park, check out the zoo’s meerkat and penguin webcams. Watch the animals play, feed, sleep and swim in real time.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is located 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of Burford. The park is open daily, except for Christmas Day. There is a fee for entry.

Reviews of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
36
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well laid out and spacious gardens with walkways. Buy a guide!Can be muddy when wet .Lots of interesting and unusual animals to see. Good for families.Restaurant good has a large conservator- worth finding when main hall crowded

Popular places to visit


Top Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Hotel Deals

Prince of Burford

Prince of Burford

4 out of 5
216, The Hill, Burford, England
Prince of Burford
Burford Lodge Hotel

Burford Lodge Hotel

3 out of 5
Oxford Road, Burford, England
Burford Lodge Hotel
The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

3 out of 5
Sheep Street, Burford, England
The Lamb Inn
Bay Tree Hotel

Bay Tree Hotel

4 out of 5
12-14 Sheep Street, Burford, England
Bay Tree Hotel
Stable Cottage

Stable Cottage

3 out of 5
Oxleaze Farm Filkins, Lechlade, England
Stable Cottage
Burford House

Burford House

5 out of 5
99 High Street, Burford, England
Burford House
Inn For All Seasons

Inn For All Seasons

3 out of 5
Little Barrington, Burford, England
Inn For All Seasons
Dolphin House

Dolphin House

3.5 out of 5
Burford
Dolphin House
Bull Cottage

Bull Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Burford
Bull Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cotswold Wildlife Park

At Cotswold Wildlife Park, visitors can explore a variety of wildlife attractions, including a delightful farm park and engaging train rides. This main attraction offers a unique chance to encounter diverse animals in beautifully landscaped grounds, perfect for a family day out. Additionally, nearby swimming facilities provide further recreational options, ensuring a memorable experience in the picturesque Cotswold region.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Cotswolds Woollen Weavers, located 3.2km from Cotswold Wildlife Park, where you can find lovely woollen products. If you're up for a drive, you can visit Abbey Meads Village Centre, 20.9km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Frilford Heath Golf Club offers a stunning golf course with a vibrant outdoor atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing round just 22.5km from the wildlife park. Wrag Barn Golf & Country Club provides a luxurious experience 17.7km away, while King George V Field Play Area is a delightful family playground, also 22.5km distant.

Adventure

Explore the Dragonfly Maze, an enchanting labyrinth located 12.9km from Cotswold Wildlife Park, perfect for family fun. For thrill-seekers, Lakeside Ski & Wake, 20.9km away, offers exhilarating water sports. Alternatively, the Thames Path National Trail, 19.3km distant, invites you to hike amidst stunning scenery.

Nightlife

For a cinematic experience, visit Cineworld Witney, just 11.3km away, where you can enjoy the latest films in a romantic atmosphere. Alternatively, the Arts Theatre, 17.7km away, offers a cultural evening with family-friendly performances. For adventure, check out Combat Splat, 19.3km away, for thrilling arcade fun.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cotswold Wildlife Park

While visiting Cotswold Wildlife Park, you can immerse yourself in a variety of attractions including historic houses, charming churches, and urban parks. This destination offers a delightful mix of culture and outdoor experiences ideal for families. Don’t miss the diverse animal collection, featuring a range of zoo animals that serve as a major draw for visitors, making it a perfect stop for both wildlife enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

  • Blenheim Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent historic palace that offers a glimpse into British aristocracy. Explore its stunning gardens, opulent state rooms, and fascinating exhibitions that celebrate the culture and history surrounding this iconic landmark, located 20.9km from Cotswold Wildlife Park.
  • Faringdon Folly Tower: This charming historic tower stands 14.5km away, offering panoramic views of the Oxfordshire countryside. Faringdon Folly Tower is a delightful spot for a picnic and a leisurely climb, steeped in local history and culture, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Eynsham Park: Just 16.1km from Cotswold Wildlife Park, Eynsham Park is an urban oasis perfect for families. Enjoy spacious green areas, walking trails, and playgrounds, ideal for relaxing outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

Best time to go to Cotswold Wildlife Park

The best time to visit Cotswold Wildlife Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cotswold Wildlife Park

To save money during your visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better deals. Don't forget to search for promo codes like wildlife and wonderful offer for extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cotswold Wildlife Park are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Cotswold Wildlife Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cotswold Wildlife Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cotswold Wildlife Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cotswold Wildlife Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.