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Zoos

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

4.7 · 16,360 reviews
Spacious, natural, and family-oriented
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The park is located on the Bradwell Grove estate, which dates back to the early 19th century.

2

A herd of Chapman's zebras and white rhinos share a massive paddock, mimicking natural African savannah conditions.

3

The park maintains an extensive collection of tropical plants, particularly in the Walled Garden.

4

Many of the animal enclosures are designed to allow visitors to walk through, such as the Lemur exhibit.

5

The onsite manor house was built in 1804 and remains a central architectural feature of the park landscape.

6

The park participates in over 30 EEPs (EAZA Ex-situ Programmes) for endangered species breeding.

7

The 'Skymaze' is a large adventure playground integrated into the park’s canopy area.

8

Penguin feeding times provide a chance to see the Humboldt penguins close to the water's edge.

Overview

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is set within 160 acres of parkland surrounding a listed Victorian Gothic manor house. The park features an extensive collection of over 250 species of animals, ranging from Asiatic lions and rhinos to tropical birds. Unlike traditional zoo layouts, the park emphasizes wide-open enclosures and mature landscaped gardens. Visitors can observe rhinos roaming in the large paddock directly in front of the Manor House. The site includes a narrow-gauge railway that circles parts of the animal enclosures. Education programs and daily keeper talks are integrated into the visitor experience. The facility operates as a privately owned entity committed to global conservation projects. Extensive woodland walking paths provide habitat for both captive animals and local wildlife.

Photo spot

The elevated vantage point overlooking the rhino and zebra paddock with the manor house in the background.

Insider tips

Use the miniature railway to traverse between the lower and upper sections of the park if you have mobility concerns.

Check the daily timetable upon arrival for specific feeding demonstrations, as these are the best times to see animals active.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing as the majority of the park is outdoors with limited indoor shelter.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to feed any animals unless explicitly directed by park staff during a scheduled talk, as it disrupts their regulated diet.

Good to know

Closed on Christmas Day only.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful distance from enclosure barriers; stay on designated paths to protect both the landscape and the animals.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or early autumn weekdays to avoid peak school holiday crowds while ensuring most animals are active in moderate temperatures.
Address
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP, United Kingdom
51.776, -1.649
Get directions
Details
Notable SpeciesWhite Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Reticulated Giraffe
Garden FeaturesWalled Garden and Victorian-style landscaping

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or early autumn weekdays to avoid peak school holiday crowds while ensuring most animals are active in moderate temperatures..

The elevated vantage point overlooking the rhino and zebra paddock with the manor house in the background.

Close by you'll find Crocodiles of the World, Shilton Ford, St John the Baptist Church.