Cotswolds

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

Created back in 1970, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens has the accolade of being the one of the UK’s largest zoological collections in one of the loveliest settings. Nestled deep in the Cotswolds, wild animals live harmoniously within lush grounds and next to a sandstone stately home, where rhinos can be seen grazing peaceably next to oak trees and penguins lounging under the English sun.

Open every day except Christmas Day, you’ll need a full day to make the most of this wonderful place. It’s easy to think you’re approaching a stately home with the tree-lined, grand entrance in the midst of the rolling countryside, but the howl of a monkey, roar of a lion or the call of a tropical bird will remind you that it’s so much more.

Home to a vast selection of mammals, birds, primates and reptiles, there is something for everyone, whether you’re keen to see a green anaconda, crocodile, lion, meerkat, giraffe or colobus monkey. Highlights must be the amazing Madagascan Walkthrough exhibit, where naughty lemurs run free and you can see them up close and personal, and the amazing reptile collection.

With daily activities throughout the day such as penguin feeding (11am and 3pm daily), Lemur feeding (12 noon) and the children’s farmyard, there’s plenty of interaction to get involved with should you wish to, and if you’re lucky you might even catch the big cats at feeding time.

In addition, there’s a narrow-gauge railway which snakes around the park (weather permitting, from April to October) plus an adventure playground for your own little monkeys to explore.

There’s a great restaurant to the back of the main manor house, alternatively there are plenty of spots for picnics around the Park.

Dogs are allowed in the Park if they are always kept on a lead. They aren’t allowed in the Bat Belfry, Reptile House, farmyard or anywhere with free-roaming animals.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.

Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP | 01993 823 006 | www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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