To kick off our summer holidays we took a family visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and I have to say we had the most relaxed and fun day out, there were plenty of animals to see, a fantstic adventure play area, activities and you could also go on a train ride. We were there for 6 1/2 hours and could have still seen and done more – we will definitely be back.
Our day at The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
The wildlife park opened at 10am and we got there for about 9.50am and were allowed straight into the car park after telling the gentleman in the hut our booking reference (we pre-booked online). Once in there were staff directing us to where to park and it was a seemless operation. Once parked you can come back to your car at any point which is really useful as you can go back to collect picnics, coats, jumpers, sun hats during the day and don’t need to worry about carrying lots with you, if you don’t want to.
Once parked you can go off exploring the Wildlife Park – there are maps dotted around the park and gardens and you can take many different routes. The park is flat and on one level so great for wheelchairs and buggies – accessiablity is described on the wildlife park’s website as 99% accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
We started off our visit in the walled garden where we saw penguins, meerkats, otters and birds plus we explored the tropical house which was just amazing – it had roaming birds and if you looked carefully through the plants you could spot bats and a sloth. As you exited the walled garden you could also see tamarins and marmosets, plus have a walk through ‘Madagascar’ where there were more monkeys and tortoises – during our visit Madagascar was open between 11.30am – 3.30pm.
We then walked to see the wolverines and saw some owls on the way to the adventure play area. We were really impressed with the adventure play area, which was set in the trees. There was plenty to climb, explore and adventure on, plus there were swings for both toddlers and older children and an under 7 play area.
Next to the play areas was the west lawn, which was perfect for picnics and you could also find the Oak Tree Restaurant. Next to the West Lawn and Adventure Playground was the Children’s Farm Yard, which had pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep, guinea pigs and rabbits. There was also an area which you could enter and stroke the goats – they were so relaxed and it was lovely to get to cuddle a goat. In the centre of the farm yard was an area for bees, which was filled with bee friendly flowers.
As you moved on from the Farm Yard you can visit the giant anteaters, tapirs, wallabies, wolves and more. Due to avaian flu some of the areas were sectioned off and you couldn’t access them, but you could see the cranes and flamingos from a distance.
Then as you headed to the other end of the West Lawn you could find Zebras, White Rhinos, Giraffes, Rhinos, Camels and Giant Tortoise.
There was such an incredible array of animals to see it was just amazing. The best thing was that the animals all looked so well cared for and the majority were out and not hiding so we saw lots. Plus a number of them had babies, it was so speical to see a baby anteater on mummies back and baby tamarins and marmosets holding on to their mummies. The baby rhinos and camels were very special to see too.
Are there activities to do?
As well as being able to walk around the Cotswold Safari Park and Gardens there are also some activities which take place throughout the day. When we visited we saw a falconry display and the penguins being fed. Here is information about the activities and the times they are on.
You can also go for a ride on the train which runs during April and October from 12noon – 4pm. Tickets are £2 for adults, £1 for children, under 3’s are free. When we visited we didn’t go on the train as there were queues and there were other things we were happy to explore.
There was also a fantastic adventure playground which was set amoungst the trees. It was fantastic with different levels to explore with nets, bridges and slides. There were also swings for toddlers and older children plus a wooden play areas for under 7s which was also lovely.
Where can we eat and can we bring picnics.
There were food and drink kiosks dotted around the Wildlife Park and Gardens plus Oak Tree Restaurant. You are also welcome to bring a picnic. There are picnic areas spread out around the Wildlife Park and Gardens. We had our picnic overlooking the Rhinos but there are also areas to eat a picnic at the Zebras, Giraffes and Camels too.
You can also pop back to your car to get your picnic so you don’t need to carry it around all day.
The Gardens
There are beautiful gardens and plants around the park, which you can enjoy throughout your visit.
What are the toilets like?
There were lots of toilets dotted around and we found them very clean and well maintained.
Is there a Gift Shop?
There is a lovely gift shop but the thing we liked is you are not ‘taken’ through the gift shop when you leave and therefore you can choose whether to go in and buy something.
How much does the Cotswold Safari Park cost to visit?
E-tickets are (as of posting on 24th July 2022);
£16 for adults
Free for 0-2 years
£11 for 3 – 16 year olds
£11 for senior citizens (65 and over)
Click here for more ticket information.
Parking and Address
Parking is free and when we visited very well organised. You can also access your car throughout your visit.
Address: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP
If you have found it interesting to read about our visit to the Cotswold Safari Park, also check out our visits to Jakes Play World in Sandhurst and where to find Farms, Farm Parks and Zoos in Berkshire.
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