What to do · Cotswolds
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Information
- From
- £20 adult, online
- Duration
- 5 h
- Who it's for
- All ages
What it is
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a zoo south of Burford, in Oxfordshire, set in the grounds of a manor house. It opened in 1970, when the Heyworth family, owners of the estate, decided to open the gardens to the public. Today it is run by Reggie Heyworth, son of the founder. It has more than 1,500 animals of around 250 species in 48 acres of enclosures, within 160 acres of gardens and parkland. It is a full-day visit: the park recommends at least four hours.
What you see
- The big ones: white rhinos, Asiatic lions and giraffes, which you see up close from the Giraffe Walkway.
- Humboldt penguins: with a talk and feeding every day at 11:00 and 15:00, in the Walled Garden.
- Ring-tailed lemurs and the Madagascar area, which closes earlier than the rest: at 15:00 in winter and 15:30 in summer.
- The Walled Garden: the house's old walled kitchen garden, with a sheltered microclimate, small mammals, birds and the tropical house.
- Bradwell Grove Manor House: the manor house, from 1804, in Georgian Gothic Revival style.
- The train: a narrow-gauge railway that has run since 1975 and leaves from its Bradwell Grove station; check with the park whether it runs on the day of your visit.
Opening hours
- Summer (British Summer Time): 10:00 to 18:00, last entry at 16:00.
- Winter: 10:00 to 16:00, last entry at 15:00.
- Closed on Christmas Day. In 2027, from Monday 4 January to Thursday 4 February it is closed on weekdays; at weekends it opens 10:00 to 16:00.
Tickets
Buy online: it is cheaper and in the summer holidays tickets sell out.
| Ticket | Online | At the ticket office |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £17.50 | £19.50 |
| Child aged 3 to 16 | £12.50 | £14 |
| Over 65 | £12.50 | £14 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free |
The online ticket is valid for a single day. Parking is free.
Getting there
It is at Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP, south of Burford. Combine it by car with Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water. Without a car, count on a taxi.
With children and teenagers
It works for all ages. For the little ones, the penguins and lemurs; for older ones, the rhinos and giraffes from the walkway. Organise the day around the talks: penguins at 11:00, lunch, and Madagascar before it closes. It is 160 acres: with small children, bring a pushchair.
Where to eat
Nearby, in Burford, is Huffkins Burford, for lunch or afternoon tea on the way out.
Tips
- Buy online the day before You save £2 per adult and £1.50 per child, and in summer you secure your entry.
- Arrive at ten With at least four hours of visit and last entry at 16:00, the morning is what pays off most.
- Get to Madagascar before three It is the area that closes earliest, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Cotswold Wildlife Park cost?
Online, £17.50 per adult and £12.50 for ages 3 to 16; at the ticket office, £19.50 and £14. Under 3s do not pay.
How much time do you need?
At least four hours, according to the park itself. The normal thing is to spend the day.
Do you have to pay for parking?
No, it is free.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagers
