1 / 20

🦁Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a family-friendly zoo set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens. Highlights include over 260 species of animals, a narrow-gauge railway, walk-through lemur and bat enclosures, and a large adventure playground. The park also features beautiful gardens with a walled garden, tropical house, and seasonal floral displays.
- Animal encounters: Feed the giraffes, watch penguin feeding, and meet the rhinos.
- Train ride: A 20-minute journey around the park is included in admission.
- Play areas: Two adventure playgrounds for different ages.
- Facilities: Baby-changing, pushchair-friendly paths, picnic areas, and multiple cafes.
- Practical tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds; weekday visits are quieter. Bring sunscreen and rain gear as it's mostly outdoors. Car parking is free.
The park is suitable for all ages, with activities for toddlers through teenagers. It's a full-day outing, so plan to arrive at opening time (10am) to see everything.
Travel tips
Arrive early to beat the crowds
Get there at opening time (10am) to see animals at their most active and avoid peak visitor numbers later in the day.
Plan a full day visit
With 160 acres and over 260 species to explore, plan to spend most of the day. Arriving at opening gives you the best chance to see everything.
Visit on a weekday if possible
Weekday visits are significantly quieter than weekends, making it easier to manage children and see animals without large crowds.
Pack sun protection and rain gear
The park is mostly outdoors with limited shelter. Bring sunscreen, hats, and waterproof jackets regardless of the forecast.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
You'll cover considerable distances on foot across 160 acres. Comfortable shoes are essential for both children and adults.
Free parking makes logistics easier
Car parking is free, which is helpful when visiting with young children and all their gear.
The 20-minute train ride is included
Don't miss the narrow-gauge railway as it's included in admission and gives tired legs a rest while seeing the park.
Buggy-friendly paths throughout
Pushchairs are manageable on most paths, though terrain may be uneven in places. Useful for younger children and carrying supplies.
Baby changing facilities available
The park has baby-changing facilities, making it easier to manage younger children throughout your visit.
Two playgrounds for different ages
The adventure playgrounds cater to different age groups, so all children in your party should find suitable equipment.
Walk-through animal enclosures add variety
The walk-through lemur and bat enclosures offer immersive experiences that young children often find more engaging than viewing animals from a distance.
Animal feeding experiences are memorable
Giraffe feeding, penguin feeding sessions, and rhino encounters create highlight moments. Check times when you arrive.
Bring a picnic or use the cafes
Multiple cafes are available, but bringing a picnic gives you more flexibility and often saves money for families.
Picnic areas are scattered throughout
Designated picnic areas let you rest and refuel without leaving the park, helpful for keeping young children happy.
Gardens add a quieter element
The walled garden and seasonal floral displays offer calmer spaces if younger children need a break from zoo crowds.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places

Cotswold Wildlife Park
3.4 miSet in 160 acres of beautiful parkland, Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the UK's largest wildlife collections. Families can explore over 260 different species from around the world, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, and penguins. Highlights include the walk-through lemur enclosure, the reptile house, and the children's farmyard. - The park features a large adventure playground, a narrow-gauge railway, and a train ride through the grounds. - Animal talks and feeding demonstrations run daily. - Facilities include baby-changing rooms, picnic areas, and several cafés. - Buggy-friendly paths and free parking make it easy for families with young children. - The walled garden and tropical bird house offer shelter on cooler days. Practical tips: Arrive early to avoid queues; most animals are active in the morning. The park is mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather. Tickets can be pre-booked online at a discount.

Crocodiles of the World
5.1 miCrocodiles of the World is the UK's only crocodile zoo, home to over 80 crocodiles, alligators, and caimans from 18 different species. The park also features a variety of reptiles including snakes, lizards, and tortoises. Families can enjoy daily feeding talks, animal encounters, and a play area for children. The zoo is set in landscaped gardens with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it a great destination in any weather. - Highlights: giant croc feeding, meet-a-reptile sessions, indoor tropical house, and a soft play area. - Suitable for all ages, with pushchair-friendly paths and baby-changing facilities. - On-site café serving hot and cold food, plus a gift shop.

Birdland Park & Gardens
6.2 miA family-friendly wildlife park set in nine acres of woodland and gardens, home to over 500 birds including penguins, flamingos, and parrots. - Penguin feeding and daily talks - Walk-through aviary and tropical house - Adventure playground and picnic areas - Bug and reptile displays - Seasonal events and activities Ideal for toddlers to teens, with pushchair-friendly paths and a café on site. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.

The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water
7.2 miThe Model Village is a 1/9th scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built in the 1930s. Kids will be delighted by the tiny houses, gardens, and even a miniature river. It's a brilliant place for little ones to feel like giants as they explore the intricate details. - Highlights: Miniature Cotswold stone cottages, tiny gardens, model railway, and realistic landscaping. - Ages: Particularly popular with children aged 2–10, but older kids and adults enjoy spotting the craftsmanship. - Facilities: On-site cafe and gift shop; pushchair-friendly paths; toilets with baby changing. - Practical Tips: Visit on a sunny day to fully enjoy the outdoor setting; can get crowded at peak times; allow 1–2 hours.

Cotswold Motoring Museum
7.4 miA delightful museum in Bourton-on-the-Water housing a vast collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia from the 1920s to the 1970s. Kids will love spotting the iconic 'Brum' car from the children's TV series, and exploring the interactive exhibits. The museum features a gift shop selling model cars and souvenirs, plus a café serving snacks and drinks. The museum is compact but packed with vehicles, classic car-themed toys, and hands-on activities. It's ideal for children aged 2 and up, with pushchair-friendly paths and baby-changing facilities. Parking is available nearby (pay-and-display), and the museum is a short walk from other family attractions like the Model Village and Birdland. - Highlights: Brum car, classic cars, vintage garage, toy displays. - Tips: Allow 1-2 hours, buy tickets online to avoid queues, check for seasonal events.

Town Hall Theatre
10.1 miThe Town Hall Theatre in Chipping Norton is a charming, historic venue offering a variety of family-friendly performances, including plays, musicals, children's shows, and pantomimes. The theatre has a welcoming atmosphere, with a small café and accessible seating. Families with kids will appreciate the dedicated family shows and relaxed performances. Facilities include baby changing, booster seats, and a hearing loop. Tips: book in advance for popular shows; arrive early to explore the town's market square.

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre
11.7 miA 56-acre arboretum set in the Cotswolds with over 2,900 different trees and shrubs, including Japanese maples, magnolias, and a national collection of specimen trees. Families can explore woodland paths, a children's play area, and the 'Treehouse Cornish Cabin'. Highlights: - Adventure playground for ages 2-12 with slides, swings, and climbing frames - Pram-friendly paths and buggy hire available - Café serving kids' meals and homemade cakes; indoor and outdoor seating - Garden centre with plants and gifts Recommended for all ages, especially children who enjoy nature and outdoor play. Note: dogs on leads welcome. Allow 2-3 hours. Parking free.

Fairytale Farm
12.0 miFairytale Farm is a unique family attraction in Oxfordshire that blends real farm animals with enchanting fairy tale themes. Children can explore the Enchanted Walk, meet friendly animals in the petting area, and discover the Fairy Village. The farm offers both indoor and outdoor play areas, including a giant adventure playground and a soft play barn for younger kids. - Highlights: Meet and feed animals (goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys), Enchanted Walk with magical creatures, Fairy Village, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure playground, and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween trails. - Age suitability: Best for children aged 2–10, though toddlers and older kids also enjoy it. - Practical tips: Wear wellies if wet, as some areas are muddy. Bring a picnic or buy food at the café. Allow at least 3–4 hours. Parking is free.

Blenheim Palace
12.3 miBlenheim Palace is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, offering a mix of history, gardens, and child-friendly attractions. Families can explore the grand State Rooms, discover the 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story' exhibition, and enjoy outdoor highlights including the Butterfly House, Marlborough Maze, and the Adventure Playground with giant slides, zip wires, and climbing frames. A miniature train runs through the gardens (seasonal), and there are wide lawns for picnics. Practical tips: - The palace grounds are vast; consider hiring a mobility scooter if needed. - The adventure playground is best for ages 3-12. - Buggy-friendly paths in gardens, but some areas are hilly. - On-site cafes and restaurants offer kids' menus. - Check event calendar for special family activities like storytelling and craft workshops.

