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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens: A Walking Safari Through Nature and History

Explore 160 acres of immersive wildlife habitats, stunning gardens, and family adventures at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens near Burford.

4.7

Set within the picturesque Bradwell Grove estate near Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a unique blend of expansive parkland, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a diverse collection of over 260 animal species. Visitors enjoy close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and penguins, all in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The park’s 160 acres provide a tranquil yet lively environment with adventure playgrounds, a miniature train, and themed gardens, making it an ideal day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

  • Burford, Bradwell Grove, OX18 4JP, GB
  • +441993823006
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 3 to 6 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase e-tickets online in advance to save money and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
  • Allow at least four hours to explore the park fully, including animal talks and garden strolls.
  • Visit during feeding talks to see penguins and lemurs up close and learn about their behaviors.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas or try the licensed café for hot meals.
  • Dogs on short leads are welcome in most areas, making it a great day out for pet owners.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Burford town center takes about 10-15 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available on-site. Note that during peak times, parking can fill early. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services from Burford to Bradwell Grove run several times a day, with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Check current timetables as service frequency is limited on weekends and holidays. A single fare costs around £3-£5.

  • Train and Taxi

    The nearest train station is Charlbury, about 10 km away. From there, a taxi ride to the park takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately £20-£25. Train services connect to Oxford and London.

  • Walking

    For the adventurous, walking from Burford to the park is possible but involves a 5 km rural route over varied terrain, taking about 1 hour. Suitable for fit walkers; not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

A Living Sanctuary in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Nestled in the charming countryside of Bradwell Grove near Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens spans 160 acres of rolling parkland and stunning gardens. Unlike traditional zoos, this park offers a ‘walking safari’ experience, where visitors stroll through carefully landscaped enclosures that mimic the animals’ natural habitats. The absence of intrusive fencing allows for intimate and immersive wildlife encounters, bringing you eye-to-eye with majestic giraffes grazing near a Gothic manor house and rhinos roaming freely on the lawns.

Diverse Animal Kingdom and Enchanting Gardens

Home to over 260 species, the park’s animal collection includes favorites such as lemurs, meerkats, otters, prairie dogs, and penguins. Daily feeding talks, including penguin feedings at 11 am and 3 pm and lemur talks at noon, provide engaging insights into animal behavior and conservation. The gardens themselves are a spectacle, featuring themed borders and a walled garden that serves as a lush backdrop to the wildlife. Tropical and reptile houses add further layers of biodiversity, with free-roaming sloths, bats, and a variety of reptiles enhancing the experience.

Family-Friendly Adventures and Facilities

Designed with families in mind, the park features an adventure playground with interconnecting treehouses, rope bridges, and slides nestled in the woods. The children’s farmyard invites hands-on interaction with goats and other friendly animals. Accessibility is a priority here: the park is 99% wheelchair and pushchair friendly, with disabled toilets, parking, free wheelchair hire, and mobility scooter rentals available by prior arrangement. Dogs on short leads are welcome in most areas, making it a rare pet-inclusive wildlife destination.

Seasonal Rhythms and Visitor Experience

Open year-round except Christmas Day, the park’s hours vary seasonally, with longer summer days from 10 am to 6 pm and winter hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors are encouraged to allocate at least four hours to fully explore the extensive grounds and diverse exhibits. The park’s layout and natural setting offer a peaceful yet lively atmosphere, with plenty of seating and picnic areas. On-site cafes serve hot meals and snacks, complementing the gift shops that offer souvenirs and wildlife-themed merchandise.

Conservation, Education, and Community Engagement

Cotswold Wildlife Park is committed to animal welfare and conservation education. The spacious, natural enclosures reflect a dedication to providing high-quality habitats for the animals. Educational talks and feeding sessions foster awareness and appreciation for wildlife. The park also supports local communities and sustainable practices, balancing visitor enjoyment with ecological responsibility.

A Historic Estate with a Modern Mission

The park is set on the historic Bradwell Grove Estate, featuring a striking Gothic manor house that enriches the landscape’s character. This blend of heritage architecture and modern wildlife conservation creates a unique destination where history and nature coexist harmoniously. The park’s design invites visitors to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy a memorable day immersed in the beauty of the Cotswolds.

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