At the end of August, I visited Cotswold Wildlife Park with the kids, my mum, and sister. It’s a place that I’m familiar with, and I’m sure I’ve been once per year since having the children.

We have fond memories of going with my late mother-in-law and enjoying a picnic in front of the rhinos. It was at that moment we told her we were expecting another baby - Reuben. I’m sure we went a second time with Ben’s mum, and we also went with my mum. Bella even went on a school trip here!

In this blog post I will share my very honest review of Cotswold Wildlife Park, visitor tips and some photos. This park offers wonderful Cotswold Wildlife Park experiences that are great for families.

 
Photo of giant gunnera leaves at Cotswold Wildlife Park!

There are lots of interesting plants to see at Cotswold Wildlife Park!

Allow Plenty of Time to Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park is not just another zoo; it’s a vast and beautifully designed space where families can explore and connect with nature. With its expansive grounds, a wide variety of animals, and engaging activities, you’ll want to ensure you have enough time to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.

I even remember the first time I went with my husband Ben, as we totally planned it wrong! Having been to a few other zoos and wildlife parks that only took a few hours to wander around, we decided to head to Cotswold Wildlife Park near lunchtime. Big mistake! There was so much to see that we couldn’t fit it all in! According to the website today, it says they are home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, making it a top choice among Cotswold wildlife parks to visit.

You can probably guess this is going to be a highly positive Cotswold Wildlife Park review, as I’ve been so many times! I usually prefer to go somewhere once and then try somewhere new, but this is a place we like to return to every year as it’s such a wonderful family day out.

There are so many animals to see. Bella absolutely loves the penguins, and my favourites are the giraffes and wolves. The experience with the animals is very interactive. It’s possible to go up to head height with the giraffes to really experience them. For the wolves, there’s a wooden bridge over their enclosure. It makes you feel truly immersed in the wildlife experience, allowing you to appreciate these majestic creatures up close.

The park has designed these enclosures to enhance visitor engagement, making it easy to connect with the animals and learn more about their habitats and behaviours. The wooden bridge over the wolves' enclosure adds an extra thrill, giving us a unique perspective on these fascinating animals while keeping a safe distance. Overall, these unique layouts ensure that every visit is filled with memorable wildlife experiences.

A photo of the lions relaxing at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

A photo of my children having fun on the train.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is Great for Kids of All Ages

The children’s farmyard is also great. It’s a petting zoo, and you can even go in with goats! We have more great memories here, such as a little perhaps two-year-old Bella clinging to Ben as she was scared of the Pygmy goats!

One part of the park I love is the gardens, plants, and flowers. It’s exceptionally maintained and always looks beautiful. I can always tell a lot is invested into the upkeep, and it’s always spot on. Some gardens in similar attractions leave a lot to be desired, but at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, they are always on point.

The cacti and tropical flowers always stand out to me, as well as the ginormous leaves, which look larger than our three-year-old Reuben!

For the kids, there’s also a humongous activity playground, which is hard to drag them away from! Lots of wooden treehouses and wooden forts which they are so excited to play in. It's a great idea to picnic near here too, so the kids can run off and play.

For around 50p each, if I remember that correctly, or maybe one pound, we had a ride around the park on the Bella train! It’s actually called Bella! Another winner - young kids love a train ride!

A photo of my children in front of the penguin enclosure.

A photo of the a stunning tropical looking bright pink flower at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

A photo of beautiful vibrant purple leaves and foliage.

Cotswold Wildlife Park is Always Clean and Tidy

The park is always so clean and well-maintained, which definitely makes a big difference. We normally take a picnic, but there’s plenty of food options there if you're wondering about the Cotswold Wildlife Park menu, then there's a large restaurant featuring a varied menu and it always seems popular and busy when we visit.

It’s a great family day out, and I really can’t think of any recommendations for them or any negatives, which is rare.

I’ve barely even touched on the number of different animal exhibits, but visit their website for more information and to learn more: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Roundup of My Cotswold Wildlife Park Experience

In summary, Cotswold Wildlife Park offers a fantastic day out for families, with a diverse range of animals and engaging activities for kids of all ages. From the interactive experiences with giraffes and wolves to the beautifully maintained gardens, every aspect of the park contributes to a memorable visit. Whether you're enjoying a picnic in front of the rhinos or exploring the vibrant children's farmyard, there’s something for everyone.

Every trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park brings back cherished memories for me. Watching Bella's excitement as she interacts with the penguins and seeing Reuben’s joy in the children’s farmyard reminds me of why we return each year. The park not only offers a fantastic wildlife experience but also a space for families to create lasting memories together.

I can't wait to visit again and discover what new experiences await us! If you're looking for an enriching wildlife experience, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens should definitely be on your list. 

Another Cotswold Wildlife Park review with lots more photos & info!

I've since been back and written a much better review on my travel website!

Find LOADS more photos and information in my 2019 Cotswold Wildlife Park review - a much more in-depth review and loads of animal photos!

More Honest Reviews of Family Days Out:

If you're looking for more honest reviews of family-friendly destinations and experiences, check out these posts:

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