I went to the best zoo in the UK—it blew my expectations for £19 entry (Image: Sophie Harris)
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire is Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, one of the best zoos I’ve been to in the UK. In fact, it was recently crowned the UK’s best zoo in a national poll that judged everything from animal variety to visitor satisfaction and affordability. I absolutely love exploring the Cotswolds, so I was very excited to see what this had to offer.
From the moment you step through the gates, there’s a sense that everything there has been thoughtfully designed to make both animals and visitors feel at ease. Set across 160 acres of parkland and gardens, the atmosphere is tranquil and peaceful — it’s perfect for a relaxed, unhurried day out.
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The penguins at the wildlife park (Image: Sophie Harris)
The enclosures were spacious (Image: Sophie Harris)
You could get so close to the animals (Image: Sophie Harris)
The park boasts over 260 species, each housed in spacious, naturalistic enclosures that blend seamlessly with the landscape. As you wander, you’ll encounter stunning creatures from all around the world.
This includes giraffes, white rhinos, lemurs, Asiatic lions, Humboldt penguins and red pandas.
Every animal seems relaxed and well cared for, an observation backed up by the park’s high visitor ratings and multiple recent awards for animal care and guest experience.
One of the standout moments from my visit was the giraffe feeding experience, a special encounter you can book as an extra.
Walking up to eye-level with these gentle giants was unforgettable, and the keeper was on hand to share fascinating facts about their behaviour, diet and conservation.
It was both educational and magical to see their long eyelashes and tongues up close.
The park boasts over 260 species (Image: Sophie Harris)
I paid extra for a giraffe-feeding experience (Image: Sophie Harris)
Despite being one of the UK’s top wildlife destinations, the park never felt overcrowded or rushed. The gardens and gently rolling lawns offered plenty of spots to stop, relax and enjoy nature.
One of the reasons the park was voted best zoo is its excellent value. Standard day tickets cost around £19 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, with slightly cheaper online tickets available if booked in advance.
Children under three go free, and parking is included with the ticket. Given the scale of the park, the quality of the animal care, and the range of experiences on offer, I found this incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other UK wildlife attractions.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable experience, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens ticks all the boxes.
Its mix of scenery, immersive experiences and range of animals makes this one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
If you’re planning a visit, book your tickets in advance, take time to explore slowly, and don’t forget to say hello to the giraffes.
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