According to my mum, we used to go to The Cotswold Wildlife Park frequently when I was a child, and according to my Grampy I used to insist on the reptile house first to see the “gwanas” (iguanas). I don’t remember! The earliest memory I have of here is from near my 21st birthday when I visited with my mum and auntie.
Seems likely though as my favourite part of the park as an adult, except for the penguins (obviously) are the reptiles and insects.
The last time I came here was with my sister and Ryan and, according to TimeHop and Facebook On This Day, was on the 15th February 2015 (exactly two years ago today!). I think it’s about time for another visit to the park. 😉
The park’s other animals include giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lions, leopards, tapirs, wolves, meerkats and a vast selection of birds. There is also a farm animal area where you are able to stroke, feed or handle some of the animals. Read the signs to find out which ones can be fed or handled.
The park offers various talks and animal feeds throughout the day and you can also get involved by being a keeper for a day.
There is a small train that runs through the park and we’ve gone on other every time, that I can recall. You have to pay extra for this (£1 per adult and 50p per child), it’s worth it and gives you a tour around the park.
There are many picnic areas and benches around the park as well as a restaurant/cafe with a wide range of cakes, snacks, hot food and hot and cold drinks to enjoy. If you look in the left hand corner of the restaurant there is another animal enclosure. There are plenty of toilets dotted around and dogs are allowed in most areas as long as they’re kept on a lead.
The gift shop is reasonably priced, with gifts ranging from magnets, stuffed animals, tshirts, bric-a-brac etc. I own a magnet, keyring, postcard and have had stuffed animals too. When I visited with my auntie she bought one of the wolf tshirts.
I’d highly recommend the Cotswold Wildlife Park, with its large grounds, picturesque enclosures and the manor house. Make sure to have your camera ready. 🙂 📷
Opening times:
April to October
10.00am to 6.00pm
Last admission 4.00pm
November to March
10.00am to 5.00pm (or dusk)
Last admission 3.30pm
8 Comments
Georgie
February 23, 2017 at 02:38
I love the penguins, I almost squealed when I saw them. I love animals in general and I think I would love this place. Although, I think I’ve seen all the animals here. In some parts of the world, there would be animals I’ve never seen (I was just reading Karin’s comment and it looks like she’s never seen a giraffe but I have seen quite a few! :)).
Kim
February 23, 2017 at 12:14
I’m hoping to go to Belfast Zoo as they have rock hopper penguins there. I’ve never seen them before! Also Edinburgh zoo has pandas. 😍🐼
Jack
February 19, 2017 at 04:13
It’s been far too long since I’ve been to a zoo and your pictures are making me want to go. Glad you had a good time
Karin
February 16, 2017 at 20:10
Aww, the wolf and the bat <3 Sounds like a nice place. I've never been to a zoo with big exotic animals like giraffes and lions and such, only to places with smaller exotic animals, like birds or reptiles. It would be real cool to see a giraffe some time. 🙂
Kim
February 17, 2017 at 12:47
It’s great! 🙂 I love going to zoos and safari parks, you should go to London, Chester or Bristol zoo if you ever come to the UK again. For safari park’s there’s the Cotswold Wildlife Park (of course), West Midlands Safari Park and Longleat that I’ve been to and enjoy. I went to a zoo / aquarium with smaller animals when I went to Gothenburg – “Sjöfartsmuseet Akvariet“.