The Cotswold Wildlife Park can be found just two miles from the medieval town of Buford, Oxfordshire and has been open to the public since 1970 and is still going strong today. It is situated in the grounds of the Bradwell Grove Estate and was opened by the owner John Heyworth.
If you are planning a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park you will find plenty to do and see on your arrival. The park is split into four separate sections with animals and gardens a plenty. If birds are your thing then you will not be disappointed as there are over 130 different species situated in the park. There are also plenty of Mammals housed in the park too from Giraffes to Leopards and Lions to Zebras. Make sure you bring your cameras as there will be plenty of opportunities to grab some great pictures.
One of the more popular attractions at the Cotswold Wildlife Park is the section where the Primates are located. Meerkats, Yellow Mongoose and the White faced Saki are always popular amongst the children as are the Crowned Sifaka’s and the Greater Bamboo Lemur which are actually two of the most endangered primate species in the world.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is proud of all their animals and when it comes to the Reptiles and Amphibians they have one of the largest collections in the whole of the United Kingdom. A Goliath Bird eating Spider and a Striped Knee Tarantula are two of the spiders on show with snakes like Reticulated Pythons and Green Anacondas, not to mention the Black Mamba, Gaboon Viper and Puff Adder which are three of the most venomous snakes in the whole world.
Even when you return home you can keep an eye on your favourite animals as the Cotswold Wildlife Park has a great website with many animal web cams. The Croc Crèche and the Penguin Pool are two popular web cams as is the Meerkat web cam which always attracts it fair share of visitors.
Once you have visited the animals you will be able to take in all of the beautiful gardens that adorn the estate. Fresh flowers blooming with vibrant colours and tress standing proud that were first planted way back in the 19th century. The gardens are a gardeners delight and are a must see during your visit.
There is a narrow gauge railway that runs from April to October that will take you all around the park, a ride that is well worth the £1 charge while the under 3′s are free of charge. In the Manor House you get the chance to do some brass rubbing too with plates, animals and other items available to rub. There is also an adventure playground for the children to play while you enjoy your packed lunch, and there is a child’s farmyard nearby where some animals will even let you stoke them.
If you are planning a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford in Oxfordshire you will not be disappointed as it really is a great place to visit, and not just for the children either. You will wonder why you have not been before and no doubt you will be planning another visit sooner rather than later.