Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens has once again been honored as the best zoo in the UK, securing the title for the second year running. This prestigious recognition comes from a nationwide poll conducted by Outdoor Toys, which evaluated zoos based on affordability, visitor reviews, and the diversity of animal species. The park is home to more than 260 different animal species, making it one of the largest zoological collections in the country.
Scoring an impressive 8.71 out of 10, Cotswold Wildlife Park captivates visitors with unique sights such as Rhinos grazing near the park’s historic Gothic-listed Manor House and the lively Lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit.
Reggie Heyworth, Managing Director of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, expressed his delight: “To be named the best zoo in the UK for two years running is truly incredible. Our team is thrilled, especially because Outdoor Toys is an independent organisation that evaluates essential factors like visitor feedback and admission prices—elements that are often overlooked. We have always focused on maintaining low admission fees to ensure great value for our visitors, even as many attractions have become costly. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has left positive reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and social media; their support has been pivotal over the years.”
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The park’s accolades extend beyond this top ranking. In recent years, it has been recognized as ‘Best Family Attraction’ at the Muddy Stilettos Awards and the Little Ankle Biters’ Awards, in addition to being voted ‘Best Animal Attraction’ at the 2023 Red Kite Days Oxfordshire Awards. All of these honors are based on public votes, highlighting the strong community support the park enjoys.
Spanning 160 acres of picturesque parkland, Cotswold Wildlife Park features over 1,500 animals from 250 species. It first opened its gates to the public on Good Friday, 27 March 1970, thanks to the vision of John Heyworth, who transformed the Bradwell Grove Estate wilderness into the flourishing wildlife park it is today. Notably, it has been a dog-friendly destination since its inception.
The park has also achieved significant breeding milestones, including the UK’s first successful breeding of Wolverines (2015), Morelet’s Crocodiles (2009), Chinese Crocodile Lizards (2017), and the rare Crowned Sifaka Lemur in Great Britain (2017). Its collection features many endangered animals such as Humboldt Penguins, Red Pandas, Cotton-top Tamarins, Asiatic Lions, and Wolverines. The Reptile House boasts one of the most remarkable collections of its kind in the country.
Cotswold Wildlife Park continues to provide an exceptional and affordable wildlife experience, earning its reputation as Britain’s premier zoo year after year.