Looking for an unforgettable family outing that brings you face-to-face with formidable reptiles? Look no further than Crocodiles of the World, nestled just off the A40 near RAF Brize Norton. This unique attraction offers an exhilarating yet safe encounter with these fearsome predators.
Despite operating for 14 years, this family-friendly gem seems to have eluded many. During our first visit one Halloween, only a handful of us in our two-family group had even heard of it. So, when we were searching for an activity for visiting relatives this April, we eagerly paid a second visit.
Close to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, known for its large animals, Crocodiles of the World is a hidden gem at the end of a rural road in Carterton, Oxfordshire. It’s definitely worth the trip from Gloucestershire.
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Visitors can witness Nile crocodiles being fed, observe enormous American alligators, endangered Siamese crocodiles, and Chinese alligators. But it’s not just about the crocs - there are also meerkats, Galapagos tortoises, otters, and even a Komodo dragon.
With an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.5, our two families' experiences were positive, despite a few genuinely spine-chilling moments for some of us.
On our first visit, an adult woman momentarily feared that one of the alligators or crocodiles had escaped, when it was actually just a metal model. On our second visit, our two-family group of eight paid a visit to Crocodiles of the World on a bright and sunny spring weekend, which was a stark contrast to our previous visit in the dark and autumnal night.
During this visit, it was remarkable to witness the children be utterly amazed by the crocs, meerkats, Giant Galapagos tortoises, and the Komodo dragon. For the adults, the thrill came from seeing the crocodiles so close, just inches behind the glass. The real highlight was the feeding time, as the crocodiles leaped out of the water for their food, creating a thrilling frenzy.
Crocodiles of the World, the only dedicated crocodile zoo in the UK, is located on Burford Road, Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3NX. It remains open throughout the year, except for Christmas Day.
For booking and pricing information, visit the zoo’s website.