When King Writes

I was on the hunt for wildlife parks in England that had Pallas cats, and as luck would have it, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens was the closest one—even if “close” meant a two-hour drive. Worth every minute, though! As you’ll see from my adventure below, the park delivered an experience well worth the trek.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens gets an easy five out of five stars, and here’s why…

Meet the Animals

I came to the park on a mission to find the Pallas cats. As a proud feline enthusiast, their fluffy, round appearance has been calling my name, and seeing them in person has been a goal of mine for ages.

Mission accomplished! Here’s a photo:

I know, I know—it’s a bit blurry, but that’s because these little furballs barely paused while I was watching them. They looked like they were on high alert, either in hunting mode or maybe just really hoping it was feeding time.

That said, Pallas cats were just the cherry on top of an amazing visit. Cotswold Wildlife Park is packed with incredible animal encounters, and I’d love to share some highlights with you.

Now, I think I may have visited during breeding season because, let’s just say, a few animals were very busy. Watching turtles in the middle of an intense bonding session wasn’t on my bucket list, but hey, here we are:

On a cuter note, I also got to see a baby rhino breastfeeding, which was absolutely heart-melting:

The park has tons of feeding programs too. You can watch animals get fed by their caretakers or even purchase a ticket to join in. I got up close with a giraffe who was so chill we were basically face-to-face. We’re talking inches away—close enough that I could have given him a high-five:

Kids can also get in on the fun by feeding the penguins, while the rest of these little swimmers waddle around like tiny tuxedoed charmers:

Then there’s the lemur enclosure, where you can walk in and hang out with them as they leap around, totally unbothered by our presence. You can take photos, maybe even get a gentle touch (but keep it cool—they’re still wild animals!):

Oh, and I spotted a red panda too! The red pandas were in maximum lounge mode, draped across tree branches and looking like they wouldn’t move for anything. But still, seeing them in person was a treat:

Manor, Gardens, and Picnic Areas

Beyond the amazing animal encounters, Cotswold Wildlife Park offers beautifully maintained gardens and inviting picnic spots. You can find perfect picnic places under shady trees, near playgrounds, or even with a view of animal enclosures. We claimed a spot under this massive tree:

If you’ve got a little extra time, don’t miss the manor house—a stunning example of Georgian Gothic architecture built in 1804. It’s a Grade II listed building, meaning it’s recognized as architecturally or historically significant.

Some animals, like the rhinos, actually roam freely on the lawns around the manor. I got this view during my afternoon stroll:

And then there’s the Walled Garden, a formal, Victorian-inspired section perfect for a relaxed walk. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos, but those photos are so cringely romantic I won’t bother sharing them here haha.

The Park Train

Oh, and there’s a train too! Tickets are sold separately, and you can just pay when you’re there.

The train loops around the park, giving you a laid-back view of animals like rhinos and camels as they roam the grounds:

The ride takes around 10-15 minutes, and when I went, there was no line—so I hopped right on. It’s open-air but covered, so you get the best of both worlds: fresh air with a shield from the sun (or surprise rain showers given this is England after all).

Tickets, Opening Times, Parking, Etc…

Before wrapping up, here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Discount Tickets: Buy tickets online. They’re significantly cheaper than purchasing them at the gate.
• Opening Times: The park usually opens at 10 AM and closes between 4 and 6 PM, depending on the season. Plan for at least 4 hours, but with so many animals and cozy hangout spots, you could easily spend the whole day.
• Parking: Parking is free for park visitors, and there’s plenty of it! GPS directions got me there no problemo. 
• Food Policy: Outside food and drinks are allowed. The Oak Tree Restaurant, located at the back of the Manor House, is a great spot for sandwiches, cakes, and drinks if you’d rather buy something there.
• Park Map: This one’s essential. The park is fairly large, so grab a map to plan your route. You can download it here. 

Overall, my visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park was a roaring good time—not just because I heard the lions’ thunderous roars while they were mating (that was a memorable surprise!) or because I finally got to see Pallas cats in person, but because this park truly delivers. It’s the kind of wildlife park you’d happily travel for and feel good paying to support.

With diverse animal encounters, lush gardens, a historic manor, and a charming train ride, it’s a perfect mix of wildlife and history, all in a beautifully maintained, relaxed setting.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out their website for updates on animal encounters, feeding times, and special events. And if you’re coming from farther away, I recommend making a weekend of it and exploring the charming villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

Up Next: Things to Do in the Cotswolds