White Oak Green

It's genuinely worth a visit, whether you're coming with family or just after a relaxing day out.

The park sprawls across 160 acres of well-maintained grounds just south of Burford, right on the A361. What sets it apart is the real care taken with both the landscaping and gardens alongside the animal exhibits. You'll encounter over 260 different species here, from big cats and giraffes to smaller creatures you might not expect to find in the Cotswolds. The animals have decent space to roam, and the whole place feels more spacious and less crowded than typical zoos, despite welcoming around 350,000 visitors annually.

The gardens are worth exploring in their own right, quite apart from the wildlife. There are play areas for children, picnic spots dotted throughout, and plenty of walking routes catering to different fitness levels. You can easily fill a full day here without feeling rushed.

Burford is just a couple of miles north, so you could easily pair a visit here with exploring that market town. The park operates year-round, though spring and summer naturally draw the biggest crowds. It's the kind of place locals return to regularly, which says something about what keeps bringing people back.