Wildlife & Garden Experiences
The Cotswolds is a countryside playground for wildlife enthusiasts
The Cotswolds is a protected landscape and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Not only are there dedicated locations such as Cotswold Wildlife Park and Slimbridge Wetland Centre, but conservation efforts can be seen throughout the region, looking after the local wildlife. Many of them offer close up keeper experiences as well, so you can truly see the impact of their conservation work.
In spring, embark along The Daffodil Way, a famous walk that takes you through meadows, orchards, and woodlands dappled with bright yellow flowers. Pair your stroll with a visit to Cerney House Gardens or Painswick Rococo Garden, where tulips and early blossoms create a riot of colour. As summer rolls in, the Cotswold lavender fields burst into a scentsational flurry of purple, and gardens like Hidcote Manor, Bourton House, and Highgrove open their gates, offering beautifully curated spaces to explore.
Come autumn, Westonbirt and Batsford Arboretums set the landscape ablaze with gold, amber, and crimson – perfect for leaf-peeping and seasonal photos. Then in winter, discover the first delicate snowdrops at Rococo Garden’s aptly named Snowdrop Grove and enjoy quiet moments at places like Slimbridge Wetland Centre or Rousham House & Gardens. No matter the time of year, nature thrives in the Cotswolds – and you’re always invited to witness it.
With so many wildlife experiences and so many gorgeous gardens to visit, each season offering a different photo opportunity, you are likely to return to the Cotswolds again and again.
Wildlife & Gardens Experiences
Batsford Arboretum
Moreton-in-MarshChildren can win a prize upon completion of the dedicated children’s trail.
Badminton Estate Open Garden Days
BadmintonExplore the gardens of the historic Badminton House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort.
Cotswold Falconry Centre
Moreton-in-MarshFor those special occasions, you can get closer to the action and meet and fly a number of birds, from owls to eagles.
Crocodiles of the World
Near BurfordEnjoy the live crocodile photo experience where you have the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile or alligator.
Heythrop Zoological Gardens
HeythropHeythrop only offers exclusive visits, so book in your appointment to discover an unforgettable animal experience.
Hidcote Manor Garden
EbringtonFor a spot of tranquillity, visit the Bathing Pool Garden. While the pool is used for ornamentation now, it wasn’t always!
Highgrove Gardens
TetburyJoin one of the expert guides on a tour of the gardens to discover the history, inspiration, and unique organic management behind them.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre
SlimbridgeKeep an eye out for some of the giant LEGO® brick wetland animals that dot the wetland-scape.
Westonbirt Arboretum
WestonbirtIn the summer, enjoy Forest Live, a live music festival amongst the trees, with star names front lining the show.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
BurfordFor those wild at heart, go behind-the-scenes with one of their keeper experiences.
Bourton House Garden
Bourton-on-the-HillBeautiful at any time of year, the late summer flourish is quite magnificent, and as the year rolls into Autumn it just gets better and better.
Rousham House & Gardens
RoushamHave a picnic in one of England’s most important gardens and take in the sights and smells of this beautiful bucolic landscape.
Walks with Hawks
CheltenhamDiscover the wild side of the Cotswolds on a Hawk Walk, Owl Encounter, or the Ultimate Experience.
Cerney House Gardens
North CerneyThe Victorian walled garden was once described by Country Living Magazine as, “What most people aspire to in their gardens, and few achieve.”
Millets Falconry
The 40-minute flying displays take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Discover over 100 birds of prey!
Painswick Rococo Garden
PainswickKnown as one of the best places in the Cotswolds to see carpets of snowdrops, Painswick Rococo Garden is a fascinating place to visit all year round.
Harry’s Honey Beekeeping
Near CheltenhamBeekeeping experiences and beekeeping courses are available.
