The best petting zoos in the Cotswolds
There’s something about the Cotswolds – the rolling hills, the honey-hued cottages, the overwhelming urge to quit your job and buy a pair of wellies. But beyond its postcard-perfect villages, the Cotswolds has another irresistible draw: some of the finest, fuzziest, and most downright delightful places to meet animals, including the best Cotswold petting farms you’ll ever find.
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, indulging your inner child, or just in need of a good goat cuddle (no judgement here), here’s your guide to the best spots for animal encounters across the Cotswolds.
Butts Farm
Step back in time – and straight into a cuddle puddle – at Butts Farm. This charming, family-run spot specialises in rare and traditional breeds, giving visitors a hands-on taste of farm life from a bygone era. You can bottle-feed lambs, tickle piglets, and get to know some gentlest cows around. Its educational, its adorable, and there’s even a traditional butchery if you want to take home a slice of rural life (in every sense). But really, it’s the lambs that’ll steal your heart — and possibly your scarf.
Browse properties near Butts Farm here
Cotswold Farm Park
Adam Henson, of BBC Countryfile fame, invites you to his working farm where conservation and cuddles go hand in hand. Cotswold Farm Park, one of the best Cotswold petting farms, is a mecca for rare breeds, open fields, tractor rides, and squeals of delight. You’ll find every kind of furry friend imaginable, from giant rabbits to gangly goats. The Animal Barn is a must for hand-feeding sessions. Springtime visitors can even bottle-feed lambs, too. There are also incredible playgrounds, tasty cafes, and glamping options if one afternoon simply isn’t enough (it won’t be).
Browse properties near Cotswold Farm Park here
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Technically a wildlife park, but hear us out: Cotswold Wildlife park is packed with up-close animal moments that feel wonderfully personal – despite the presence of rhinos and lions. In the farmyard section, little ones can meet friendly goats, sheep, chickens, and even ferrets, all housed in an idyllic old barn. It’s the perfect pitstop between admiring the giraffes, riding the miniature railway, and marvelling at the enormous landscaped gardens that look like they fell out of a regency novel.
Browse properties near Cotswold Wildlife Park here
Cotswold Alpacas
Looking for a petting experience that’s slightly more… elegant? Step into the gentle world of Cotswold Alpacas, one of the best Cotswold petting farms. Here, visitors can meet, walk, and bond with these majestic, teddy bear-esque creatures. This isn’t your usual petting zoo frenzy. It’s a calm, countryside experience. You’ll learn about alpaca behaviour, discover their cheeky personalities, and enjoy a peaceful stroll in their charming company. Prepare for lots of selfies — and maybe a few hilarious ‘alpaca kisses’ if you’re lucky.
Browse properties near Cotswold Alpacas here
St Augustines Farm
One of the Cotswolds’ best-kept secrets, St Augustine’s Farm feels delightfully homegrown and refreshingly un-commercial. As one of the best Cotswold petting farms, this traditional working farm offers hands-on fun galore: milk a cow, bottle-feed lambs, giggle at mischievous goats, and get lost in their delightful outdoor play areas. There’s an old-fashioned charm about St Augustine’s – the sort of place where kids can run free, wellies get muddy, and everyone leaves a little more smiley (and possibly slightly more fragrant) than when they arrived.
