Cotswold Wildlife Park crowned 'best zoo in the UK' for second year
The award has come from a nationwide poll conducted by Outdoor Toys on criteria like affordability, reviews, range of species and overall popularity.
The Burford area attraction came out on top for the second year in a row, ranking at number one with a score of 8.7 out of 10.
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A statement from Outdoor Toys said: "Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire has come out on top as the best zoo in the UK for 2025 with an impressive score of 8.71 out of 10.
"Exhibiting over 260 different species of animals, spectacular sights include the rhinos grazing in front of the park's gothic-listed manor house and the boisterous lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit."
Penguins at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) It comes after the wildlife park was also named 'Best Family Attraction' in both the Muddy stilettos and Little Ankle Biters' Awards, and 'Best Animal Attraction' by Red Kite Days Oxfordshire Awards over the past few years.
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The zoo extended thanks to visitors who took the time to support them in these public-vote awards.
Reggie Heyworth, managing director of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, commented: "To receive this 'Best zoo in the UK' accolade two years in a row is amazing.
"Everybody here is delighted at the news, especially as Outdoor Toys are completely independent and their analysis includes really vital indicators such as visitor reviews and admission prices, which are incredibly important and often overlooked.
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"We have always tried to keep our admission prices low and we are proud to be regarded as offering such good value for money, when many attractions have become so expensive.
Red pandas at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens (Image: Philip Joyce) "We would also like to thank our visitors who have given us such generous reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google and other social media outlets, they really have made all the difference to us over the last few years."
The huge list of attractions at the zoo include the walled garden housing aviaries, a tropical house, and small mammals.
A walk-through exhibit called Madagascar opened in 2008, giving guests the chance to get up close with lemurs.
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The woodland walk hosts a range of large South American animal species like tapir, capybara and giant anteaters, while large mammals like giraffe, zebra, ostriches and rhinoceros roam large moated paddocks.
The 600-year old manor house have a range of customer facilities as well as the ever-popular red panda enclosure.
Cotswold Wildlife Park hinted at exciting news about their spring arrivals in the announcement, and celebrated the work of Philip Joyce from the Royal Photographic Society who's been capturing the zoo's occupants for an upcoming photography project.
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