Oxfordshire farms and nature parks: education and fun for the whole family

Oxfordshire farms and nature parks: education and fun for the whole family

April 11, 2025

Oxfordshire, a picturesque region in the heart of England, offers extraordinary opportunities for families seeking educational and entertaining experiences surrounded by nature. The area's farms and nature parks are ideal places where children and adults can not only take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also gain valuable knowledge about nature, agriculture and ecology. In this article, we will take you on a journey through three unique places that combine education, fun and close contact with nature. Together, we'll discover why Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Cogges Manor Farm and Millets Wildside are must-visit places on a family trip to Oxfordshire. Each offers unique attractions and unforgettable experiences that will linger in the minds of little ones and adults alike. Get ready for a fascinating adventure that will spark your curiosity about the world and love of nature!

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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens - a safari in the heart of England

Our journey through Oxfordshire's natural attractions begins with a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, a place that delights with a variety of flora and fauna from around the world. Located in the picturesque Burford area, this sprawling park offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is not just an ordinary zoo. It's a true safari in the heart of England, where more than 260 species of animals can be found in an area of more than 160 acres. The park is famous for its spacious enclosures, which provide the animals with conditions close to their natural habitat. This makes a visit here not only entertaining, but also a valuable lesson on the life and behavior of wild animals.

One of the biggest attractions of the park is the opportunity for close encounters with a variety of species. Children will be delighted to feed lemurs or observe majestic lions and tigers up close. The park also offers special animal feeding demonstrations, during which experienced keepers share fascinating information about their charges.

For lovers of exotic flora, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens has prepared beautiful themed gardens. The tropical butterfly house, where you can admire hundreds of colorful insects flying freely around visitors, is a real treat for entomologists big and small.

The park also does not forget about active recreation. For the youngest there is a special 'Skywalk' playground, where children can play and learn about the life of arboreal animals at the same time. A train ride through the park is another attraction that allows you to see the animals from a different perspective.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is a place that has received an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 from visitors, a testament to the high quality of the attractions offered and the satisfaction of visitors. It is worth noting the feedback from visitors, who highlight the park's excellent organization, cleanliness and attention to animal welfare.

One review said: 'Super place to spend time with family partner friends. You can walk around. You can have a picnic. Lots of flora animals You can eat on site ride the train with small children super recommend'. Another person added: 'A very good alternative to London Zoo. Lots of space, interesting animals and definitely less people as it is in London'.

Note that the park is open all year round, but opening hours may change depending on the season. It is advisable to check the park's official website for up-to-date information before planning a visit. Ticket prices vary depending on age and season, but the park also offers family tickets, which can be a beneficial option for larger groups.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is the perfect place to start your adventure with nature in Oxfordshire. It combines education with entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It's a place where there's something for everyone - from wildlife lovers to gardening enthusiasts.

Cogges Manor Farm - a journey back in time to rural life

Another fascinating place on our map of Oxfordshire natural attractions is Cogges Manor Farm. Located in picturesque Witney, this remarkable farm offers a unique combination of history, education and contact with nature.

Cogges Manor Farm is not just an ordinary farm, but a true outdoor museum. The farm, which dates back to the Saxon period, allows visitors to travel back in time and experience what life was like in the English countryside over the centuries. The medieval manor house, which is the heart of the farm, delights with its architecture and allows you to feel the spirit of bygone eras.

One of the greatest attractions of Cogges Manor Farm is the opportunity for direct contact with farm animals. Here children can feed the goats, pet the sheep or see what daily work with the animals looks like. This is a great opportunity for the little ones to understand where food comes from and the importance of farmers' work.

The farm offers a number of interactive workshops and demonstrations that introduce traditional methods of growing crops and raising animals. Here you can learn how bread is baked using methods used centuries ago, how butter is made or how wool is spun. This is not only fun, but above all a valuable lesson in history and respect for tradition.

Cogges Manor Farm is also famous for its beautiful gardens. The Victorian vegetable garden is not only a place to grow plants, but also a living lesson in botany and ecology. Here, children can see how vegetables and fruits grow and even take part in gardening.

A special playground, inspired by rural life, has been prepared for the youngest. Wooden structures, mini tractors and other attractions allow children to play and learn about the realities of life on a farm at the same time.

Cogges Manor Farm received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 from visitors, indicating a high level of guest satisfaction. The reviews highlight the authenticity of the experience and the educational wealth offered by the farm.

One visitor wrote: 'Relaxing summer entertainment. Good mix of animals and well-maintained historic buildings. Also included is a playground for children. We visited on a weekend and it was quiet and peaceful, allowing for extensive sightseeing in the area and a walk by the river.' Another person added: 'A really nice place to look around and extremely well presented. The gardens were very impressive.'

It is worth noting that Cogges Manor Farm offers a variety of seasonal events, such as craft shows, harvest festivals and Christmas markets. Therefore, it is worth checking the calendar of events on the official website before planning a visit.

Ticket prices are affordable, and the farm also offers family tickets, making it an attractive option for larger groups. Keep in mind that opening hours may change depending on the season, so it's always a good idea to check up-to-date information before visiting.

Cogges Manor Farm is a place that combines historical, nature and agricultural education. It is an ideal space for families who want not only to relax in nature, but also to gain valuable knowledge about rural life and agricultural traditions. A visit here is not just a tour, but a real trip back in time that will leave unforgettable impressions and enrich the whole family's knowledge of life in the English countryside.

Millets Wildside - wildlife at your fingertips

The last, but equally fascinating stop on our nature tour of Oxfordshire is Millets Wildside. This place combines elements of a zoo, adventure park and environmental education center to offer an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Millets Wildside, located in the picturesque village of Frilford near Abingdon, is a relatively new attraction in the region that has quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists. The park stands out for its approach to wildlife presentation, with a focus on education and interaction with nature.

One of the main attractions of Millets Wildside is the opportunity for close contact with a variety of animal species. The park specializes in birds of prey, offering fascinating falconry demonstrations. Here, children and adults can see majestic eagles, falcons or owls up close, and even take part in special sessions where you can hold these remarkable birds on your arm.

The park also offers many other animal-related attractions. Here you can meet friendly alpacas, adorable suricates or exotic reptiles. For the little ones, there is a special area where they can pet and feed farm animals such as goats and rabbits.

Millets Wildside is not just about animals. The park also offers a range of adventure activities to keep the whole family entertained. Mini golf, a climbing wall or a rope park are just some of the suggestions for the active. For the little ones, there are colorful playgrounds and sensory play zones.

Education is one of Millets Wildside's priorities. The park offers numerous workshops and educational programs that introduce children and adults to conservation, ecology and sustainability. This is a great opportunity to learn how we can take care of our planet every day.

Millets Wildside received an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 from visitors, a testament to the high quality of the attractions offered and the satisfaction of guests. The reviews highlight the variety of attractions and the professionalism of the staff.

One visitor wrote: 'We took our son (he's 11) for a half-day flying experience as part of his birthday present. Everything worked like clockwork and the day was perfect. (...) Harry led the experience and was simply amazing: he is very funny and included everyone. He is very knowledgeable and clearly cares about each of the birds'. Another person added: 'A really fun day, I met a lot of birds, each with their own character! Harry offered very insightful information and enriched the experience!

It's worth noting that Millets Wildside offers different types of tickets, including full-day tickets and special packages that include additional activities such as sessions with birds of prey. Prices vary depending on the season and the package chosen, so it's worth checking the current offers on the official website before planning your visit.

The park is open year-round, but some attractions may be seasonal. It is advisable to check current information on opening hours and available attractions before visiting.

Millets Wildside is a place that perfectly combines education and entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It's a space where you can not only see fascinating animals up close, but also actively spend time outdoors and learn important lessons about conservation. A visit to this park is the perfect culmination of a nature adventure in Oxfordshire that will long be remembered by children and adults alike.

To sum up our tour of Oxfordshire's farms and nature parks, it's worth noting that each of the places we visited - Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Cogges Manor Farm and Millets Wildside - offers unique experiences and attractions. However, they share a common goal: education through fun and close contact with nature. Whether you're interested in wildlife, the history of rural life or active recreation, you'll find the perfect place for your family in Oxfordshire. These three destinations are not only a way to spend your free time, but more importantly, an investment in the education and development of your little ones, as well as an opportunity to build precious family memories surrounded by beautiful nature.

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