Explore Local Animal Attractions in the Cotswolds
Staying at Nyhavn and Norhavn Cottages puts you right in the heart of the Cotswolds – a region that’s as famous for its countryside as it is for its brilliant, family-friendly animal attractions. Whether you have toddlers who want to cuddle bunnies, older children who love big cats and rhinos, or you simply enjoy being close to nature, there are some fantastic days out within easy reach.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford
About a 25-minute drive from the cottages, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is often described as one of the best family attractions in the region – and it really does live up to the reputation. Set in the grounds of a beautiful manor house, the park combines wide open spaces with some lovely close-up animal encounters.
One of the highlights is the walk-through lemur enclosure, where ring-tailed lemurs leap between branches above you and sometimes potter along the paths at your feet. Out on the lawns, you’ll see rhinos grazing with the manor house as a backdrop – a view that feels more like an African scene than the Cotswolds. There’s also a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way around part of the park, which tends to be a firm favourite with younger visitors (and a nice sit-down for parents).
The park is large enough to fill a full day but relaxed enough that you never feel rushed. There are plenty of picnic spots, a good play area, and beautifully kept gardens that make it just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children.
Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
Owned by TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is around a 30-minute drive from Nyhavn and Norhavn and is perfect if your children love farm animals and getting stuck into outdoor play. This is a working farm with a strong focus on rare breeds, so it’s both fun and quietly educational.
For younger children, the hands-on experiences are the real magic. Depending on the season, they may be able to bottle-feed lambs, meet chicks, and get up close to friendly goats and other animals. There’s a messy “muddy kitchen” area where little ones can dig, pour, and create to their hearts’ content, plus huge indoor barns that are ideal for running off energy even if the weather isn’t playing ball.
Tractor safaris give you a chance to sit back and take in the wider farmland, with commentary that brings the landscape and the animals to life. It’s the sort of place where you can easily spend most of the day, with plenty of spots to pause for a coffee while the children play.
Butts Farm Rare Breeds, South Cerney
If you’d like something a little quieter and closer to home, Butts Farm Rare Breeds is right on your doorstep in South Cerney, just a short hop from the lakes. This smaller, more intimate farm park has a very personal feel and is ideal if you prefer hands-on experiences without the hustle and bustle of a big attraction.
Children can often pet bunnies, feed goats, and meet a variety of rare breed animals at close quarters. Because of its size, it’s easy to keep an eye on little ones and let them explore at their own pace. Many guests comment that it feels like visiting a friendly working farm rather than a theme park – perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon out before heading back to the cottage to unwind by the lake.
Whether you choose a big day out with rhinos and lemurs, a farm adventure with tractor rides and muddy play, or a gentle wander around a local rare breeds farm, Nyhavn and Norhavn Cottages make a lovely, lakeside base for exploring the animal and nature highlights of the Cotswolds.
