Discover Rare Farm Animals, Hands-On Experiences, Countryside Walks, Adventure Play Areas, and Family Activities in the Heart of the Cotswolds.

Discover One of the Cotswolds’ Best-Loved Family Attractions

Set among the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire, Cotswold Farm Park is a popular family attraction where visitors can meet rare farm animals, discover traditional British farming, and enjoy outdoor adventures.

Founded in 1971 by Joe Henson, the farm park was established to protect rare and native breeds of British livestock. Today, it is run by farmer and television presenter Adam Henson, who continues his father’s commitment to animal conservation and agricultural education.

With animal encounters, seasonal feeding experiences, adventure playgrounds, nature walks, and family-friendly facilities, Cotswold Farm Park combines education with countryside fun.

From Rare Breed Conservation to a Family Attraction
Cotswold Farm Park began with a simple but important purpose: protecting traditional British farm animals whose numbers were declining.

During the 20th century, agricultural modernisation encouraged farmers to concentrate on livestock breeds that could produce greater quantities of meat, milk, or other products.

Consequently, several historic British breeds became increasingly rare.

Joe Henson recognised the importance of preserving these animals and began collecting and breeding traditional livestock. In 1971, he opened Cotswold Farm Park to the public.

He subsequently helped establish the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 1973, supporting the conservation of Britain’s native farm animals.

Today, the attraction is known for:
– Rare and native British farm animals
– Hands-on animal encounters
– Conservation and agricultural education
– Seasonal lambing and feeding activities
– Indoor and outdoor adventure play
– Wildlife and woodland walks
– Family events and countryside holidays
The farm remains closely connected to its original conservation mission.

Exploring Cotswold Farm Park
1. Meet the Rare Breed Animals
One of the main attractions is the opportunity to see a remarkable variety of British livestock.

Cotswold Farm Park is home to more than 50 flocks and herds, representing a diverse collection of rare and traditional farm animals.

Visitors may encounter:
– Cotswold sheep
– Highland cattle
– Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs
– Golden Guernsey goats
– Bagot goats
– White Park cattle
– Tamworth pigs
– Exmoor ponies
– Hebridean sheep
– Soay sheep
Many of these breeds have fascinating histories and distinctive characteristics.
The Rare Breed Trail provides an opportunity to discover how different animals contributed to traditional British agriculture.

2. The Discovery Barn
The Discovery Barn is particularly popular with younger visitors.

This undercover area allows families to meet smaller farm animals in a supervised environment.

Depending on the day’s programme, visitors may see:
– Chicks
– Rabbits
– Guinea pigs
– Other small farm animals
Staff help explain how the animals are cared for and how visitors can interact with them appropriately.

Because the barn is indoors, it is also a useful attraction during rainy weather.

3. Animal Feeding and Seasonal Experiences
Animal feeding is one of the farm park’s most memorable experiences.

During selected periods, visitors can take part in supervised activities such as bottle-feeding lambs and goat kids.

Spring is particularly exciting because it coincides with the traditional lambing season.

Families may also have opportunities to learn about animal care, farming routines, and the work involved in raising livestock.

However, feeding sessions and animal encounters depend on the season, animal welfare requirements, and the daily programme.

Visitors should check the official schedule before travelling.

4. Adventure Play Areas
Cotswold Farm Park offers much more than animal encounters.

Its indoor and outdoor play areas provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore, play, and enjoy the countryside.

Facilities include:
– Bouncy pillows
– Zip wire
– Ride-on tractors
– Swings
– Sand play areas
– Soft play
– Adventure Barn
– Outdoor play equipment
– Sensory garden
The combination of indoor and outdoor activities makes the farm park suitable for different weather conditions and a wide range of ages.

The Rare Breeds Trail
The Rare Breeds Trail is central to the Cotswold Farm Park experience.

As visitors follow the trail, they can discover different breeds and learn about their role in Britain’s farming history.

Traditional livestock were developed over generations to suit particular landscapes, climates, and agricultural needs.

Some breeds were valued for wool, others for milk, meat, or working ability.

Preserving these animals helps maintain important genetic diversity.

It also protects a living connection with Britain’s agricultural heritage.

The trail turns what could be a simple animal-viewing experience into an opportunity to understand conservation and sustainable farming.

Lambing Season at Cotswold Farm Park
Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit.

During lambing season, the Animal Barn becomes a centre of activity as new lambs arrive.

Visitors can learn about the lambing process, the care provided by farm staff, and the importance of animal welfare.

Depending on the programme, families may be able to observe newborn lambs and participate in supervised feeding experiences.

For children, it is a memorable introduction to the farming calendar.

For adults, it offers a fascinating insight into the work that takes place behind the scenes on a working farm.

Tractor Rides and Farm Adventures
Selected farm activities provide opportunities to explore more of the surrounding countryside.

Tractor-based experiences, when operating, offer a different perspective on the farm and its landscape.

These activities help visitors understand the scale of the site and the relationship between farming, animals, fields, and the wider environment.

Availability can vary throughout the year, so visitors should check which experiences are included with their chosen ticket.

Wildlife and Woodland Walks
Beyond the main animal enclosures, Cotswold Farm Park offers countryside walking opportunities.

Visitors can enjoy a wildlife walk or explore a longer woodland route through the surrounding farmland and conservation area.

The farm’s advertised longer walk extends for approximately two miles.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy:
– Rolling Cotswold countryside
– Farmland views
– Woodland scenery
– Seasonal wildflowers
– Birdwatching opportunities
– Fresh country air
These walks provide a quieter alternative to the busy animal barns and adventure playgrounds.

Seasonal Events Throughout the Year
Cotswold Farm Park offers different experiences as the farming seasons change.
Spring — Lambing and New Arrivals
Spring brings newborn farm animals and opportunities to learn about lambing and animal care.
Summer — Outdoor Adventures
Warmer months are ideal for outdoor play, countryside walks, family activities, and seasonal animal-feeding sessions.
Autumn — Pumpkin Picking
Autumn often brings pumpkin-themed activities and seasonal family events.
Winter — Christmas on the Farm
During the festive season, the farm park hosts special Christmas experiences, which may require separate tickets.

The programme changes annually, so checking event dates before visiting is important.

The Ox Shed Restaurant
Visitors can enjoy food and refreshments at The Ox Shed, the farm park’s on-site restaurant.

The restaurant provides a convenient place to take a break between animal encounters and outdoor activities.

Food options may include breakfast, lunch, snacks, cakes, and hot or cold drinks, depending on the menu and season.

The farm park also has other refreshments available during selected periods.

For families planning a full day, having food and drink facilities on site makes the experience particularly convenient.

Staying at Cotswold Farm Park
For visitors wanting to spend longer in the countryside, the farm park offers accommodation.

Options include:
– Luxury lodges
– Glamping safari tents
– Glamping pods and cabins
– Camping and touring pitches
Some accommodation packages include farm park entry, although inclusions depend on the booking.
Staying overnight allows visitors to enjoy the surrounding Cotswolds at a more relaxed pace.
It also provides a convenient base for exploring nearby villages and countryside attractions.

Learning About British Farming
One of Cotswold Farm Park’s greatest strengths is its educational value.

Visitors can discover how traditional farms operate and why rare livestock breeds matter.

The experience introduces important topics including animal welfare, farming history, food production, biodiversity, and conservation.

Children can see animals they may previously have encountered only in books or on television.

Meanwhile, adults can learn more about the challenges facing modern agriculture and the importance of preserving traditional breeds.

This balance of education and entertainment has been central to the farm park since its foundation.

The Cotswolds Countryside
The surrounding landscape adds considerably to the experience.

The Cotswolds are famous for rolling hills, limestone villages, traditional farms, dry-stone walls, and beautiful countryside.

Cotswold Farm Park sits within this distinctive rural setting, close to the village of Guiting Power.

Visitors can combine their trip with nearby market towns, historic villages, walking routes, and heritage attractions.

As a result, the farm park makes an excellent stop during a longer Cotswolds holiday.

Visiting Cotswold Farm Park
How to Get There
– Location: Guiting Power, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5FL
– By Car: Accessible via rural roads from Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cheltenham
– Train: Cheltenham Spa and Moreton-in-Marsh are possible rail connections, although onward transport is required
– Bus: Rural public transport is limited, so check local connections before travelling
– Parking: On-site visitor parking is available
The farm park is best reached by car because of its countryside location.

Opening Hours & Admission
– Normal main-season hours: Typically from 9:30am, with closing times varying by date
– Admission: Paid tickets required for the farm park
– Booking: Advance online booking recommended
– Seasonal events: May require separate tickets
– Children: Age-related admission arrangements apply
Check the official booking calendar for the exact date and price of your visit.
Facilities
– Animal barns and rare breed enclosures
– Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
– Ox Shed restaurant
– Toilets and baby-changing facilities
– Visitor parking
– Farm shop and retail facilities
– Countryside walking routes
– Camping and glamping accommodation
– Seasonal family activities

Nearby Attractions
Bourton-on-the-Water: Picturesque Cotswold village known for its stone bridges, River Windrush, independent shops, and traditional architecture.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens: Historic castle with beautiful gardens, royal connections, and centuries of English history.
Stow-on-the-Wold: Charming hilltop market town with historic buildings, traditional pubs, antique shops, and independent boutiques.
Broadway Tower: Iconic hilltop folly offering panoramic countryside views and an introduction to the region’s architectural heritage.

Together, these attractions make Cotswold Farm Park an excellent centrepiece for a family day out or countryside holiday.

Why Visit Cotswold Farm Park?
Cotswold Farm Park offers an enjoyable combination of countryside experiences, animal encounters, education, and family entertainment.

Its main highlights include:
– Rare and native farm animals — Discover historic British livestock breeds and the importance of conservation.
– Hands-on animal encounters — Meet smaller animals and enjoy seasonal feeding activities.
– Adventure playgrounds — Explore indoor and outdoor play areas.
– Countryside walks — Enjoy beautiful rural scenery and wildlife.
– Seasonal events — Experience lambing, summer activities, autumn pumpkins, and festive celebrations.
– Farm accommodation — Extend your visit with a countryside stay.
Whether you’re visiting with children, interested in British farming, or simply looking for a memorable day in the countryside, the attraction offers something different throughout the seasons.

It’s not just a farm park — it’s a celebration of British farming heritage, rare breed conservation, countryside life, and unforgettable family experiences in the heart of the Cotswolds.

See our guide to Cotswolds Distillery for another countryside attraction celebrating regional craftsmanship and local produce.