Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens has been crowned the best zoo in the UK.

Reviews, admission fees, parking costs, variety of species and overall zoo popularity were taken into consideration to reveal the best UK zoos for families in an index commissioned by Outdoor Toys.

Announcing the winner on the website, it said: "Taking first place in the ranking, the Cotswold Wildlife Park exhibits over 260 different species of animals and holds a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor with over 4,300 reviews.

"The popular park is a great spot for families on a budget, as children’s tickets are just £13.50, and parking is free.

Oxford Mail: CWP Ring-tailed Lemur in Madagascar exhibit (credit Simon Needham.jpg).jpg

"Some spectacular sights include the Rhinos grazing in front of the Park’s Gothic-listed Manor House and the boisterous Lemurs in the Madagascar exhibit."

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In 2023, the scenic wildlife park, set in 160 acres of landscaped park with its own miniature railway near Burford, won a hat-trick of awards.

It was named  Best Family Attraction at both the Muddy Stilettos Awards and Little Ankle Biters' Awards.

Oxford Mail: CWP MD of Cotswold Wildlife Park Reggie Heyworth with his Labrador by the Rhino paddock.png

It was also voted Best Animal Attraction in the Red Kite Days Oxfordshire Awards 2023.

All of these awards are voted for by members of the public.

Reggie Heyworth, managing director of Cotswold Wildlife Park, said: "These awards are a real tribute to the work of a lot of people at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, who do so much to keep it looking beautiful and keep the animals well and happy.

"I'm so grateful to all my staff and I know how much it means to us all, especially after a difficult couple of years as a result of Covid, to receive these awards.

"It makes all our work worthwhile."