Nestled in the undulating countryside of Oxfordshire, you'll find Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, one of the finest zoos I've visited in the UK. In fact, it was recently hailed as the UK's top zoo in a nationwide poll that evaluated everything from the diversity of animals to visitor satisfaction and value for money. I'm a huge fan of exploring the Cotswolds, so I was thrilled to see what this place had in store.

From the moment you cross the threshold, there's a sense that every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure both animals and visitors feel comfortable. Spread over 160 acres of parkland and gardens, the ambience is serene and calming — it's ideal for a leisurely, unhurried day out.

The park is home to over 260 species, each residing in roomy, naturalistic enclosures that integrate effortlessly with the surroundings. As you meander, you'll come across magnificent creatures from all corners of the globe.

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This includes giraffes, white rhinos, lemurs, Asiatic lions, Humboldt penguins and red pandas.

Every animal appears content and well looked after, a perception supported by the park's high visitor ratings and numerous recent accolades for animal care and guest experience, reports the Express.

One of the highlights of my visit was the giraffe feeding experience, a unique encounter you can arrange as an additional treat.

Approaching these gentle giants at eye-level was a memory I won't forget, and the keeper was available to impart intriguing facts about their behaviour, diet and conservation.

It was both educational and enchanting to observe their lengthy eyelashes and tongues at such close proximity.

Despite ranking among the UK's premier wildlife attractions, the park never appeared overcrowded or hurried. The gardens and softly undulating lawns provided numerous places to pause, unwind and appreciate nature.

One of the reasons the park was crowned the best zoo is its outstanding value. Standard day tickets cost around £19 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, with slightly cheaper online tickets available if booked in advance.

Children under three go free, and parking is included with the ticket. Given the scale of the park, the quality of the animal care, and the range of experiences on offer, I found this incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other UK wildlife attractions.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable experience, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens ticks all the boxes.

Its combination of scenery, immersive experiences and variety of animals makes this one of the best experiences I've ever had.

If you're planning a visit, book your tickets in advance, take time to explore slowly, and don't forget to say hello to the giraffes.