Family-Run Since 1970
About Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
A Georgian-Gothic manor estate turned 160-acre wildlife park and gardens — still run by the family that opened it more than half a century ago.
About the Park
Who owns Cotswold Wildlife Park? It’s an independent, family-run wildlife park — opened in 1970 by John Heyworth on his inherited estate at Bradwell Grove, and run today by his son, Reggie Heyworth, as Managing Director. It has never been part of a larger zoo chain or corporate group.
Our Story
From a Manor House Repair Bill to a National Collection
In 1949, John Heyworth inherited Bradwell Grove — a Georgian-Gothic manor house built in 1804 — from his grandfather. Faced with the cost of maintaining a large historic estate, he looked for a way to make the grounds pay for their own upkeep. In 1970, he opened Cotswold Wildlife Park on the parkland surrounding the manor.
What began as a practical solution to a maintenance bill grew, over five decades, into one of the UK’s most respected independent zoological collections — praised for its naturalistic enclosures, its walled Victorian gardens, and a conservation record that punches well above its size. Today, more than 55 years on, John’s son Reggie Heyworth continues to run the Park as Managing Director, with the same family stewardship that founded it.
- 1804 — Bradwell Grove Manor House is built in the Georgian-Gothic style.
- 1949 — John Heyworth inherits the estate from his grandfather.
- 1970 — Cotswold Wildlife Park opens to the public for the first time.
- 1995 — Asiatic lions join the collection as the Park’s resident big cat.
- 2012 — Reggie Heyworth takes over as Managing Director.
- Today — 260+ species across 160 acres, still independently family-run.
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Values
What is Cotswold Wildlife Park’s mission? To give every visitor a genuinely close, unhurried connection with wildlife, while funding conservation breeding programmes and education work that reach far beyond our 160 acres.
Conservation First
We participate in European breeding programmes for threatened species, including the Southern white rhino and Brazilian tapir. Read about our conservation work →
Education for All Ages
Structured programmes for schools from Early Years through Further and Higher Education, alongside daily talks for every visitor.
A Genuine Day Out
We design for unhurried, close encounters on foot — not a drive-past — and keep the Park a place families return to year after year.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Park
Cotswold Wildlife Park is run day-to-day by a team of keepers, horticulturists, educators and guest experience staff — many of whom have worked at the Park for years. Leadership has stayed within the Heyworth family since the Park’s founding in 1970.
Reggie Heyworth
Managing Director
Son of founder John Heyworth; has led the Park since 2012, continuing more than 50 years of family stewardship.
Animal Collection Team
Keepers & Veterinary Support
Responsible for daily animal welfare, enrichment, and the Park’s breeding programme participation.
Horticulture & Gardens Team
Grounds & Walled Garden
Maintains the themed borders, walled Victorian garden and mature parkland across all 160 acres.
Team structure and named roles shown here are illustrative for this design package — replace with the Park’s real current staff structure and, where staff consent to be featured, their own photos.
Recognised By Visitors & Industry