Cattle at the Cotswold Farm Park
On the Farm Park we have a number of different rcattle that can be seen and fed on the Rare Breed trail.
We have a range of breeds including Gloucester Cattle, White Park and Jersey's, along with our Highland Cattle.
White Park Cattle
They are of ancient Celtic origin and later Roman influence the 'wild white' cattle of Britain were enclosed into five Norman deer parks in the 11th Century, by William the Conqueror's barons. The Charley, Cadzow and Dynevor herds have been combined to form the White Park breed.
The breed is noted for longevity, with both bulls and cows still breeding at 16 years of age. They are white in colour, with black markings at the nose, eyelids, ears and feet. Both males and females have long horns which sweep out and upwards.
Gloucester Cattle
The Old Gloucester was a triple purpose breed used fr milk, draught work and meat. They have been famous since the 13th Century for the production of traditional Double Gloucester cheese.
Sadly, they could not compete with specialist breeds and were gradually replaced by longhorns, shorthorns and finally the black and white Holstein Friesians. By 1975 only one herd remained. However, numbers are gradually increasing with the support of the Active Breed Society.
They are a beautiful dark mahogany colour, with a striking white line down the back and along the belly.
Interesting fact - in 1796 Edward Jenner made the first anti-smallpox serum from the blood of a Gloucester cow.
Albion Cattle
Albion cattle are best known for their beautiful blue-roan colouring, although registered animals may also be black, white or black and white.
The breed was developed as dual-purpose cattle, combining qualities suitable for both milk and beef production. Once known as the Bakewell Blue, the Albion has its origins in Derbyshire and is now one of Britain’s rarest cattle breeds.
-
White Parks
![White Parks (Calf Born 06.04.2023) 05]()
-
Gloucesters
![Gloucester Calf June 2023 13]()
-
Albions
![Albions 4]()
-
Jersey Cattle
![CFP 9851]()
-
Highland Cattle
![Highland Cow]()
FAQs
- Why are Jersey cows so famous? It's all about the milk! Their milk contains 18% more protein and 20% more calcium than milk from other cows. Many people say this is why milk and other milk based products like butter made from Jersey milk tastes so good.
- Do cows drink a lot of water ? Yes they typically drink 60 litres of water every day!
- Do cows like to live outside ? Yes cows do like to live outside but interestingly research shows that when given them the choice of living outside or inside they show no real preference.
- Why is cows milk white ? Milk is white because it contains casein, a milk protein that is rich in calcium.
- How strong are cows? Cows are extremely strong animals that can weigh between 450 to 1,280 kg and easily overpower an adult human. Bulls are much larger and more muscular, often weighing up to 1,600kg!
- What cows can I see at the Farm Park? We have a range of cows but not all will always be on display as we move them around and in colder months will house them indoors. Please contact us to check which ones are available to see if you are hoping to see a specific breed. We have a number of Highland Cows, see our dedicated page here.
Stay with us
With an array of accommodation options, from luxurious lodges to glamping safari tents, camping pods, and traditional touring and camping, guests are invited to escape, unwind, and make lasting memories in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Seasonal Events
On the Farm Park we run seasonal events including Pumpkin picking, Festive events where you can meet Santa and animal themed weekends, regular events like guided dog walking and fun horse-riding events.
Stay up-to-date with the farm
Sign up to our latest news and offers!