Crocodiles of the World

A crocodile farm just outside Witney sounds mad, but it actually works. You're walking through enclosures watching proper prehistoric-looking reptiles - saltwater crocs, Nile crocs, caimans - all of them doing absolutely nothing in the sun, which is exactly what you want from a croc.

The place is genuinely educational without being preachy. Staff know their stuff and will tell you why these animals matter, how they're bred here, what makes each species different. It's the sort of attraction that keeps kids engaged for a solid two hours rather than three minutes, then they're bored.

Families get the most out of it - there's something about seeing a seven-metre Nile crocodile that makes you actually understand why ancient Egyptians were terrified. Older kids especially will be hooked. Adults who thought they'd just be standing around while the kids looked at reptiles find themselves genuinely fascinated.

If you're based at Grove Farm Glamping Pods or any of the caravan sites nearby - Burford's just up the road - this slots in well as a half-day trip. It's close enough to Witney that you're not spending your whole morning driving, but different enough from the usual Cotswolds fare that it breaks up a park holiday nicely.

Worth checking opening times and admission prices before you go, but yes, it's worth the detour.