The Cotswold Reindeer Herd - Cirencester

Emma Louise

Absolutely fantastic morning! Started off with a little walk through of trees that were lit up - looked very pretty. There was a little field that had a few reindeers in which was lovely to see them running round and playing! The best part was feeding all the reindeers in the barns - thoroughly enjoyed being able to feed them and have lovely pictures that we can look back on! We went to the cafe at the end which was very reasonably priced and the lovely gift shop which had some lovely stuff in. We loved it so much we are coming back next year ❤️

Kayla Viola

Place was lovely and my son enjoyed feeding the reindeer. Friendly lady came and spoke to us about the reindeers and told us their names.

Everyone was friendly and helpful however have given 4 stars as we found Santa to be quite grumpy, seemed like he didn’t want to be there. He told my son not to open his presents until Christmas Eve/Christmas day but went on to tell him what was inside the present. Would have given 5 stars if Santa was more jolly and engaging

Thomas Coombs

We thought this would be a nice Christmas thing to do and I am pleased we visited.

The reindeer are gorgeous and very friendly. We fed them moss and the majority were happy to be touched.

They have a little siesta around midday, so avoid that time if you want to see them more active. You can get up very close to them.

Nice cafe with hot chocolate and gorgeous cakes.

Louise Bignell

Another year another wonderful visit. I visited with an autistic 11 year old which he totally looks forward to every year. Santa was amazing he had researched all about Thomas the tank engine for him and was so patient and engaging. As was Santa's elf. The reindeer did not disappoint us they are so calm and gentle. We love feeding them. The staff are so friendly and helpful nothing is too much trouble. We booked in advance and came in the afternoon when we could see the spectacular Christmas lights. This visit is the perfect duration for us, we played hide and seek in the trees and had selfie sleigh pics. See you next year and thank you. X

Kirsty Stayt

Took my daughter to see the Reindeer for the first time this year and she loved it!

The Reindeer are beautiful and obviously well cared for. We then enjoyed walking around the Christmas lights forest and doing the selfie sleigh, the photo board and spotting Peterri resting with his ladies.

The staff were great and took some photos of us for me which was lovely.

I don’t think the price is bad and I think it is what you make of it, like any venue.

I wish I had taken Georgie before and I have promised to take her each Christmas now.

Lucy Perham

Really should have read the previous reviews before visiting…..
When you spend the best part of £50 for a family “day out” you have faith in what you’re gona get. Yes it’s a pretty place, yes we enjoyed the reindeer feeding. No, it’s not a forest. Yes, I am aware we could have stayed all day if we’d wanted to. Yes, I’m sure it all costs a lot of money to run. But the owners can’t deny that there is naff all to do once you’ve met the reindeer
And the “prize” for the kids trail was a tiny sticker!?!!
Had to spend more money on basic refreshments just to justify the visit.
Maybe you need to review your business model here.
If you’re thinking of going and money is no object to you it’s a lovely way to pass half an hour!!

Laurence

Let me start by saying that the vast majority of the staff were friendly, helpful and generally great! It was a cold wet day and they made the best of the bad weather.
However… I’m going to have to reiterate what other reviews have said that the “experience” is terribly over priced.
Firstly the place advertises “Mrs Claus’ Tea Rooms and Gift Shop” I was expecting a bit more than a leaking gazebo, blowing in the wind set up with trestle tables offering a handful of hot drinks and 3-4 varieties of cake which were unfortunately unappealing. Slight false advertising on their part there and again overpriced for what was a mediocre hot chocolate. The staff were however very cheerful despite looking freezing cold.
We didn’t pay for the Santa’s Grotto experience (of which I am glad) however after mistaking us for another family “the elf” let us in for a quick peak at Santa on his instruction “as it’s Christmas” which of course is a lovely gesture! The set up was lovely with reindeer behind him however the Santa figure itself was mediocre. It lacked the usual jolly atmosphere you expect when visiting Santa. Santas helper seemed as though he’d rather be anywhere else and wore no costume except for some type of head wear.
Now the reindeer themselves are exceptional and the chance to feed them is great! There are so many reindeer to pet and feed. This is something I cannot fault. They were gorgeous and we returned once more to see them before leaving.

Overall it was a disappointing experience given the amount they charge especially the weekend before Christmas when we wanted to give our children a magical day out.
I appreciate that a lot of time and money go into places like this and it has the potential to be a great place to visit, I would however currently not pay the £12 per person charge to visit and do feel that advertising Tea rooms on the premises is false advertising. There are other establishments where you can visit reindeer (no charge) with a hired food truck on site with a much much larger variety of food/drinks as a comparison and not advertising as a Tea Room.

I did debate posting this review as the companies reply to others has been incredibly confrontational with many being branded as not telling the truth. I hope that this constructive criticism can be seen as just that and taken on board rather than seen as an attack.

Holly Gallagher

An amazing experience for our 2 year old, seeing Santa arrive on the helicopter and being the prize winner to have a trip back in the helicopter with Mrs Claus. The team at Cotswold reindeer herd have made this year so special for us and they really have a lovely set up. The reindeer are clearly well taken care of, a lovely cafe set up and just beautiful surroundings.
Thank you so much Andrew and Claire x