My children love to go to places where you can get up close and personal with animals. There are quite a few places to choose from in Cornwall, from a proper zoo to small animal farms and sanctuaries.
The list of animals I have given for each place isn't a comprehensive list - some might be missing and some may not be there anymore. That is the nature of sanctuaries.
1. Paradise Park
LOCATION MAP: 16 Trelissick Rd, Hayle TR27 4HY
Paradise Park is a wildlife park in Hayle. It is a great combination of amazing birds and smaller animals alongside play areas, a little train and a very good indoor soft play facility.
Animals
- flamingos
- penguins
- red pandas
- owls
- parrots/parakeets - lots of colourful ones
- toucan
- Cornish chough
- otters
- small farm animals
Other Info
- large outdoor animal park
- outdoor play areas
- feeding times
- bird displays
- little train
- dinosaur statues
- picnic areas (you can bring your own food to eat outside)
- indoor soft play
- cafe
- shop
- toilets
Parking
There is plenty of free parking onsite.
Visit the Paradise Park website >>
2. Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre
LOCATION MAP: Feadon Ln, Portreath, Redruth TR16 4PE
Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre is part of the Gwel an Mor resort in Portreath. It is a farm and wildlife area which does lots of conservation work, including breeding and releasing of more vulnerable species. Many of their animals are rescues.
You can book wildlife experiences with them to get really close to the animals.
Animals
- reindeer
- foxes (all have been rescued)
- owls
- birds of prey
- badgers
- lots of other furry animals including harvest mice
- reptiles
Other Info
- conservation work
- wildlife experiences
- nature trails
- falconry
- night walks
- rockpooling
- there are lots more facilities in the main Gwel an Mor complex, including their soft play Base Camp with Clip and Climb!
Parking
There is plenty of free parking onsite.
Visit the Feedon Farm Wildlife Centre website >>
3. Greeb Farm
LOCATION MAP: Penzance TR19 7AG
Greeb Farm is part of the Land's End complex. It sits away down and hill and in a little valley, away from the main attractions. It is a really lovely, small farm with lots of animals to see.
Animals
- sheep
- goats
- rabbits
- pigs
- minature ponies
- ferrets
Other info
- small farm
- feeding and petting times
- craft workshop
- lots of facilities at the main complex
Parking
You do need to pay for parking at Land's End. This does vary according to time and date, but in general in the Summer school holidays it costs £7.50 to park.
If you are eligible for a Local's Pass this gives you free parking and 50% off the attraction tickets. To get one of these you need photo ID and proof of a Cornish address.
Visit the Greeb Farm website >>
4. Trevaskis Farm
LOCATION MAP: Gwinear Rd, Connor Downs, Hayle TR27 5JQ
Trevaskis Farm is a working farm near Hayle which you can walk round. We like to go there to pick strawberries, go to their amazing farm shop, and have Sunday lunch. They also hold events like apple days, and over Christmas sell amazing Christmas trees and turkeys.
Animals
- Moorland ponies
- British lop pigs
- Donkeys
- Sheep
- Goats
- Pigs (often piglets)
- Geese, hens and ducks
Opening Times
Open all year 8am to 7pm
Prices
The farm is free to visit. A visit to the farm shop will set you back a fair bit though (too many delicious things!).
Other info
- working farm (there are some no go areas)
- farm shop
- restaurant
- pick your own soft fruits
Parking
There is free parking onsite.
Visit the Trevaskis Farm website >>
5. Guy's Butterfly House
LOCATION MAP: St Hilary, Penzance TR20 9DQ
We came across this tiny but amazing private butterfly house last Summer. It is run by Guy who has such passion for his butterflies, it is simply lovely! You go inside the super warm butterfly house and get really close to some stunning butterflies.
Animals
- exotic butterflies from South America, Africa and Asia
Opening Times
Open 11am to 4pm during the warmer months.
Parking
Free parking onsite
Visit Guy's Butterfly House website >>
6. Flicka Donkey Sanctuary
LOCATION MAP:Penty Noweth Farm, Trenoweth Lane, Mabe Burnthouse, Penryn TR10 9JB
The Flicka Donkey Sanctuary provides a safe haven for over 100 donkeys, horses and ponies, all who have been rescued from distressing situations.
Animals
- donkeys
- horses
- ponies
Opening Times
Thursday - Sunday 11am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays.
Prices
Entry to the sanctuary is free, but all donations are really appreciated.
Other info
- no feeding of the animals as they are all on special diets
- you can fuss the animals and the ones who love attention will come over to see you.
- dogs are welcome on a lead
- tea room and shop
Parking
There is free onsite parking - this can get full during busy times though.
Visit the Flicka Donkey Sanctuary website >>
7. Cornish Seal Sanctuary
We love visiting the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. My children adore seals and love to see them and learn about their rescues. On a sunny day, there is lots of things to do here - I don't recommend going in foul weather though as most of it is outside and it is in quite an exposed area!
Animals
- seals
- penguins
- sea lions
- beavers
- paddock animals
Other info
- lots of seal pens
- underwater viewing areas
- seal rescue and rehabilitation hospital
- play areas
- walks
- picnic areas
- cafe and shop
- dogs on a lead are welcome
Parking
Plenty of free onsite parking
Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary website >>
8. National Lobster Hatchery
LOCATION MAP: The National Lobster Hatchery, S Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL
The National Lobster Hatchery is a nice little place to visit. There isn't a huge amount to see and do, but it was all very interesting. Our visit probably lasted about 45 mins. I wasn't expecting my children to enjoy it, but they loved it, especially seeing all the baby lobsters being tumbled about! They liked it so much that they asked to go back in for another look.
Animals
- lobsters (including baby ones)
Other info
- exhibition
- lobster laboratory - see behind the scenes
- shop
- upstairs colouring and mini play area
Parking
The nearest parking is in the council car park on Padstow Harbour.
Visit the National Lobster Hatchery website >>
9. Screech Owl Sanctuary
LOCATION MAP: Trewin Farm, Saint Columb TR9 6HP
The Screech Owl Sanctuary is a small, family run animal attraction which is really good fun and interesting to visit. They also have a hospital which cares daily for wild owls and other birds of prey who after a period of rehabilitation are released back into the wild.
Animals
- Owls - over 30 different kinds from all over the world
- Alpaccas
- Emus
- Pygmy Goats
- Foxes
- Wallabies
- Meerkats
- Racoons
Other Info
- talks
- flying displays
- animal encounter sessions
- owl handling sessions
- outdoor play area
- cafe and gift shop
- assistance dogs only
Parking
Plenty of onsite parking
Visit the Screech Owl Sanctuary website >>
10. Healey's Cider Farm
LOCATION MAP: Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LT
Healey's Cider Farm is a great day out for the family. It has the cider part for the grownups (including tastings!) and the animal farm part and attractions for the children.
Animals
- Horses
- Shetland ponies
- Chickens
- Rabbits
- Pygmy Goats
- Pigs
- Donkeys
- Peacocks
Other info
- Cider, gin and soft drink tasting
- Guided cider tours
- Cider making museum
- Cider cellars and production halls
- Apple presses
- Vintage tractor rides
- Restaurant
- Farm Shop
- Bar
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Healey's Cider Farm website >>
11. Cornish Birds Of Prey
LOCATION MAP: Winnard's Perch, Saint Columb TR9 6DH
Cornish Birds Of Prey are a nonprofit birds of prey & animal rescue centre. They provide a caring home for mistreated, unwanted, injured and neglected birds of prey and other animals, whether from private owners or other zoo’s.
Animals
- many birds of prey
- small farm animals
Other info
- flying displays at 12noon and 2pm
- no dogs onsite
- falconry experiences
- you can buy feed for the small farm animals
- please don't feed the birds as they are all on special diets
- tearoom
- picnic areas (bring your own - all outside)
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Cornish Birds Of Prey website >>
12. Llama Land
LOCATION MAP: Penare Farm, Shortlanesend, Truro TR4 9DG
Llama Land is a 140 acre farm where you can get up close to their llamas. They offer 3 hour guided llama experiences, where you meet the llamas and choose which one you want to take for a walk!
Animals
- Llamas
Other info
- no dogs allowed
- the walk goes through the quaint farm, through the 1,000 year old woods and out across far reaching countryside.
- please wear suitable footwear!
- after the walk you are taken to the farm for lunch and drinks.
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Llama Land website >>
13. Bolenowe Animal Sanctuary
LOCATION MAP: Bonaventure Farm, Ruan Minor, Helston TR12 7NA
Bolenowe Animal Sanctuary has looked after many many horses, ponies, donkeys and other animals over the years. They have an experienced and highly skilled equine team who work hard to bring incoming animals back to good health with love, care and nutritious food.
Animals
- donkeys
- horses
- goat
Prices
Bolenowe is free to visit - but please do make donations and buy tea and cakes which helps keep the sanctuary afloat.
Other info
- please wear suitable footwear
- cafe
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Bolenowe Animal Sanctuary website >>
14. Springfield Fun Park
LOCATION MAP: St Columb, Cornwall TR9 6HU
Springfield is a family fun park with both fairground type rides and lots of small animal attractions. The children can have pony rides and feed some of the small farm animals.
Animals
- ponies and horses
- alpaccas
- llamas
- minature pigs
- goats
Other info
- pony rides
- indoor play barn - soft play
- crazy golf
- vintage merry go round
- tractor rides
- row on the lake
- go-karts
- woodland
- cafe
- picnic areas
- campsite
- assistance dogs only
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Springfield Fun Park website >>
15. Macdonald's Farm
LOCATION MAP: B3276, Porthcothan Bay, Padstow PL28 8LT
Macdonald’s Farm is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours with your children. There are plenty of animals to meet and feed, and there is a brilliant playground too. You can also camp here if you want to stay for longer.
Animals
- goats
- alpaccas
- ponies
- rabbits
- ducks
- geese
- chickens
- cockerels
Other info
- pony rides
- feeding animals
- playground
- trampolines
- sandpit
- pool table
- table tennis
- shop selling food and snacks
- picnic areas
- well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome
- campsite
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Macdonald's Farm website >>
16. Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
LOCATION MAP: Towan Promenade, Newquay TR7 1DU
The Blue Reef Aquarium is a small but really lovely aquarium right in the heart of Newquay. It is the pyramid shaped building on Towan Beach - you can't miss it. It is small, but it is jam packed full of lots of amazing aquatic delights.
Animals
- dwarf caiman (we thought they were statues until they slide into the water!)
- giant pacific octopus
- loggerhead turtle
- black tip reef sharks
- catfish
- lion fish
- lots and lots of other fish and sea creatures
Other info
- lots of talks and feeding times
- Cornish waters exhibit
- Tropical rivers
- Cold seas
- Warm seas
- Ocean tunnel
- Nurseries
- Cafe and Shop
Parking
No parking - you need to use the council car parks in town
Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay website >>
17. Newquay Zoo
LOCATION MAP: Trenance Gardens, Newquay TR7 2NL
Newquay Zoo is one of the smaller zoos in the UK, but it is really fun to visit. They have a super range of animals and they are passionate about conservation and species protection.
Animals
- African lions
- Armadillo
- Lemur
- Wildebeest
- Tapir
- Capybara (like a massive guinea pig!)
- Lynx
- Zebra
- Monkeys
- Sloth (these are amazing!)
- Lots of birds
- Reptiles
- Penguins
- Meerkats
- Lots of big cats
- Red panda
- Warty pigs!
Other info
- lion feeding time is amazing!
- there is no feeding or handling of the animals by the public
- cafe and two takeaways
- gift shop
- assistance dogs only
Parking
There is no parking - you need to park at the nearby council run car park.
Visit the Newquay Zoo website >>
18. Dairyland Farm Park
LOCATION MAP: Tresillian Barton, Newquay TR8 5AA
We visited Dairyland several years back when my children were quite small. They loved it, especially the tractor ride and playhouse. It is across between a farm and a park, with lots of areas to meet the animals and lots and lots of play areas.
Animals
- sheep
- goats
- llamas
- deer
- cows
- ducks
- donkeys
- alpacca
- pigs
- meerkats
- rabbits
- chickens
- bug zone
Other info
- trampolines
- flying foxes
- wildlife trail
- pony rides
- tractor rides
- the ark play zone
- meerkat encounters
- Cornish life museum
- the hay barn - bottle feeding
- the bull pen - soft play
- cafe, donut hut, BBQ patio
- picnic areas - including undercover ones
- assistance dogs only
Parking
Free onsite parking
Visit the Dairyland Farm Park website >>
19. Monkey Sanctuary
LOCATION MAP: Murrayton House, St Martin, Looe PL13 1NZ
The Monkey Sanctuary is run by Wild Futures who are committed to protecting primates and habitats worldwide. Their safe haven for monkeys rescued from situations of abuse and neglect is The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall.
Animals
- home to around 40 different monkeys, all directly or indirectly rescued from the trade in primates as pets.
Other info
- play area
- wildlife garden
- lawn with stunning view of the sea
- gift shop
- takeaway food - pasties and hot and cold drinks
- this is an outdoor venue - please wear appropriate footwear and clothing
- sorry, no dogs allowed
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Monkey Sanctuary website >>
20. Porfell Wildlife Park
LOCATION MAP: Trecangate, Porfell, Liskeard PL14 4RE
Porfell Wildlife Park is a wild family attraction only a few miles from Looe in South East Cornwall. It offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted.
Animals
- meerkats
- lemurs
- reptiles
- ostrich
- porcupine
- monkeys
- zebra
- lots of farm animals
Other info
- Masai village
- Woodland walk
- Childrens Farm
- Owl flying
- gift shop
- hot and cold snacks available
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Porfell Wildlife Park website >>
21. Roskilly's Farm
LOCATION MAP: Tregellast Barton Farm, St Keverne, Helston TR12 6NX
Ice cream AND farm animals, your children will be in seventh heaven! Meet the animals, stroll around the meadows, enjoy the tranquility by the ponds and of course, sample some of their delicious ice cream!
Animals
- Jersey cows - whose milk makes the ice cream of course!
- pigs
- chickens
- hens
- cockerels
- turkeys
- beehives
Prices
Roskilly's Farm is free to visit.
Other info
- small animal farm
- woodland walks
- ice cream parlour
- restaurant
- farm trails
- gift shop
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Roskillys Farm website >>
22. The Lost Gardens Of Heligan
LOCATION MAP: B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN
If you grown ups are wanting to persuade the kids to visit a boring old garden, try them with The Lost Gardens Of Heligan. They have a wonderful farm there which lets you get quite close to the animals. You might just get a decent trip round the garden without them complaining too much!
Animals
- pigs
- cattle
- sheep
- horses
- goats
- chickens
- ducks and geese
- turkeys
Other info
- amazing gardens
- pleasure grounds
- jungle
- rope bridge
- Mud Maid, Grey Lady and Giants Head
- lots of places to eat
- shop and plant centre
- lots of school holiday activities
- picnic areas
Parking
Free onsite parking
Visit The Lost Gardens Of Heligan website >>
23. Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm
LOCATION MAP: Leigh Ln, Pillaton, Saltash PL12 6RZ
Every year Smeaton Farm opens it's doors for visitors to go round the Amazing Maize Maze. Alongside this they have lots of other child friendly activities including their farm and rare breed animals.
Animals
- Aberdeen Angus cattle
- Sheep
- Pigs
Facilities
- The Amazing Maize Maze!
- Cafe
- Picnic area
- Trampolines
- Swings
- Bale Tower
- Sandpit
- Giant Games
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Cornish Maize Maze And Farm website >>
24. The Tamar Valley Donkey Park
LOCATION MAP: St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake PL18 9HW
The Donkey Park provides a sanctuary for rescued donkeys and other animals, with lots of family friendly activities.
Animals
- Donkeys
- Goats
- Sheep
- Pigs
- Rabbits
- Guinea Pigs
Other info
- Donkey walks, grooming and petting
- Huge indoor play barn - soft play
- Cafe
- Gift Shop
- Dog friendly
Parking
Onsite parking
Visit the Tamar Valley Donkey Park website >>
25. Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital
Now at the moment you can't visit the Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital. However, I wanted to include them on my list as they do such an amazing job at rescuing local birds in distress. I'm hoping they will resume visits soon as we would love to come and see them!
If you would like to donate anything to help them, please click here >>
Animals
- all sorts of birds who have become injured or distressed
Visit the Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital website >>
