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15 Devon zoos, farm parks and animal days out

15 Devon zoos, farm parks and animal days out

If your children love animals then there are some stonking Devon zoos and wildlife parks here. All play an important part in conversation and protection of endangered and rare creatures. So they are also an educational day out in the South West of England for the whole family.

In this post you’ll find:

  • Devon zoo attractions
  • wildlife parks
  • farm days out
  • aquariums
  • and animal sanctuaries.

Love Devon? Why not follow me on Instagram, join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!

If your children love animals then there are some stonking Devon zoos and wildlife experiences here. All play an important part in conversation and protection of endangered and rare creatures, so are also an educational Devon day out for the whole family #Devon #daysout #zoo #animals #wildlife #park #thingstodo #attraction #family #places #visit #Devonwithkids

Got a while to stay? Check out my full guide to family holidays in Devon.

Zoos in Devon

Here’s the zoos that feed into national and international conservation projects to protect endangered breeds as well as offering a fun day out in Devon.

Exmoor Zoo, near Barnstaple, North Devon

If you’re looking for things to do in North Devon with toddlers the a day at the zoo is a real crowd pleaser. Exmoor is a small zoo with its fair share of rare animals that you may not see elsewhere in the country.

There are animal talks and chances to find out more about the zoo’s residents throughout the day.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | No dogs | Free parking | Exmoor Zoo

Paignton Zoo, Paignton, South Devon

Orangutans at Paignton Zoo

We had annual passes to Paignton Zoo a few years ago. It was great to be able to pop in and look around at leisure. Our favourite places to go were the ape and elephant houses, the walk-through lemur enclosure and the tropical hot house. 

The zoo is a full day out with 2,500 animals to meet in enclosures spread across 80 acres. Prepare yourselves for a lot of walking and hills.

Read about our visit to Paignton Zoo in South Devon.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | No dogs | Free Parking | Paignton Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell, South Devon

This zoo was made famous world-wide by theAmerican film ‘We bought a zoo’ and offers animal talks, encounters and displays across its 33 acre woodland park in Dartmoor National Park.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year | No dogs allowed | Free parking | Dartmoor Zoo

Shaldon Zoo, near Teignmouth, South Devon

This small coastal zoo is home to some of the rarest breeds of animals in the world. Expect beautiful semi-tropical gardens and small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year | No dogs allowed | Pay and display parking | Shaldon Zoo

Devon farm days out and animal parks

Here are the Devon animal parks that come with additional attractions, making them fun days out for families whether you want to meet farm animals, have a ride on a tractor or

Wildwood Escot, Ottery St Mary, East Devon

Peacock sitting on a fence at Wildwood Escot in East Devon

If you’d like a rare glimpse of some of Britain’s native animals in their natural habitats then head to Wildwood Escot at Ottery St Mary in East Devon. 

Watch red squirrels forage for nuts play in the recreated Saxon village, see otter feeding time and spot the park’s pack of grey wolves roaming the forest. You’ll also find playgrounds, a trampoline, a beech maze and a soft play barn for younger kids.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | No dogs | Free parking | Wildwood Escot

Find more things to do in East Devon.

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton, North Devon

Find out all about the life and work of honey bees at Quince Honey Farm. Explore more than 8,000 years of bee keeping in the museum, hit the soft play and meet some creepy crawlies in the critter cabin.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year | Dogs welcome | Free parking | Quince Honey Farm

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Ilfracombe, North Devon

This Devon wildlife park combines every kid’s favourite things: animals and dinosaurs.

Visit Combe Martine Wildlife & Dinosaur Park in North Devon to see lions, wolves, sea lions, primates, meerkats and penguins. Keepers do feeding times and talks throughout the day.

Plus there’s life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, botanical gardens, a miniature railway and a gigantic indoor soft play area for wet days.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | No dogs | Free parking | Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Woolley Animals, Winkleigh, North Devon

This is a great value day out with the kids where they can meet animals, groom ponies and feed new arrivals in the Spring.

Entry to the farm park cost £4 per person. There’s an extra charge for llama walking and tractor rides.

Visitor snapshot: Open weekends and school holidays | No dogs | Free parking | Woolley Animals

Find more things to do in North Devon with kids.

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon

Red Rocket tractor ride at Pennywell Farm
Red Rocket ride

Introduce your little brood to the cute and cuddly animals at Pennywell Farm. Holding a miniature pig and feeding the lambs is a must if you visit in the Spring. 

As well as the animals you’ll find plenty of toddler-friendly indoor and outdoor play areas. 

There’s also a wonderful nativity at Pennywell Farm each Christmas with animals, tractor rides and Santa.

Visitor snapshot: Open from February until the end of October as well as other special dates | No dogs | Free parking | Pennywell Farm

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Totnes, South Devon

Child standing in goat enclosure at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm in South Devon

We love this small farm where kids can get hands on feeding and petting the animals. There’s donkeys, wild fowl, goats and rabbits – all rare breeds which are being nurtured at this family-run charity.

Read about our visit to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.

If you want to make a day of it you can combine the farm with a ride on the South Devon Railway and Dartmoor Otters and Butterflies Sanctuary at the other end of the steam train line.

Visitor snapshot: Open from February until November | No dogs | Local parking charges apply | Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

War Horse Valley Country Farm Park, Hatherleigh, West Devon

Parsonage Farm is the farm around which the book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo was set.

As well as meeting animals including miniature and massive breeds of pigs and sheep, you can wander the farm trail to see local wildlife, find out about farming methods from the past 100 years and see an exhibition about the role of horses in World War I.

Visitor snapshot: Open everyday from Easter to the end of September | Dogs on leads welcome | Free parking | War Horse Valley

Find even more farms where you can meet animals for free in my guide to Devon farm shops.

Devon aquariums

Go under the sea to discover the wildlife of Devon’s coastline and beyond at these aquariums:

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

The Great Barrier Reef tank at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Devon
The Great Barrier Reef tank

Did you know Plymouth boasts the UK’s largest aquarium? The National Marine Aquarium is one of those places you could visit again and again. And with tickets being valid for 12 months from your first visit you can do just that.

The enormous tanks showcase species from UK waters, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef. 

As well as wandering around the aquarium at your own pace you can also see several daily shows and talks at the different tanks. If you have older kids then I’d recommend trying to plan these into your day to get the most out of your experience. Please check what’s currently possible with the Aquarium.

The NMA is a great day out with kids of all ages and one of the top things to do in Plymouth on a rainy day.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | No dogs | Local parking charges apply | National Marine Aquarium.

Find more things to do in Plymouth with kids.

Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe, North Devon

On the harbour, in the Old Lifeboat House in fact, you’ll find Ilfracombe Aquarium. This small attraction is great for wet days in North Devon.

Step inside and you’ll find exhibits telling the story of North Devon’s marine life from river to coast.

Visitor snapshot: opening times vary (check the website) | No dogs | Local parking charges apply | Ilfracombe Aquarium.

Wildlife and animal sanctuaries in Devon

There’s important conservation and rehoming work going on in Devon too. Here’s the wildlife and animal sanctuaries you can visit around the county.

The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth, East Devon

Donkey at the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth -a place to visit in East Devon

A visit to the Donkey Sanctuary is a wonderful way to get acquainted with these beautiful creatures. You’ll also be supporting a brilliant charity.

Entry to the Sanctuary at Sidmouth is free but there are plenty of ways to donate during your visit. Give generously to the collection boxes or take a trip to the lovely restaurant.

Children will love wandering between the fields to say hello to donkeys and mules, exploring the maze and finding out about the residents’ important role working with youngsters with additional needs.

Visitor snapshot: Open all year round | Dogs allowed | Free parking (donation welcomed) | The Donkey Sanctuary

Find more free things to do in Devon with kids.

Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh, South Devon

Otters at Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary - a day out in Dartmoor Devon

This small attraction on the edge of Dartmoor gives you a great opportunity to meet the cheeky characters native to this part of the world. 

Keepers give talks at each of the enclosures during the day. You can also see butterflies and reptiles in the butterfly house. Find out more about visiting Dartmoor Otters and Butterflies.

Visitor snapshot: open all year round | No dogs | Free Parking | Buckfastleigh Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Find more days out on Dartmoor.

More days out in Devon with animals

You can also find animals and farms at some of Devon’s theme parks.

Love Devon? Why not follow me on Instagram, join the Devon with Kids Facebook group and subscribe to my newsletter!

If you’re planning on visiting a Devon zoo with your family why not save this post on Pinterest.

If your children love animals then there are some stonking Devon zoos and wildlife experiences here. All play an important part in conversation and protection of endangered and rare creatures, so are also an educational Devon day out for the whole family #Devon #daysout #zoo #animals #wildlife #park #thingstodo #attraction #family #places #visit #Devonwithkids

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