7 Animal Attractions in Cornwall We Love to Visit

For this month's blog story I wanted to share some of the great places in Cornwall where you can meet animals. From sanctuaries and farms to wildlife parks, they all have education and conservation at their heart. These are just a few of the places we love to visit in Cornwall...

Paradise Park, Hayle

Located in Hayle in West Cornwall, Paradise Park is a firm family favourite. It's great for kids, with a little train, soft play and a lovely array of colourful birds and small animals to see. All in all, a fun family day out.

Newquay Zoo

This little zoo has a real passion for conservation and you can really see how much the team love their animals. Zebras, sloths, penguins, red pandas and brown hyenas are just a few of the animals you can see.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

A firm favourite, the seals are such characters! It's best for a dry day as most of the sanctuary is outside, and it's more than just seals, with resident puffins and plenty of lovely grounds to explore. Dogs on leads are very welcome too, which can be handy. It's also a great place to learn about their fab rescue and rehabilitation work.

Porfell Wildlife Park, near Looe

I've visited this place quite a few times over the years and it just has a lovely feel. Not far from the holiday hotspot of Looe, this animal sanctuary welcomes creatures from all over the world. We particularly enjoy the capybaras (giant guinea pigs!) and meerkats.

Flicka Donkey Sanctuary, near Penryn

This was a recent discovery for me. My mum loves donkeys, and while we were on a long weekend in Falmouth we stopped by the sanctuary on the way home. It's a lovely place run by caring and passionate people. The donkeys have been rescued from the worst situations, but you can really see how happy they are now, and they love a good fuss!

National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow

Ok, this one might seem a little strange, but it is actually a fascinating place. It's small and doesn't take long to visit, and as it's in Padstow there's plenty you can combine your trip with. They have created an engaging experience that kids enjoy, while parents leave happily informed.

Screech Owl Sanctuary, near Indian Queens

You can see more than 30 kinds of owl from all over the world, plus this family-run attraction has pygmy goats, emus, meerkats and raccoons. There's outdoor play and flying displays too, making it a lovely day out.

That's just a sample of what you can see in Cornwall. There are also butterflies at Guy's Butterfly House and all sorts of marine life at Blue Reef Aquarium, from sharks and seahorses to a common octopus!

If you fancy a few more ideas, have a browse through our family days out in Cornwall.