Devon Animals & Farms

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The Big Sheep, Bideford

Tel. 01237 472 366

When you're looking for things to do in Devon, The BIG Sheep is a great day out for the whole family. With so much to offer, everyone will enjoy their day out. As well as childrens' activities there's fun for adults too. There's a brewery for Dad, garden centre and sheepy shop for Mum, and of course Mum and Dad can run wild in the indoor playground and outdoor laser guns area too.

Prices Adults £10.50; children £10.50; groups of 4 or more, £10 each; children under 3 feet tall (& 7 months or older), £2.50 each

Open From 1st April until the end of October The BIG Sheep is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

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Becky Falls, Bovey Tracey

Tel. 01647 221 259

Becky Falls first opened to the public in 1903 and has been attracting and inspiring poets, writers, painters and visitors ever since, including Rupert Brooke and Virginia Woolf, both of whom stayed here. But its history goes much further than that.

Today's visitors tend to arrive by car or foot (although we're sure many would welcome the return of horse-drawn buses!) but they still come in search of the same woodland valley. The Becky Falls Woodland Park you see today, aside from the cafeteria/gift shop area, has remained relatively unchanged throughout that time. Some visitors come to see what is often described as one of the most scenic and untouched areas of Dartmoor, a hidden, tranquil valley in which wildlife and woodland thrive. Others bring children to enjoy the exhilarating combination of animals and adventure and to find a traditional setting of rivers and woodland in which to picnic, relax, climb over boulders, get soaked or just to wander in a setting where the past does not seem so far behind. Some come to sit on a carpet of bluebells and ponder a magical, mystical, spiritual place of whispered fables and pixie tales of old to inspire the senses and imagination.

Prices See website for details

Open See website for details.

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Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh

Tel. 01364 642 023

Animals, activities, shows, displays and rides. Every half hour marks the start of something new...Listen for the bell!

Meet the animals, ride the new Red Rocket and Tractor and Trailer rides, cuddle a miniature pig and enjoy the best views in Devon. Treat your family to a full day of Pennywell Fun!

Prices Adult £10.95 Child (3 - 16 years) £8.95

Open Open 7 days a week from 11th February - 4th November from 10am to 5pm.

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Lily Farm Vineyard, Budleigh Salterton

Tel. 01395 443 877

Lily Farm is situated at Knowle in its own vale surrounded by beautiful East Devon countryside. Within easy walking distance is the town of Budleigh Salterton which is part of the historic Jurassic Coast, England's first natural World Heritage Site.

The vineyard is situated on sandstone slopes approximately 50 - 60 metres above sea level and the vines flourish in the South West facing position. In 2005, 200 vines were planted into the well drained sandy loam soil with the first harvest of Rondo grapes picked in 2007. Another 200 vines were planted in 2007 and in 2008 a further 950 vines, taking the total number of vines to 1350 and the vineyard area to exactly one acre. Currently, Lily Farm Vineyard has 3 other vine varieties, Pinot Noir Precose (black grapes), Bacchus and Seyval Blanc(white grapes).

Tours are available: To book a Guided Tour at £6 per person followed by a Free Tasting of our Fine English Wine please contact 01395 443877 or 07977 057864.

Lily Farm Vineyard, Dalditch Lane, Knowle, Budleigh Salterton, Devon. EX9 7AH.

Prices Guided Tour costs £6 per person

Open Tuesday to Saturday and Bank Holidays from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

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Combe Martin Wildlife Park, Combe Martin

Tel. 01271 882 486

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a set in the tranquil Devonshire countryside, overlooking the coastal town of Combe Martin. There are a variety of Animals on display at the park, with regular animal shows by the Sealions, Falconry and Daily talks on your favourite beasts throughout each day. There are also other attractions, such as the fantastic Lightshow, the incredible Anamatronic Dinosaurs, including a Life Sized Tyranosaurus Rex!

There is also have a Play Park Area, Cafe, Delicatessen, Prehistoric Museum with attached Cinema and the Pharaohs Tomb.

With onsite car parks, beautiful gardens, both Contemporary and Japanese and a whole host of things to do and see, you and your family will enjoy the experience and the educational aspect - The keepers are happy to talk about the animals on their sections with any questions that you may have.

Prices Adult £14.00; Child £8.50 ( 3 - 15 ); Child FREE ( 0 - 3 ); Family £40.00; Disabled / Carer £8.00 ( Adult / Carer ); £7.00 ( Child ); Wheelchairs FREE ( due to access )

Open The Park opens to visitors from 10:00am every day of the week. Last admission is at 3:00pm and the parks facilities close at 5:00pm.

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Exmoor Zoological Park, Exmoor

Tel. 01598 763 352

Exmoor Zoo is a special place that enables you to get up close and personal! Opened in 1982 the zoo is an ideal family venue, especially for the kids. The zoo is always changing so no repeat visit is ever the same - guaranteed! Recent exhibits such as cheetah, puma, maned wolves, sitaunga and the famous "Exmoor Beast" can be seen amongst the unique and rare smaller animals for which the zoo provides "natural" enclosures. Carefully planted shrubs and trees as they have matured along the winding zoo paths keep you wondering what is next, providing a very relaxing and natural atmosphere!

Prices Adults £9.25; children (3-15) £6.75; under 3 free

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The Alpaca Park, Holsworthy

Tel. 01409 220216

The Alpaca Park is set in 100 acres of beautiful Devon countryside where visitors have the opportunity to observe these endearing creatures up close and personal. Watch as they graze, laze or play together in their herds.

During your visit to The Alpaca Park you will encounter The Alpaca Trail. The two mile Alpaca Trail is a stunning riverside walk which takes you through the rare Devon grasslands and wet woodlands where Moorland ponies graze and some of the rarest Devon wildlife, fauna and flowers can be seen. The pathway gradually leads you through Badgers Rest where you can an encounter an abundance of changing seasonal flowers and marvel at the beautiful butterflies dipping and weaving around the bubbling stream. Look out for the Deer, Otters and Kingfishers along the trail!

The Alpaca Park is a family attraction which caters for all age groups. As well as the two mile Alpaca Trail we also have shorter pathways which circle the home paddocks where the mums and cria (alpaca young) graze. Alternatively, you can sit and relax in the terrace of the Tearoom garden

The Alpaca Park, Hope Farm, Ashwater, Beaworthy, Holsworthy, Devon. EX21 5DL

Prices Adults: £8.00, Chldren (4 to 14): £5.00, Older & Wiser: £6.00, Family (2+2): £22.00

Open Open 14th April 2012 - 30 September 2012 Weds, Thurs from 11.00am - 7.00pm; Sat, Sun from 11.00am - 5.00pm. Fridays for Prebooked groups..

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Blackberry Farm, Holsworthy

Tel. 01409 261440

Blackberry farm is home to Mike, Lizzy and their three children. Mike specialises in breeding and showing pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle for which he has won many great accolades including the Queen Mothers Cup at Royal Smithfield. The farm also supports a mixed breeding flock of sheep which include Romneys, Texels and Suffolks.

Lizzy opened their award winning farm shop in her little larder in 2002. The business has steadily grown and her new shop at Blackberry Farm is surrounded by farmland and has stunning views of Dartmoor. She also conducts the farm tours and visits local schools to help children learn about the relationship between farming and food.

Lizzy is passionate about food and together with Gillian & Jen they cook much of the delicious fayre served in the tearoom and sold in the shop.

Prices Free Entry

Open Open All Year - Monday ti Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm, Sunday 10am to 1pm.

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Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe

Tel. 01271 864 533

Experience the fascinating journey from an Exmoor stream to the Atlantic Ocean.

Prices Adults £3.95, Children £2.95, senior Citizen £3.50, Students £3.50, Family (2 Adults & 2 children) £12.95

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Westcountry Wildlife Safaris, Lifton

Tel. 01409 211578

If you are visiting the West Country, or are a resident, why not try a wildlife safari. These operate through the evenings of the summer months. The woodland hides and expert wildlife guides offer a unique opportunity to view some of Devon's most elusive mammals. Come and see a family of European beavers from the woodland hide in “beaver valley”. An introductory talk will give you an insight to the lifestyle, history and folklore of this fascinating animal. This will be followed by a walk through a natural hay meadow to view a beaver family emerging from their sunken burrow at dusk. European beavers have been reintroduced to Scotland and this family group on our organic farm is now one of the first to live wild in England. On a nearby farm another hide offers excellent opportunities to view a wild badger colony in their ancient woodland sett. Bats and perhaps even barn owls are likely to be encountered on the walk from the hide as they emerge from their day roosts to hunt. Evening safaris to view red and roe deer are also possible by arrangement and all tours start from Upcott Grange Farm at 6pm with a short introductory talk. All bookings must clarify what species you wish to view advance. For further details please call 01409 211578

Prices Pre Booking is essential. Call 01409 211578 for information

Open Please call 01409 211578.

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Brendon Manor Stables, Lynton

Tel. 01598 741246

At Brendon Manor Farm and Riding Stables they have livery and the riding deal, which is ideal for those people wanting to ride on a regular basis, and also those with their own horses. They are always on hand to answer your questions, and provide you with honest advice. They are a well established stable with many years of experience to draw upon, and it is from their knowledge and understanding of you and your horses needs that they have developed a Riding Scheme tailored for your convenience: This is for people who live locally and want to ride on a regular basis. This allows people to ride on a regular basis at a reduced rate. With the riding scheme people pay a fixed amount each month and can ride up to a certain amount of hours each month, whenever they want (assuming the horses they want are free). This is also available in the winter and summer (the choice of horses and ponies are more limited).

Riding into the Doone Valley: The Rides - Friendly staff will welcome anyone who wants to ride, including groups, families and individuals. The rides take people all over the open moorland, and down into the valleys and clear streams below. On a clear day you can even see Wales. Generally, they adapt each ride to suit the individuals abilities, taking out mixed ability rides, beginner's rides and rider's rides, and are happy to offer a large group discount. If some people want to canter and others want to just walk that's fine, they can look after you, and if you want to go on a ride where there are only beginners or only riders, just ask.

Brendon Manor Stables Limited, Lynton, North Devon. EX35 6LQ

Prices For Bookings or for further information please call 01598 741246

Open Please call 01598 741246.

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Miniature Pony Centre, Moretonhampstead

Tel. 01647 432 400

The Miniature Pony Centre has lots for visitors to see, do and discover, all set in 20 acres of beautiful countryside within Dartmoor National Park.

Get really close to the adorable Miniature Shetland ponies and Miniature Mediterranean donkeys that foal throughout the spring and early summer. And with plenty of other animals to see, a daily programme of activities (including a daily birds of prey display), indoor and outdoor play areas, a wealth of wildlife, and more, there is so much for visitors to enjoy.

Prices Adults £7.50; children (3-16) $6.50; OAPs & concs £5.50. Family ticket £26.00

Open Open daily from 24th March to 31st October inclusive, 10.30am until 4.30pm (10.00am until 5.00pm in July & August).

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Paignton Zoo, Paignton

Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you'll even need your sense of smell! It's a great day out for everyone.

Prices Adults , £13.10; children (3-15), £9.25; under 3, free.

Open Open daily (except Christmas day) from 10.00 a.m. Closing times vary throughout the season, so please check before each visit.

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Occombe Farm, Paignton

Tel. 01803 520 022

Occombe is a working farm on the edge of Paignton, South Devon.

Occombe boasts an award-winning farm shop and cafe featuring the best of fresh, local food and drink; a traditional butchery brimming with local and organic cuts; a 2 kilometre easy access nature trail and a centre which houses educational visits from local schools and cookery workshops.

The local farm shop, cafe and nature trail are open to the public all year round and entry is free. They also host a variety of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visit soon to find out more.

Prices Parking and entry are free of charge.

Open Our Farm Shop, Cafe and Nature Trail are open daily, throughout the year. Monday - Saturday, 9.00 - 17.30 Sunday, 9.30 - 16.00.

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National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

Tel. 0844 893 7938

Visit the UK's largest aquarium and be amazed by the fascinating underwater world.

The National Marine Aquarium is the charity dedicated to raising awareness of the oceans, the challenges they face and the ways in which we can all help ensure they have a sustainable future.

Prices Adults £11.00; child (5-15) £6.50; under 4, free; OAPs & students £9.00

Open Winter (October– March) 10am – 5pm; summer (April – September) 10am – 6pm.

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Quince Honey Farm, South Molton

Tel: 01769 572 401

At the world famous Honey Farm you can stand and watch wild and wonderful creatures from the distant past. The unique design of the indoor apiary allows close up viewing in complete safety. The glass booths expose the working colonies of honeybees without interfering with their natural lifestyle. Founded in 1949, the farm has grown over the years until today it is the largest honey farm in the country.

Prices Adults £5.25; children (5-16) £4.25; OAPs £4.60; under 5s free

Open Easter - End September: 9am - 6pm 7 days a week
October: 9am - 5pm 7 days a week.

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Living Coasts, Torquay

Tel. 01803 202 470

Welcome to Living Coasts – Torquay’s coastal zoo and conservation charity. Living Coasts is open from 10:00am every day. Living Coasts was recently voted the UK's best all-round seaside attraction and is the Uk's only coastal zoo. There is a fantastic array of marine species including South American fur seals, African penguins, macaroni penguins, stingrays, tufted puffins, seahorses, puffer fish and many more.

Prices Standard Admission (with donation)
Adult: £9.65, Child (3-15 years): £7.25, Children under 3: Free, Senior citizens & students: £7.50, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £30.40

Open Winter: 10am to 4pm (with last entry at 3pm).

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Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Totnes

Tel. 01803 840387

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a non-profit-making organisation, which relies on the work of volunteers and the great support of its customers. It aims to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife.

It is also a fantastic day out! A family owned attraction, Totnes Rare Breeds is small enough to provide a friendly and personal service, but with enough to keep its visitors occupied and happy all day.

Tucked away behind Totnes in the rolling Devon countryside, once you find the Rare Breeds Farm you won’t want to leave!

Totnes Rare Breeds, Littlehempston, Totnes, TQ9 6LZ.

Prices 2011 Prices: Adults: £4.95, Senior Citizens: £4.50, Children: £3.75, Family 2 + 2: £16.00 , Children 2 and under: FREE. Essential carers are given free admittance.

Open Open again on 24th March 2012, and are open every day until 4th November, 10am - 5pm.

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