Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2217 reviewsTo build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2217 reviewsWelcome to the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm. We small, friendly, family run South Devon attraction, ideal for a family visit whatever the weather.
we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see and learn about their amazing life cycle. In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off
Our mission statement: to be a proactive supporter of the worlds flora and fauna and to provide an enjoyable, educational and thought-provoking visit focussed on our work and experience of otters and butterflies
The Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary has been carefully designed to provide our resident otters with the best possible conditions and our visitors excellent opportunities to see and enjoy them. We also have facilities for the treatment of any sick or injured otters that may be brought to us. It is hoped that having seen and enjoyed our resident otters and been given an understanding into their secret way of life, visitors will be more aware of the plight of otters world-wide, particularly of course our own native British Otter Lutra lutra.
The Butterfly House is a specially designed and maintained exhibition of living exotic butterflies, moths and caterpillars. where visitors can enjoy direct contact with some of the most beautiful members of the insect order from all around the world. You will see the 3 stages of the butterfly life cycle right before your eyes, It really is a fascinating insight into the magical metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, you may even be lucky enough to see a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.
We also have a wonderful gift shop full of treats, surprises and gifts for any occasion.
Tickets are valid all day and you are welcome to leave the main building to enjoy the other things to do outside in the gardens and grounds and return again later.
There is a small children's playground and a lovely walk beside the River Dart to enjoy where we regularly have sightings of wild otters.
The feeding times at 11.30am, 2.00pm and 4.00pm these are the best times to see and enjoy the otters, so plan your visit around these times.
In combining education with a fun day out in Devon, we aim to encourage and inspire visitors to learn more of the daily life of our fascinating creatures and create a unique attraction for kids and big kids alike.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Adult | £9.95 per ticket |
Concession | £8.95 per ticket |
Child | £7.95 per ticket |
Family | £30.00 per ticket |
* Monday - Sunday 10.00 - 17.30
For November - March opening times please refer to their website.
View
Close
The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is situated just outside the southern border of Dartmoor National Park between Exeter and Plymouth and is easily reached just off the A38 Devon Expressway at the Dart Bridge junction. There are large brown tourist signs guiding visitors from the junction to our car park. The journey from Exeter or Plymouth by road takes about half an hour and from the Torbay area about three quarters of an hour.
View
Close
Its is also possible to visit us by rail by travelling to Totnes main line station and then taking a steam train from Totnes, travelling on the South Devon Steam Railway from Totnes to Buckfastleigh. The South Devon Steam Railway is adjacent to the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary and there is a short two-minute walk from the platform. This is proving a very popular trip, with discounted tickets available for visitors who visit both the otters and butterflies and ride on the steam train.
View
Close
The South Devon Railway features a wonderful 14 mile round trip along a branch line of…
Hands-on activities, shows, and displays. The biggest farm activity park in the South…
Ashburton has built a reputation over many years as a top destination for antiques and no…
90 acres of parkland adjacent to River Dart on edge of Dartmoor. Generous size pitches.…
With beautifully tiled floors, well appointed changing rooms and the latest facilities,…
The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail was officially opened on the 4th May 2006 by Councillor Des…
House of Marbles is a unique attraction located in Bovey Tracey, the 'Gateway to the…
For great racing and great fun, look no further than a visit to Newton Abbot Racecourse.…
Flowing from Dartmoor through the town of Bovey Tracey before meeting the River Teign is…
Hackney Marshes is a Local Nature Reserve. Buzzards, kestrels and pheasants are often…
Sandridge Barton, 'the Home of Sharpham Wine' is a renowned English wine producer set…
With dozens of different animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you are…
Paignton Sands is the ideal holiday beach. This long stretch of red sand and shallow sea…
BRAND NEW for 2024! Shipwreck Island, FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES, a haven of wet adventure…
Close to Paignton is the long, sandy stretch of Goodrington Sands. With a Seaside Award,…
If you're looking for a spa in Torquay, step into the calm and relaxing atmosphere at the…