Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm
A charming wildlife sanctuary in Devon, famous for its immersive butterfly house and delightful otter encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See otters at their most active
Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm
Best Time
See otters at their most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming wildlife sanctuary in Devon, famous for its immersive butterfly house and delightful otter encounters.
"Otter-ly delightful day out with fascinating exhibits and a wonderful ambience."
🎯 Check Otter Feeding Times
Don't miss the otter feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing opportunities.
🦋 Wear Bright Colors
Butterflies love bright colors! Wear something vibrant to increase your chances of them landing on you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly House Immersion
Butterfly House
Wander through a humid paradise filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies. A truly enchanting and interactive experience.
Otter Feeding Frenzy
Otter Enclosures
Witness the adorable otters during their scheduled feeding times. A highlight for many visitors, especially families.
Terrapin and Iguana Encounters
Reptile Area
Meet the resident terrapins and the surprisingly orange 'Izzy' the green iguana. A fun surprise for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Otter Sightings
Butterfly House Bliss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Otter Feeding Times
Don't miss the otter feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing opportunities.
🦋 Wear Bright Colors
Butterflies love bright colors! Wear something vibrant to increase your chances of them landing on you.
💧 Be Prepared for Humidity
The butterfly house is warm and humid. Dress in light layers for comfort.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The butterflies and otters offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Otter Feeding Times
Don't miss the otter feeding! Check the schedule upon arrival for the best viewing opportunities.
🦋 Wear Bright Colors
Butterflies love bright colors! Wear something vibrant to increase your chances of them landing on you.
💧 Be Prepared for Humidity
The butterfly house is warm and humid. Dress in light layers for comfort.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The butterflies and otters offer fantastic photo opportunities.
☕ Snack Stop
Delicious pasties and sausage rolls are available at the cafe. Perfect for a quick bite.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical butterfly house, with many experiencing the joy of butterflies landing on them. The otter feeding times are a highlight, and the special otter experience is highly recommended for an up-close encounter. While some found the otters less visible outside of feeding, the overall experience is considered visually stunning and enriching, making it a worthwhile visit for a few hours.
"Took my granddaughters here last week. They loved being in the butterfly house, especially when the butterflies landed on them and sat on their hands for ages. There are many to see flying in amongst the plants. There are also terrapins and an iguana which is billed as Izzy the green iguana but is bright orange! The otters however were a bit of a disappointment, even at feeding time. The keeper just put the food into the enclosure and it was not easy to see what the otters were doing. The girls got bored with it very quickly and went back to the butterfly house. There is a small cafe outside and you have to show your tickets again to get back in the butterfly house. There are only snacks of pasties or sausage rolls, but they were delicious. Ice creams and beverages also available. There is a larger eatery in the station area. Nice gift shop, lots of things for young ones, but not much for over 10s. Also items for adults. We spent 3 hours there so definitely a place worth visiting for a morning or afternoon but not a whole day."
Jenny Wiseman
"We had a fantastic time at the sanctuary, It was a visually stunning and enriching experience filled with fascinating exhibits and a wonderful ambience.
The garden is stunning, with beautiful flowers and relaxing pathways to stroll along. I loved the pond, watching the colourful fish swim by and the turtles. Overall, it's a wonderful place to spend a day exploring and enjoying nature and the otters. If you are lucky you might even see the train passing by
The visit left us with lasting memories and a desire to return. It was truly a highlight of our day!"
Oohlalalisa
"Well worth a visit if in the area and looking for something to do for an hour or two. Several families of otter there who you can see fed at certain times of the day. Large butterfly enclosure with some wonderful species."
Len Elkington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in Buckfastleigh, Devon. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from nearby towns is advisable.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's usually convenient and close to the entrance, making it easy to access the sanctuary.
While a car is the most convenient, you can reach Buckfastleigh via public transport. From there, a short taxi ride or a walk might be necessary to reach the sanctuary itself.
The sanctuary is generally accessible from major routes in Devon, making it a feasible stop if you're traveling through the region.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website for current admission fees. Family tickets or special offers might be available.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special experiences like the otter encounter, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Look out for potential discounts for children, seniors, or group bookings. Sometimes, booking online in advance can also offer a slight saving.
Yes, you typically need to show your ticket to re-enter the butterfly house after visiting other areas or the cafe.
General admission usually covers access to the otter enclosures, the butterfly house, and other resident animals. Special experiences may incur an additional charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see otters, a variety of butterflies in a humid house, terrapins, and an iguana. The grounds are also pleasant for a stroll.
Absolutely! Kids love the butterflies landing on them and the excitement of otter feeding. It's a great family-friendly destination.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours, which is ample time to see everything and enjoy the experiences.
Yes, the otter experience is highly recommended, offering a hands-on feeding session and learning about the otters.
The pathways are generally well-maintained, but it's always a good idea to check with the sanctuary directly for specific accessibility details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small cafe offering delicious pasties and sausage rolls, plus ice creams and beverages. A larger eatery is available in the nearby station area.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas, though purchasing from their cafe supports the sanctuary.
The onsite cafe offers snacks like pasties and sausage rolls. The larger eatery in the station area likely has more substantial options.
Information on specific dietary options isn't readily available, but snacks like pasties might have variations. It's best to inquire directly.
Prices are generally reasonable for a tourist attraction, with pasties and sausage rolls being affordable snack options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the sanctuary. Capture those magical moments with the butterflies and otters!
The butterfly house offers incredible close-up opportunities. Otter feeding times also provide dynamic shots. +1
It's best to avoid flash photography, especially in the butterfly house, as it can disturb the delicate creatures. Check for any specific signage.
Generally, personal photography is fine. Professional shoots or commercial use might require prior permission.
Visitors often share photos of butterflies on their hands, playful otters, and the lush greenery of the sanctuary. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the butterfly house is humid, so dress children in light, comfortable clothing. The snack bar offers kid-friendly options like pasties and sausage rolls. Plan for about 2-3 hours, which is usually enough to keep young attention spans engaged without becoming overwhelming.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Lovers
Beyond the main attractions, the well-maintained gardens offer a peaceful setting for a stroll. The chance to see other residents like terrapins and iguanas adds to the biodiversity on display. It's a place to connect with nature and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
📸 Photographers
Otter feeding times provide dynamic action shots, capturing their playful nature. Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid flash photography to protect the animals. The lush greenery and diverse inhabitants offer a wide range of subjects for stunning wildlife photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Butterfly House
This enclosed ecosystem is meticulously maintained to ensure the health and happiness of its inhabitants. The lush vegetation provides ample food sources and resting spots, contributing to the lifelike atmosphere. It's a place where you can slow down, observe the intricate beauty of nature, and feel a genuine connection with the environment. The experience is often described as calming and awe-inspiring, making it a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Otter Encounters: Feeding and Experiences
For an even more memorable visit, consider booking an 'otter experience.' These hands-on encounters allow you to get up close and personal with the otters, preparing their food and even feeding them under the guidance of experienced staff. Reviews consistently praise these experiences as brilliant and highly recommended, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with these fascinating creatures. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Beyond the Otters and Butterflies
The sanctuary is also situated near a heritage steam railway, offering the chance to see a train passing by, which can be an added delight for visitors, especially families. The on-site cafe provides delicious snacks like pasties and sausage rolls, perfect for a mid-visit refuel, and there's a gift shop with a range of items for different age groups.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit