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 Weasels and waterfalls |
Manaton Plymouth, Devon TQ13 9UG United Kingdom +44 1647 221259 http://www.beckyfalls-dartmoor... |
This is a privately owned area of outstanding natural beauty. Its sheltered valley has a wide variety of plant and animal life which can be seen by exploring nature trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. To minimise erosion, visitors must keep to the signed trails which offer everything from a gentle 20 minute walk to a tough 200 foot climb requiring stout boots and strong limbs. Goats, lambs, rabbits, ponies and rescued birds of prey can be seen at close quarters, but there is also a chance of seeing otter, mink, badgers, foxes, weasels and stoats in their natural habitat. The cascading waterfalls must not be missed after either picnicking at one of the woodland spots or trying out the fine restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ball pool for adults only |
Kilkhampton Plymouth, Cornwall EX23 United Kingdom +44 1288 321920 |
With trains and boats and go-karts, Brocklands Adventure Park promises children non-stop fun. The park has indoor and outdoor facilities, with trampolines, pony rides, a mini assault course and an under-six playroom and soft play area. There is even a ball pool for adults only. A Wildlife Educational Centre opens this year and adults are admitted free on their second visit from mid-February to October. There are some coin-operated rides and small extra charges. There is wheelchair access but some slopes are tough going. Dogs are welcome on a lead and children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission adult £6.30, child(2-14) £4.80, senior £3, disabled person, £2 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Making Cornish Yarg |
Lyner Farms and Dairies Netherton, Upton Cross, Plymouth, Cornwall PL14 5BD United Kingdom +44 1579 36 2244 http://www.cornishyarg.co.uk |
Cheese lovers can see the whole manufacturing process, starting with the cows being milked. Then the cheeses are hand-made and soaked in brine, before being coated with nettle leaves for a fine distinctive flavour. You even get to try the cheeses, which include herb and garlic, tarragon and peppercorn, as well as the famous Yarg. There is something for all ages, with woodland trails to explore, rare breeds and even a wild boar herd. Picnic areas are provided, or why not enjoy a light lunch or cream tea in the Tea Room? There is also a Barn Shop where you can buy the Cornish Yarg and other regional delicacies. Most of the facilities are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with help and they advise you to bring sensible footwear to enjoy the nature trails. Because of milking times, the last tour leaves at 2:15p. Admission: adult £3, child £1.50, student/senior £2 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Over a thousand creatures |
Sparkwell Plymouth, Devon PL7 5DG United Kingdom +44 1752 837 645 http://www.dartmoorwildlife.co.uk |
For close encounters of the animal kind, this is a unique place. There are 30 acres of beautiful Devon countryside dedicated to the 1,000 creatures in this wildlife park, including bears, wolves, wild cats, lions, leopards and tigers. Don't miss feeding time for the cats and the seals. This is also home to the West Country Falconry Centre and there are flying displays daily. You can see eagles, peregrines, buzzards, owls, kestrels and many other falcons. There is a great bias towards education in this park, so there are daily talks, when you can meet the animals at close quarters. With restaurant, gift shop, picnic area, and adventure playground, this is a great day out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Elks |
 Photo: Irene Smith |
 Photo: Peter Gwenlan |
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Animal activities |
Mortonhampstead Plymouth, Devon TQ13 8RG United Kingdom |
Scenic walks, adventure play areas and of course those beautiful ponies, all on magnificent Dartmoor. Children can test-drive tractors, loaders and trailers at Sandy Farm, mix animal feed, bottle feed a lamb or have a go on the indoor assault course. There are pony rides, a goat kindergarten and wildfowl lake. Parents will love the shops and gallery where craftsman-made metal, ceramic and glassware are on sale and display. The atmospheric Courtyard Café offers light lunches and other refreshments. Free dog kennels are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Close encounters of the shark kind |
Rope Walk Coxside Plymouth, Devon PL4 0LF United Kingdom +44 1752 60 0301 http://www.national-aquarium.c... |
This is Britain's most up-to-date aquarium, with many spectacular underwater displays. A visit to this ultra-modern centre alongside Sutton Harbour on the historic Barbican will be an unforgettable adventure, with wide screen viewing windows giving you an amazing close-up view of the fish. The most spectacular displays have to be the sharks at feeding time, but there are many fascinating exhibits, including Europe's largest collection of seahorse species. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert  |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert |
 Photo: Ken |
 Photo: Andrew Julian |
 Photo: Richard Kendall |
 Photo: Chris Brightman |
 Photo: Richard Bradshaw |
 Photo: Bill Bennett |
 Photo: Daniel Jarvis |
 Photo: Dean Woodyatt |
 Photo: Marc Scott-West |
 Photo: gareth.doutch |
 Photo: Tony Edgecombe |
 Photo: Hannah Welbourn |
 Photo: simplydevonandcornwall |
 Photo: Ch3rriee |
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Frolicking otters |
Station Yard Buckfastleigh Plymouth TQ11 0DZ United Kingdom +44 1364 64 2338 |
This is a joyful place for children and all otter lovers. Here you can see a dozen otters frolicking around in a purpose-built environment. Some have been rescued, while others have been bred at the centre or are part of breeding exchanges. There is an underwater viewing area where visitors can watch the otters demonstrating their spectacular swimming and diving skills. You can watch the otters being fed at 11.30a, 2p and 4.30p. At this time the otter keeper is available and willing to answer endless questions about the otters. You can buy a combined ticket with the Butterfly Farm, which is on a nearby site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A new breed of zoo |
Totnes Road Plymouth, Devon TQ4 7EU United Kingdom +44 1803 69 7500 http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk |
Watch baboons feed, face Beastie Encounters and explore over 75 acres, with six different habitats from around the world, including savannah, forest, wetland or woodland. There's also interactive displays, an extensive new ape house, and large giraffe and elephant houses which have high observation walkways, so humans can look down on them for a change. There are restaurants, play areas and picnic tables to take a break from the animals. It is a large zoo so will take almost a whole day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Li-Lian Butcher |
 Photo: Tom Williams |
 Photo: Dave Barfoot |
 Photo: Dave Barfoot |
 Photo: Laura Turley |
 Photo: Alistair Moffatt |
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From worm charming to willow sculpting |
Buckfastleigh Plymouth, Devon TQ11 OLT United Kingdom +44 1364 64 2023 |
Hands-on animal care, rare farm breeds, wildlife, shows, games and entertainment are all on offer here. Pennywell has all the ingredients for an unusual visit. Will it be worm charming or willow sculpting? Where else would you find American line dancing alongside ferret racing? Imaginative programming lifts this farm and wildlife centre way above the rest. New attractions include Run Rabbit Ride and Pennywell Theatre. Activities also include egg collecting, a badger walk, treasure hunt and cider tasting. In December visiting children take park in the Nativity in the big barn, along with all the animals. There is also a good selection of food at Henny Penny's Licensed Café. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chris davies |
 Photo: Simon Vogt |
 Photo: Neill Richardson |
 Photo: smolarek |
 Photo: Donna Thomasson |
 Photo: H.Greenwood |
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From bearded dragons to farmyard pets |
Porfell Rural Studies Centre & Sanctuary Trecangate, Near Lanreath Plymouth, Cornwall PL14 4RE United Kingdom +44 1503 22 0211 http://www.porfellanimalland.c... |
Meet an exotic bearded dragon, lemurs and meerkats as well as scores of farmyard animals and homegrown pets at Animal Land. Find out all about different species and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of fifteen acres of rolling Cornish countryside and woods. Watch ducks and geese by the ponds, wander the walkways through the marsh areas and enjoy close contact with the animals in walk-in enclosures. Children can have fun in the play area. No dogs allowed in the park. Refreshments areavailable in the Peacock Tea Room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hedgehog lovers' heaven |
Denbury Rd Plymouth, Devon TQ12 6BZ United Kingdom +44 1626 362 319 http://www.pricklyballfarm.co.uk |
Conservation and preservation are priorities at the Hedgehog Hospital. Featured on National TV and Radio, the centre teaches about all aspects of hedgehog care and in mid-season you can see baby hogs bottle feeding. Visitors are taught how to make their gardens a safe environment for hogs to visit. Bottle feed lambs, groom ponies and see chicks hatching. Also see hens, donkeys, pigs and guinea pigs and let your children loose in the play area with ride-on tractors. There is also an evening Hedgehog Safari for adults. The Whole Hog Café will see to your refreshments, with some home cooking and child-friendly facilities. Admission: Adult 5.75, Child 4.75, Family(4) 18.95 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Farm animals and fun |
Loddiswell Road Plymouth, Devon TQ7 4BP United Kingdom +44 1548 857711 http://www.sorleytunnel.com |
This is a large visitor centre with animals, a farming exhibition, ball pools, play areas and a 1/2 mile long railway tunnel. Feed the animals with Farmer Richard on this two hundred acre organic dairy farm or go for a ride at its riding school, supervised by qualified staff. Kids will be thrilled by the Millennium Play Station, Magic Labyrinth, the Pirate Ship and Death and Turbo slides. Walk down to feed the ducks, carp and trout or visit a badger set or foxes den. Adults can investigate Blewitt's Brewery and the craft workshops or have a sketch or caricature done by an artist. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Promoting environmental awareness through entertainment |
Throughout the city Plymouth, Devon United Kingdom |
The Tamar Coastal Festival is a 2005 event that is to become an annual one. It seeks to promote environmental awareness through a variety of activities and entertainment that includes guided boat trips, picnics, beach sculpture, wildlife walks, exhibitions, and more. All the regions along the Tamar River participate in this event, including the city of Plymouth - venues here include the Dome, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, and the Tamar Estuaries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Breeding and releasing otters |
North Petherwin Plymouth, Cornwall PL15 8LW United Kingdom +44 1566 78 5646 |
Set in beautiful surroundings, this is an interesting and rewarding place to visit. The otters play happily in large natural enclosures, and can also be seen inside their breeding holts or dens. Visitors can see them fed at noon and 3p. There is an illustrated nature trail, as well as two lakes with many waterfowl, which are fed at 2.30pm. Splendid peacocks and Golden Pheasants, wallabies, Fallow and Muntjac Deer all roam freely. The sanctuary is famous for being the only place in the Southwest breeding and releasing otters to save them from extinction in lowland England. They have bred over 100 otters and released them into the wild, where they and their offspring are breeding well. The centre is also running a Dormouse Conservation Project to help conserve these fascinating little animals. There are also refreshments, a picnic area, Visitor Centre, a gift shop and a free car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sue Houghton |
 Photo: samantha cornes |
 Photo: Paul Gibbons |
 Can you catch one bigger? |
Parkwood Road Plymouth, Devon PL19 9JW United Kingdom +44 1822 61 5441 |
This is one of England's premier small trout fisheries. There are five lakes in all, stocked with rainbow and brown trout bred on the farm. The record for the fishery is a rainbow trout of 30lb 12oz. There is a small tackle shop where you can buy any items you have forgotten. They also hire out rods and other equipment. Tuition can be arranged and for that unique business or group event a full package of fishing rod hire tuition and catering can be provided. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Farm fun |
St Thomas Plymouth, Cornwall PL15 8SJ United Kingdom +44 1566 86 463 |
Laugh at the antics of the Indian Runner ducks, meet Hickory Scarecrow's friends and play in Wurzil's Woody Wonderland. See pot-bellied pigs, Jacob sheep, goats, ponies, rabbits and other farmyard animals mingle at Hickory Farm while buzzards circle overhead. Bird lovers can watch many different species of duck and even the occasional heron. Unravel the hidden mystery and visit creepy cottage. Feast on Cornish cream teas and hot and cold food at the Farm Pantry. Sorry but no dogs allowed and don't forget your wellingtons in wet weather. There is disabled access but no toilet which will access wheelchairs. Admission: Adult GBP4.95, children (5-15) GBP4.75, senior GBP4.5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Death slides and water coasters |
Blackawton Plymouth, Devon TQ9 7DQ United Kingdom +44 1803 712598 http://www.woodlands-leisure-p... |
Near the town of Totnes, Woodlands is full of thrills and spills and well deserves its many awards. From the Alpine Dash to the Tornado the emphasis is on action and adventure for all ages. For rainy days there is a huge indoor complex with venture centres, a Circusdrome, ballpools and inflatables, soft play for tinies and drop slides. Outside, the grounds bristle with commando-type courses and cafes. There is a farm area, with hands-on access, boating lakes and a wildlife walkabout, if you can pry the children away from the rides. Woodlands has won five national awards and if you can't tear yourself away, there's even a campsite attached. Wheelchair users need a strong pusher, as it's very hilly. Review © 2007, Wcities |