Cornish Seal Sanctuary Gweek
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing seals and other marine animals, offering a meaningful day out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seal activity
Cornish Seal Sanctuary Gweek
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing seals and other marine animals, offering a meaningful day out.
"A truly meaningful experience, combining education, conservation, and enjoyment for all ages."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Get a discount by booking in advance online!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your dog is welcome! Enjoy woodland walks together.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seal Hospital & Residents
Seal Hospital & resident enclosures
Witness adorable seal pups in rehab and meet the charismatic resident seals with unique personalities.
Beaver Creek Woodland Walk
Woodland area
Explore a peaceful woodland trail, keeping an eye out for the elusive beavers.
Puffin & Otter Encounters
Puffin and otter enclosures
Meet the charming puffins and playful otters that call the sanctuary home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Annual Pass Value
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Get a discount by booking in advance online!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your dog is welcome! Enjoy woodland walks together.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Plenty of space to walk and picnic.
🗣️ Attend Live Talks
Learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Get a discount by booking in advance online!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your dog is welcome! Enjoy woodland walks together.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Plenty of space to walk and picnic.
🗣️ Attend Live Talks
Learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable staff.
📸 Capture the Moments
Great photo opportunities of seals and other animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for its dedication to animal rescue and rehabilitation, with many highlighting the engaging talks and the adorable personalities of the seals. The annual pass offers excellent value, and the dog-friendly policy is a significant plus. Some visitors note the car park's steep incline and occasionally mention not seeing all the animals, like the beavers.
"Had a couple of trips here during our holiday in Gweek , once you have brought your ticket you can go as many times as you like for a year! Fantastic views here and plenty of places to have a picnic as well as look at the seals and puffins . Didn’t see any beavers in the secret creek but a nice woodland walk to their home . Recommend buying tickets in advance to get a good discount"
Tracey Parker
"Fantastic exhibits with great live talks giving insights into the history and day to day activities of the sanctuary. The seals are adorable and full of personality! I loved the nature walk portions where you can fully experience the beauty of Gweek (and maybe spot a few cheeky beavers.)"
George Kowalski
"I wanted to come here for a while, but holiday days & timings just didn't seem to work out, but this week I finally managed it & I was not disappointed at all.
From the warm welcome as you enter, this place just feels so warm & enjoyable as you walk around to meet with the seals, etc. We were able to listen to the talks & experience the fun & joy during the seals feeding time.
The team taking care of these animals were helpful, knowledgeable & clearly love their jobs & time spent with them.
A great visit & time for us spent walking the park taking photos, plus a well enjoyed cup of tea in the sunshine.
Thanks to all the team during our visit, we plan to visit again ASAP."
Wayne Ware
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is located in Gweek, Cornwall. Visitors often drive, and while the sanctuary has a car park, be aware it's on a steep incline. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is advisable if you're not driving.
Yes, there is a car park available at the sanctuary. However, be prepared for a significant incline.
The address is Gweek, Helston TR12 6UG.
Public transport options to Gweek can be infrequent. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider driving for easier access.
While many areas are accessible, some paths may be challenging due to inclines. It's recommended to contact the sanctuary directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official Cornish Seal Sanctuary website for the most up-to-date 'Gweek Seal Sanctuary opening times' before your visit.
Ticket prices can be found on their website. Booking online in advance often provides a discount, making it a better deal than purchasing on the day.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance can offer a discount. Keep an eye out for special offers or packages.
Absolutely! Your ticket allows you to visit as many times as you like for a full year after purchase, offering fantastic value. +1
While not always mandatory, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry and potentially a discount. Check their website for the latest booking requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see rescued seals, sea lions, puffins, otters, ponies, and goats. The sanctuary focuses on rescue and rehabilitation.
Yes, the sanctuary hosts scheduled talks and feeding times throughout the day, which are highlights for visitors. +1
Yes, it's a very dog-friendly attraction! Dogs are welcome and can enjoy the woodland walks with you. +1
Beyond the seals, you can explore the Beaver Creek woodland walk, see puffins and otters, and enjoy the scenic views of the Helford Estuary.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly outing. Children often love watching the seals and other animals, and there are often mascot days. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can enjoy refreshments.
Absolutely! There are plenty of picnic spots available, making it a great option to bring your own food and enjoy a meal with a view.
The cafe typically offers a range of snacks, light meals, and drinks. You might even find local treats like a Cornish pasty!
While specific menus can change, most cafes at attractions offer a selection of options. It's best to check with the cafe staff upon arrival.
Yes, the sanctuary provides numerous spots perfect for picnics, allowing you to enjoy your own food amidst the beautiful surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the seal enclosures and the scenic Helford Estuary views offer great photo opportunities. Feeding times can also be very photogenic.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Capture the unique personalities and antics of the seals and other animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the animals, especially during talks.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing close-ups of the seals and other wildlife. However, a smartphone camera can also capture great memories.
Keep an eye out for special events like mascot days, which can provide fun and unique photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider attending one of their 'Mascot Days' for extra fun and photo opportunities.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your dog will be fascinated by the real seals, creating memorable moments. Remember to keep your dog on a lead to ensure the safety of all animals and visitors.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
Your admission fee directly supports vital rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine animals. +1 Learn about the sanctuary's commitment to releasing animals back into the wild and their focus on protecting marine habitats. +1Participating in or learning about their beach clean initiatives, like the one organized on World Environment Day, further highlights their dedication to environmental protection.
This is a place where you can feel good about spending your time and money, knowing you're contributing to a worthy cause. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release
+1 Unlike traditional zoos, their primary focus is on providing care for injured or orphaned animals with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild. +1Visitors can learn about the sanctuary's work through informative talks and by observing the animals in their specialized hospital pens.
+1 This dedication to conservation and animal welfare makes a visit a truly meaningful experience, allowing you to contribute to a crucial cause while enjoying a day out. It's important to note that the sanctuary has shifted away from breeding programs. This decision was made after observing that pups raised in captivity, while successfully rehabilitated, sometimes struggled to adapt to the wild due to a lack of natural wariness towards humans.
A Day Out with Your Canine Companion
There are designated woodland walks where dogs can roam and enjoy the fresh air.
Imagine your dog's fascination meeting the real seals – it's a unique experience that many visitors, and their pets, cherish. While dogs are welcome, it's always a good idea to keep them on a lead, especially around the animal enclosures, to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals and visitors.
Beyond the Seals: A Richer Experience
The sanctuary also boasts the 'Beaver Creek' project, offering a tranquil woodland walk where you might catch a glimpse of these industrious animals.
Furthermore, the scenic location overlooking the Helford Estuary provides beautiful views and a pleasant atmosphere for a day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit