Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre
Discover otters, deer, and wallabies at this charming centre offering close encounters and interactive talks. A heartwarming wildlife experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover otters, deer, and wallabies at this charming centre offering close encounters and interactive talks. A heartwarming wildlife experience.
"Absolutely brilliant otters, and other animals. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable."
🎯 Wear Wellies!
Grounds can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for comfortable exploring.
📸 Camera Ready!
Animals are often close and active. Keep your camera handy for amazing photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Otter Encounters
Otter enclosures
Witness the playful antics and fascinating behaviors of otters up close. A truly heartwarming experience for all ages.
Free-Roaming Deer & Wallabies
Grounds
Wander amongst gentle fallow deer and wallabies that roam freely, often happy to be hand-fed.
Interactive Bird of Prey Talks
Bird of Prey arena
Engaging and informative talks where you might even get to hold a bird of prey on a glove.
Adorable Harvest Mice
Small animal enclosures
Don't miss the 'cutest animal' contender – the tiny and charming harvest mice!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Encounters
Timing is Key for Otters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Wellies!
Grounds can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for comfortable exploring.
📸 Camera Ready!
Animals are often close and active. Keep your camera handy for amazing photo opportunities.
✋ Hand-Feed the Wallabies
Purchase feed at the centre to get up close and personal with the friendly wallabies. +1
📅 Check Talk Times
Arrive early to see the schedule for animal talks and feeding sessions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Wellies!
Grounds can get muddy, especially after rain. Wellies are recommended for comfortable exploring.
📸 Camera Ready!
Animals are often close and active. Keep your camera handy for amazing photo opportunities.
✋ Hand-Feed the Wallabies
Purchase feed at the centre to get up close and personal with the friendly wallabies. +1
📅 Check Talk Times
Arrive early to see the schedule for animal talks and feeding sessions.
💰 Reasonable Prices
Entry fees and cafe prices are considered very reasonable for the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, well-cared-for animals, and the unique opportunity to interact closely with wildlife. The free-roaming deer and wallabies, along with the engaging otter encounters, are major highlights. Some mention the grounds can be muddy, recommending appropriate footwear.
"Absolutely brilliant otters, and other animals.
the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The talks by the staff were very interesting and interactive with the birds of prey allowing the children to hold them in a leather glove. The walk around the grounds is mainly on gravel track with deer and wallaby's roaming free in the grounds and being able to be hand fed with feed bought at the centre. The chickens also were tough enough to face off with the male peacocks. A good day out ."
Lord Mayor of Westergate
"Absolutely loved this place. The staff were so kind and friendly, the animals well looked after, the talks informed and entertaining. The walk through the woods was tranquil and beautiful, and we were so surprised by the range of animals being cared for. We came away feeling very warm and life affirmed. Otters are good for the soul!"
Anthony Ellis
"This was an excellent and surprising find! We were not expecting such a fun half day. The otters are lovely, but they also have peacocks and a very tame wallaby wandering about in-between legs who was happy to be stroked, fed and petted by a plethora of children. The staff are lovely, friendly and helpful. They have owls in aviaries, deer running around and plenty of space for all concerned.
When we went they could not have otter talks due to COVID and social distancing, but they were able to have a Bird of Prey talk without the usual petting.
We really enjoyed ourselves and easily recommend this to everyone, especially those with small children.
Note, the winner of cutest animal was voted by our family to be the Harvest Mice.
Definitely coming back!"
Stephane Middleton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre is located in Gunnislake, Cornwall. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. For public transport, you can take a train to Gunnislake station, which is a short distance from the centre. Always check local transport schedules before your visit.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the centre, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The main paths are gravel tracks, which can be a bit bumpy for pushchairs. Some areas might be muddy after rain, so a sturdy pushchair or carrier is advisable.
Generally, assistance dogs are permitted, but it's best to check their specific policy regarding other pets before your visit to avoid any disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening times before planning your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are considered very reasonable. Family tickets and individual entry options are usually available. It's best to check their official website for current admission fees.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, can save you time and guarantee entry. Check their website for online booking options.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or families. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any special offers or promotions.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the centre directly for information on cancellations or rescheduling.
If you have a gift voucher, it's best to confirm with the centre beforehand whether it can be used for admission and if any specific booking procedures apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including otters, fallow deer, wallabies, peacocks, owls, and even tiny harvest mice. Many animals roam freely and can be hand-fed. +1
Yes, the centre offers engaging talks by knowledgeable staff, particularly about birds of prey. Feeding sessions for otters are also a highlight. Check the daily schedule upon arrival. +1
The centre has gravel tracks which can be challenging for wheelchairs. While staff are helpful, some areas might be difficult to navigate. It's best to call ahead to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Children love the interactive talks, hand-feeding opportunities with wallabies and deer, and the chance to see animals up close. The free-roaming animals are a big hit. +1
Most visitors find a half-day to a full day is sufficient to explore the centre and enjoy the talks and animal encounters. It's a great place for a relaxed visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that serves simple, home-cooked food at reasonable prices. It's a good spot to refuel during your visit.
The cafe typically offers a selection of home-cooked meals, snacks, and drinks. The food is generally considered good value for money.
While specific policies can change, many wildlife centres allow visitors to bring their own picnics. It's advisable to check their policy beforehand or look for designated picnic areas.
It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff about their current menu options, as these can vary. They may be able to accommodate dietary needs.
There is no charge for using the cafe facilities themselves, but you will pay for any food or drinks you purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
The free-roaming deer and wallabies offer fantastic close-up photo opportunities. The otter enclosures and bird of prey talks also provide great shots. +1
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's recommended to check with the centre staff upon arrival, especially if you plan to use a large tripod that might obstruct pathways.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing wildlife from a distance, but a versatile zoom lens can also be very useful for the close encounters you'll have with the free-roaming animals.
Yes, the otter enclosures are designed for good viewing, and with patience, you can capture some wonderful photos of their playful nature. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With animals roaming freely, there's always something to see, keeping young minds engaged. The cafe offers reasonably priced food, making it easy to manage a family outing. Just remember to pack wellies if the weather has been wet, as the grounds can get muddy, but this often adds to the adventure!
❤️ Couples & Nature Lovers
The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the visit with their passion for conservation. It's a place to reconnect with nature, enjoy the simple beauty of animals, and leave feeling uplifted. The reasonable prices make it an accessible and rewarding outing.
📸 Photographers
Attending the bird of prey talks can also yield impressive photographic moments. While general photography is permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of animal welfare and avoid disruptive practices like excessive flash. A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture both distant and close-up subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charismatic Otters
Many visitors highlight the otters as a primary reason for their visit, noting their energetic and endearing personalities. The centre's commitment to providing spacious and naturalistic enclosures contributes to the well-being of the otters and enhances the visitor experience. Remember to check the daily schedule upon arrival to catch these aquatic acrobats at their most active.
Interactive Animal Encounters
The staff are a key part of these experiences, offering engaging talks, particularly about the birds of prey. These sessions are not just informative but also interactive, sometimes allowing visitors to hold a bird of prey on a gloved arm. This hands-on approach makes the visit educational and exciting for both children and adults, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts.
A Tranquil Walk Through Nature
While the main tracks are gravel, which can be a bit uneven, the overall atmosphere is one of calm and natural beauty. It’s a perfect environment for families to explore at their own pace, with plenty of space for children to wander and discover. The centre’s commitment to providing ample space for its animals is evident, contributing to the overall sense of well-being for both creatures and visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit