Devon holidays have so much to offer animal lovers of all ages. The glorious weather and gorgeous landscape make the region the perfect place to meet all kinds of furry friends. Our comfortable holiday park in Dawlish Warren makes a brilliant base for trips to the attractions mentioned below. How many of these amazing experiences will you try?
Enjoy Close Encounters with Exotic Big Cats
Did you know that We Bought a Zoo, one of the most heart-warming films to come out of Hollywood in recent years, was inspired by South Devon’s very own Dartmoor Zoo?
The zoo’s big cats are surely the biggest draw – you’ll find more of these beautiful beasts there than at any other attraction in the South West. Watching Jasiri the lion and other powerful predators tucking into their lunch at feeding time is awe-inspiring.
To make your day out truly unforgettable, book the Meet the Tigers experience. Enjoy behind-the-scenes encounters with the biggest of the big cats – it’s a feline fan’s dream!
Don’t Miss the Deer Train Safari!
With its proud history of farming and fantastic wildlife, Devon is undoubtedly one of the best places to learn about the wonders of the countryside. If your little ones are nature and animal lovers, don’t miss the World of Country Life in Exmouth.
There you’ll find a unique attraction: the region’s only deer train safari! Jump aboard and journey through pretty paddocks, where red deer are waiting to meet you. These inquisitive, charming creatures walk right up to the train and love being fed treats by its passengers.
Go Llama Trekking in Stunning Surroundings
What could possibly be more quirky and enjoyable than llama trekking? How about llama trekking on Devon’s breathtaking Jurassic Coast, followed by a traditional Devonshire cream tea?
First, meet your gentle walking companions at Peak Hill Llamas in Sidmouth and learn how to handle them. Then enjoy spectacular scenery as you bond with the llamas during a relaxed ramble. When the trek has finished, indulge in locally made scones topped with clotted cream and jam in the Llama Lookout gazebo.
Peak Hill Llamas is, in the words of one of its recent visitors, ‘absolutely magical’!
Feed the Tallest Animals in the World
If you thought llamas had long necks, wait until you meet Paignton Zoo’s giraffes… Make friends with Yoda and his herd during the zoo’s giraffe experience and you’ll have some of the tallest animals on the planet eating out of the palm of your hand – literally! As Giraffe House VIPs, you’ll also get the chance to quiz the staff about looking after these amazing creatures. What a treat for any animal lovers and budding zookeepers in your family!
What’s more, Paignton Zoo has more than 2,000 other animals, from orang-utans to cheetahs, so your day out will be action-packed from beginning to end.
Help to Put Pint-Sized Ponies to Bed!
Dartmoor National Park’s rugged, stunning landscape has been home to equally rugged, stunning ponies for hundreds of years. While those grazing on the South Devon moorland aren’t used to human contact and so shouldn’t be approached, the adorable inhabitants of The Miniature Pony Centre nearby are more than happy to be patted and even cuddled.
Look out for this Devon attraction’s new arrival, foal Bolt, who was born earlier in 2018 and are sure to make you say, ‘Aww!’
Hands-on activities are at the heart of The Miniature Pony Centre experience: visitors are invited to feed and groom the pint-sized residents, while young children can try pony riding. But surely the most memorable activity involves putting the ponies to bed. Help to herd the sleepy ponies towards their stables and give them a bedtime snack (hay, of course!).
Staying at Welcome Family’s first-class South Devon holiday park means that you’ll be close to all kinds of top attractions. Simply book online or call us on 03451 656265.
