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If you’re an animal lover or looking for family-friendly attractions in Plymouth, you’re in for a treat!
The city and its surroundings are packed with opportunities to get up close with a variety of wildlife. From exotic big cats to marine life and cuddly alpacas, these animal attractions in Plymouth offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Here’s a guide to some of the top spots to explore!
National Marine Aquarium
A must-visit family-friendly attraction in Plymouth is the National Marine Aquarium, home to over 4,000 fascinating marine animals. Located in Sutton Harbour, this multi-level aquarium lets you gaze at sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and countless other species as you uncover the secrets of the ocean. What’s more, tickets are valid for a whole year, so you can come back anytime to experience the wonders beneath the waves over and over again!
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Discover the beauty of aquatic wildlife at Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the UK’s first national marine park. Located in the waters of Plymouth Sound, the area is a great place to watch marine animals that call it home. From fish to seals and much more, the park offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying Plymouth’s stunning coastal scenery.
Dartmoor Zoo
A visit to Dartmoor Zoo is perfect for families seeking an up-close encounter with amazing wildlife. As the inspiration for the Hollywood film We Bought a Zoo, this 33-acre park on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park is home to the largest variety of big cats in the South West. Marvel at majestic lions, speedy cheetahs, playful monkeys, reptiles, as well as family-friendly events which take place every day, and don’t forget to grab a bite at the on-site Jaguar Restaurant!
Alpaca Experience at Mount Edgcumbe
For a more hands-on animal encounter, head to Mount Edgcumbe for the Alpaca Experience. Here, you can walk the beautiful 865-acre grounds with one of these adorable creatures by your side. Learn about the alpacas’ habits, their unique personalities, and how they’re cared for, before setting off on a scenic walk with stunning views across the water to Plymouth.
Immersive Dome Experience at Market Hall
Dive into an immersive journey at Market Hall’s Underwater World Experience, where you can explore the icy landscapes of the Arctic without leaving Plymouth. This incredible dome experience brings the Arctic to life with stunning visuals of its cold, breathtaking surroundings. Watch as polar bears, narwhals, belugas, and other Arctic animals come to life on screen in this fascinating hour-long adventure—a great indoor activity for families!
Paignton Zoo
For families willing to take a short trip, Paignton Zoo in South Devon is a fantastic destination. Home to over 2,000 animals, this 86-acre park offers visitors the chance to see incredible species like the mighty African Lion and the towering Rothschild’s Giraffe. Paignton Zoo is one of the best family-friendly animal attractions near Plymouth, offering hours of fun and learning for animal enthusiasts of all ages.
Pennywell Farm
One of the top family-favourite attractions near Plymouth is Pennywell Farm, where visitors can get up close with hundreds of adorable animals. Among the stars of the farm are the famous miniature pigs—tiny, cute, and always ready for a cuddle! In addition to the animals, the farm offers fun rides like Old MacDonald’s Farm Tractor and Trailer Ride and the Rainbow Railway, making it the perfect day out for families with young children.
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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
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