Cornish Seal Sanctuary — Attraction in Gweek

This was our second visit to the seal sanctuary, this time with kids in tow. As a young(er) couple, we visited here 21 years ago and being that my memory isn’t quite as spectacular as it once was, I can’t really compare it to then! Saying that I do remember the steep pathways being fun but not beyond a fairly average fitness. Disabled ramp access is also very good.

This is an extremely rewarding attraction with an emphasis on seal rescue and recovery. From the hospital to the training pools to the seal retirement facility you are taken through the different stages of rehabilitation along with plenty of talks for those who wish to be further educated on how this amazing team looks after these beautiful animals. They also look after penguins and sea lions as well as encouraging the dam building activities of one of my personal favourites in the woodland nature trails, the beavers! There are worksheets and seasonal quizzes for the kids to complete. They also have a generous kids playground.

You generally get the sense these animals are well looked after. The staff are very friendly, courteous and happy to answer questions. The gift shop is well stocked with a range of items (and prices) for all. I don’t resent paying a bit more in places like this as I’d hope the money is reinvested in the rescue and rehabilitation of more seals.

When we visited in October half term, a number of the eateries were not open so couldn’t review these but the pasty, sandwich and drinks shop was open and again had a range of items for various prices. They also have a number of picnic areas to consume your own food which I think is valued in this current financial environment. Overall, it will take about 2-4 hours to see everything depending on how many of the talks you attend.

I certainly recommend the seal sanctuary. They do amazing work with these playful, fascinating creatures that we continue to harm with our plastics and overfishing. Prices are average and you get the opportunity to return within the year for free. It’s very...

We recently visited the Seal Sanctuary with high hopes, expecting an engaging and educational day out for the whole family. Unfortunately, the experience fell significantly short of our expectations and left us quite disappointed.

Firstly, the number of animals on display was far fewer than anticipated. While the name "Seal Sanctuary" suggests a large and thriving population, there were only a handful of seals visible during our visit. Additionally, we were particularly looking forward to seeing the penguins, only to be informed upon arrival that they had all been relocated to a different facility in Scotland. This was not mentioned clearly on the website or promotional materials, and it felt misleading.

Another major letdown was the absence of live beavers. While they are advertised as one of the highlights of the sanctuary, they were nowhere to be seen in person. Instead, a television screen was playing footage of beavers in their habitat, which, while mildly informative, was not a substitute for the real thing. This felt like a poor alternative, especially considering the entry fee.

The overall layout and facilities of the sanctuary were average at best. Signage was limited, and there was a general lack of interactive or engaging displays to hold children’s attention for long. The staff were polite and helpful when approached, but this could not make up for the lack of animal presence and the overall underwhelming experience.

In summary, while the sanctuary may do good work behind the scenes, the visitor experience does not justify the price of admission. It may be suitable for a quick stop if you're in the area, but I would not recommend making a special trip. A disappointing visit that did not live up to the expectations set by its name and...

Just got back from the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and I honestly can’t recommend it enough – not just for the seals (who are absolute stars!) but for how inclusive and welcoming the whole place is 💙

From the moment we arrived, the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. They offer a van for anyone who might find the hills tricky, and carers go free with a disabled visitor – which makes such a difference. The team are so understanding and go out of their way to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included.

The parking was right outside of the entrance and we even had the option to park right down by the seals if the hills or use of the van was not an option for us. We challenged ourselves to the walk/wagon ride down but we did use the van ride back (staff member was lovely and chatty!)

For anyone who’s neurodivergent, or visiting with someone who is, it’s such a lovely set-up – with plenty of open space, peaceful walks and areas to take a break, plus friendly talks that are engaging without being overwhelming. You can really go at your own pace, and nothing feels rushed.

We brought a trolley with us to pull the children along, and it was smooth and easy to use, with plenty of space to move around.

The whole day felt relaxed, safe, and full of little moments of joy – from watching the seals play, to meeting the adorable puffins, and exploring the inclusive play parks. A huge thank you to the team for creating a space where everyone, no matter their needs, can have a magical day out 🦭✨

We can’t wait to go back and make the most of our free returns over the next year! THANK YOU! ☺️

#CornishSealSanctuary #InclusiveTravel #NeurodivergentFriendly #AccessibilityMatters...