Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh, Devon
For something different, how about Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies for a day out when you’re on your large group holiday in Devon? This family run attraction on the edge of Dartmoor National Park between Exeter and Plymouth is home to three species of otter and several types of tropical butterflies, not forgetting Izzard, the resident rescue iguana.
The rainforest atmosphere of the Butterfly House is quite an experience, and a fantastic opportunity to see butterflies hatching and flying free; there are species from all over the world, including the very striking Blue Morpho and Green Birdwing, Owl Butterflies and the enormous Atlas Moth. The Otter Sanctuary has an underwater viewing area where you can watch the three species swim and play – the native British otters, Asian short-clawed otters and the larger North American river otters. It’s worth being there for the daily feeding times at 11:30am, 2:00pm and 4:00pm, and if you can spare an entire morning or afternoon, book up an Otter Experience.
Before you go home have a stroll along the River Dart, stop off with the kids at the children’s playground and browse the shop for a little momento of your visit. The Otter Sanctuary and gift shop are open every day from 10:00am to 5:00pm and the Butterfly House opens at Easter each year, until the end of October.
T: 01364 293113
All information correct at the time of writing