We go to the seal sanctuary every time we go down to Cornwall and even when we go to Dorset and Devon! (which is once a year!) Parking is free and is right near the entrance. I can not remember the exact price as every year we have been able to get a 2 for 1 ticket. I think though we paid around £6.50 last September. I think this is quite pricey but it is a charity and it is a lovely day out. If you look around for leaflets where ever you go you should find a 2 for 1 token. Once you have paid there is a downhill walk to the seals but there is a landrover train that can take you down and bring you back for no extra charge. The drive down is through the woods and you get a lovely view down into the sanctuary and then beyond to the wooded river/lake. It is only a short ride and you are dropped off between the pools where the seals live. You can wander round looking at the seals. There are views of the seals mainly all around the pools but can't remember now if the views from above are wheelchair accessible - I have a feeling they are but would imagine this information would be on their website. There are feeds and talks throughout the day. The talks are very informative - they tell you all about the sanctuary and the individual seals. it's a real treat seeing them at feeding time when you really get to see their characters. There is an underground area where there are 2 windows you can see the seals swimming under water in. The windows are quite small but you normally do get a good look at one or 2 of them swimming by and sometimes just sitting under water! this is not accessible by wheelchair. All around the sanctuary are boards with information regarding the seals. The staff who look after the seals are friendly and will answer any questions. There is a refreshment area which does not sell tons of food but does drinks, sandwiches etc but there are plenty of places to sit and eat and with the land rover train taking you there and back you could take a big hearty lunch with tons of food! It is in a pleasant setting and does have a great view over the wooded area and lake. There is also a walk to see the otters and again they do a talk and feeding time there as well. There is a gift shop which to me again seems a little pricey but again all the money is for the seals and you can get a postcards if you want a cheap momento! Only downside I think is transport accessibility. There is a big car park but Gweek is a fairly small village and do not know if there is train and bus access. I think I have seen buses with Gweek on them but may just think I have!!! This is not a gigantic place - there are not 1000s of pools but it is a really nice place to visit and the seals are lovely. If you love animals you have to go there. We always have to budget on our hols but we always make sure we have some money put aside to see the seals. The seals are lovely, views great and this is a informative and interesting place. GO if you can!!!
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Just returned from Newquay in Wales and seen seals on the beach, we go to Cornwall every year as well and have just read your review, very helpful, have driven by but did not realise what was inside ie go on landrover train to see seals this is very useful to know did not realise it was so big, will go next year, you can also use Tesco vouchers which make it quite cheap as ie; you can use £10.00 voucher for £40.00 worth of attractions. Thank you for your review, very helpful.
tuftie 03.08.2006 15:45
It's all Gweek to me
Tussie69 03.08.2006 01:50
The place is lovely and when they look at you with big sad eyes you want to give them a cuddle!!! Obviously though this is not allowed but you can get a fluffy one from the gift shop and give that a cuddle instead!!!!
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