Animals & Wildlife

Search,Plan

And Book

You are here: Things to Do > By Type > Animals & Wildlife

Animals & Wildlife

If you love animals and wildlife then Devon’s English Riviera has a host of attractions just for you. There are lots of places to explore that will create wonderful memories to take home.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Paignton Zoo is a world-class wildlife conservation park set in beautiful and extensive gardens with large lakes. The park is home to some of the planet’s most rare and amazing creatures. Discover all your favourites, including gorillas and orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers and rhinos plus some more unusual species. A must-see is the Crocodile Swamp. Here, amid the lush tropical foliage and steamy atmosphere, you’ll come face-to-face with huge crocodiles plus large snakes, turtles and fish. Then there’s Amphibian Ark, the Avian Breeding Centre and Monkey Heights. Paignton Zoo is a registered charity working on worldwide conservation projects.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Guarding the southern edge of Devon’s English Riviera, Berry Head National Nature Reserve, is a famous hotspot for thousands of local and migrating birds. Perched high up on 200 feet (60 metre) cliffs, this beautiful headland is surrounded by water on 3 sides and has some of Devon’s most breathtaking views. You can enjoy a pleasant walk up to the site from Brixham or drive up to the visitor car park. The high cliffs are home to the largest breeding colonies of guillemots on the south coast of England and these are Berry Head’s most famous residents. You can often see dolphins and porpoises just off the headland.

Occombe Farm

Occombe Farm Park & Play is a new visitor attraction. A mix of indoor and outdoor play, animal encounters barn and animal paddocks trail. Come cuddle the cutest bunnies and guinea pigs. Chuckle with the naughty goats, watch the very bouncy grey-faced Dartmoor sheep and spot the different breeds of chickens including some very cool and super fluffy silkies! There’s a couple of very pretty Shetland ponies too.

Come and play in the new indoor play barn. A unique space for outdoor play; indoors! For exploring and inspiring children aged 2–12 years. A space for make-believe, fantasies and imaginary adventures.

A visit to Occombe is family fun that contributes towards the care and protection of Torbay’s most beautiful green spaces. Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, a conservation charity, are keepers of these most important natural places for nature, wildlife, recreation and education. Places like Cockington Country Park, Berry Head National Nature Reserve and lots of wildlife-friendly woodlands, meadows, pathways and bridleways around Torbay.

Marine Wildlife

Devon’s English Riviera has an amazing range of marine life and the whole area is protected under the Torbay Marine Conservation Zone. Fascinating marine creatures such as the long snouted seahorse, Devonshire cup coral, sponges, anemones, sea squirts and the native oyster all live here. Rock pooling is a great activity for the whole family with captivating crabs, awesome anemones, peaceful prawns and sassy starfish to spot. Goodrington Sands, Meadfoot Beach, Corbyn Head and Shoalstone are all top spots - Goodrington Sands has been rated in the top ten places to rockpool in the country. Look out for bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey seals and basking sharks that can often be seen near the beaches, in the harbours or off the headlands.

Share Your Snaps

#EnglishRiviera

Real photos by real people. Use #englishriviera and you could end up on our social media gallery too. Experience the Bay your way! 🌴

With 22 miles of

coastline and 20 beaches on offer,

there's something

for everyone!

Search, plan and book

Book Now

Order your free travel directories

Contact English Riviera Visitor Information

Submit your event

Hello.

We'd love to hear what you think about the English Riviera!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance to win a two night bed and breakfast stay at the Mercure Hotel in Paignton.

Enter now

Don't Miss

The official tourism website for the English Riviera

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

Ratings Powered By

My Planner

Animals & Wildlife

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Occombe Farm

Marine Wildlife

Refine By

Refine your search

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Establishment Features

Venue Facilities

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Visit Website

Address

Telephone

Type

Type:

Dates

Establishment Features

Visit Website

Don't Miss

English Riviera Airshow

Special Offers

What's On Monthly Calendar

Subscribe to our newsletter