Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies Sactuary

The Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary & Buckfast Butterfly Farm is a small, family-run wildlife centre in South Devon that combines the conservation of otters with a tropical butterfly house.

Location & Getting There
Address: The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ.
By Car: Easily reached just off the A38 Devon Expressway at the Dart Bridge junction.
By Rail: You can take a steam train from Totnes on the South Devon Railway, which stops right adjacent to the sanctuary.

What to See & Do
Otter Sanctuary: View three species—British, Asian Short-Clawed, and North American River otters—in large enclosures with underwater viewing areas.
Butterfly House: Wander through a tropical greenhouse filled with free-flying exotic butterflies and moths from around the world.
Reptiles & More: See terrapins, Izzy the green iguana, and a leafcutter ant colony.
Otter Feeding Tours: These occur daily at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm (with an additional 4:00 pm session in summer) and are the best way to see the otters active and learn from keepers.

Planning Your Visit
Duration: Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours.
Who Should Go: It is ideal for wildlife lovers and families with school-aged children.
When to Go: The Butterfly House is closed from November 1st to March 31st, during which time it is “Otters Only”.
Unique Features: It is a dedicated sanctuary focused on rehabilitation and conservation rather than a traditional zoo. In winter, you might even see the otters taking a “hot bath”.

Offers & Tips
Combined Tickets: Discounted tickets are often available if you combine your visit with a ride on the South Devon Steam Railway.
Booking: Tickets can be pre-purchased online or at reception. All-day entry allows you to leave and return later.
Special Experiences: “Otter Experiences” (cleaning and feeding) are available but require essential pre-booking.
Handy Tip: If you wear glasses, the humid butterfly house will steam them up; keep a wipe handy!