Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a small, family-run petting attraction and conservation centre dedicated to safeguarding rare farm animals and providing interactive wildlife experiences.

Location & Getting There
The farm is located in Totnes, Devon (TQ9 5JR), tucked between the mainline railway and the South Devon Railway.
No Direct Road Access: You cannot drive directly to the entrance.
Parking: Park at the Pavilion Leisure Centre (TQ9 5XW) and follow the footpath past the playing fields, over the footbridge, and along the steam train platform.
Arrival by Steam Train: You can take a vintage train from Buckfastleigh or Staverton; the farm entrance is at the far end of the Totnes Riverside platform.

What to See & Do
Hands-on Interaction: Most enclosures can be entered for stroking and cuddling animals like pygmy goats, Welsh Mountain sheep, and donkeys.
Pets’ Corner: Cuddle guinea pigs and rabbits, or see newly-hatched chicks and ducklings.
Unique Wildlife: Meet red squirrels (which may jump on you for peanuts), owls, harvest mice, and even a friendly corn snake.
Experiences: Specialized sessions like the Owl Experience (handling 10 resident owls) or Shetland Pony Grooming are available for an extra fee.
Garden Café: An on-site cafe (accessible without a farm ticket) serves freshly prepared meals and overlooks the steam railway.

Planning Your Visit
Duration: Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours here, though you can see everything in about an hour if you are in a rush.
Who Should Go: It is ideal for families with young children, animal enthusiasts, and solo visitors looking for a peaceful wildlife connection.
When to Go: The farm is seasonal, typically open from late March (Easter) through the end of October. For 2026, it reopens on 21st March.

What Makes it Unique
The farm is distinguished by its “hugging range” philosophy—almost every animal can be touched or petted rather than just viewed from behind a fence. Its setting, created from former railway wasteland and accessible only by foot or steam train, adds a “secret garden” feel.

Offers & Booking Tips
Joint Tickets: You can save money by purchasing a 3-in-1 ticket that includes the farm, the South Devon Railway, and the Dartmoor Otters and Butterflies Sanctuary.
Parent & Toddler Wednesdays: During term time (10:00–12:00), the farm often offers half-price entry for one parent, with toddlers under three entering for free.
Booking: While standard entry usually doesn’t require pre-booking, Owl Experiences and school group visits must be booked in advance.
Facilities Tip: There are no toilets inside the farm; the nearest facilities are located on the South Devon Railway platform.