Pennywell Farm
Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT
01364 642023 
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Get stuck in with hands-on animal activities every 30 minutes! Pony pampering, ferret racing, bottle-feeding goats, piggy cuddles and a chance to meet the hedgehogs are just a few ways to interact with the animals on the farm. See the daily activity board on arrival to see what’s on and when (advance booking essential). A huge variety of animals can be found at Pennywell – from miniature pigs to Highland cattle, alpacas and tortoises enjoying a slower pace of life. Travel around the farm on the Rainbow Railway or by tractor and trailer for a true farm experience before sitting down for the Big Show in the main barn!

Quince Honey Farm
Aller Cross, South Molton, EX36 3RD
01769 572401
www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk 
Go on a journey from flower to honey jar with a visit to this working family-run honey farm – in operation since 1949! Wander through the unique Nectar Gardens and see the inner workings of a beehive behind glass, live in action, before going behind the scenes in the Honey Factory to see how honey is extracted from the hive and beeswax candles are made. Budding beekeepers can even book a beekeeping experience day for a fully suited-up hands-on experience dealing with a hive of bees. The Play Hive provides a huge indoor soft play area, while you enjoy the on-site café. What’s more, the location is B-E-E-utiful!

Occombe Farm Park & Play
Preston Down Rd, Paignton, TQ3 1RN
01803 696250
www.occombe.co.uk 
Head to the paddocks on this specially designed, self-guided farm animal trail where you can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, donkeys and Shetland ponies! There are daily scheduled activities throughout the day, where you can enjoy handling, feeding and talks to learn more about these animals and their needs. During spring you might be lucky to say hello to lambs, chicks and calves in the animal encounters barn, as well as bunnies and guinea pigs. Imaginative indoor and outdoor play areas will have 2-12 year olds playing, exploring and learning about Torbay’s natural heritage too!

Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otters
Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
07761447219
www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk 
This small, South Devon farm is open daily and combines education with a family-fun day. With a mission to preserve and protect, visitors can learn more about breeding and rehabilitation of butterflies and support the conservation of these wonderful species – all while getting up close to an array of exotic butterflies, moths and a number of otters found from all around the world!

The Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth, EX10 0NU
01395 578222 
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Visit the East Devon sanctuary, pioneered by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, who dedicated her life to helping over 10,000 donkeys and mules, both here and in sanctuaries like this one around the world. Families can enjoy a visit to these fluffy and often downright hilarious animals. Limited wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to be pre-booked too. Visit between 17 – 22 May for International Donkey Week – a chance to have close contact with the sanctuary’s resident donkeys.