Home » Family Fun & Adventure » Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Otters

Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Otters

Tropical butterflies and rescued otters in one family-friendly visit.

Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is a delightful wildlife attraction nestled near Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor, perfect for nature lovers and families exploring South Devon. This unique site combines beautifully tropical indoor gardens with outdoor enclosures, giving visitors the chance to enjoy both colourful insect life and engaging otter experiences in one visit.

Inside the butterfly house, you’ll be transported into a lush, warm environment where hundreds of butterflies – many tropical and spectacularly patterned – flutter freely around you. It’s a serene and magical atmosphere that’s especially popular with children and photographers, as you walk through vibrant planting and watch butterflies alight on flowers and leaves.

Outside, the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary offers a chance to see rescued otters thriving in naturalistic enclosures. The sanctuary focuses on the care and rehabilitation of these charismatic animals, and daily feeding times or keeper talks provide insight into their behaviour and conservation. It’s both educational and heart-warming to observe the otters at play or enjoying their riverside pools.

Together, the butterfly farm and otter sanctuary make for a varied and memorable day out. Whether you’re fascinated by fluttering wings, curious about wildlife conservation, or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon in a beautiful setting, this Devon attraction offers something for all ages.

Where to Stay Nearby

Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Otters

Looking for the perfect base for exploring South Devon? Cofton Holidays puts you within easy reach of the region’s best days out, while giving you a place you’ll genuinely look forward to coming back to.

Set in the beautiful Devon countryside, Cofton combines the freedom you’d expect from a Devon holiday park with the comfort and convenience of top-notch on-site amenities. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or with friends, you’ll find accommodation options to suit your style, with space to relax, great facilities close by, and plenty to keep everyone happy between adventures.

After a day exploring, you can unwind with a swim, enjoy a bite to eat, let the kids burn off energy, or simply settle in and enjoy the calm surroundings. It’s that mix of location, comfort, and everything-in-one-place convenience that makes Cofton such a smart choice for a South Devon break.

Book Cofton Holidays today and enjoy an easy, stress-free stay — perfectly placed for making the most of your time in South Devon.

Attraction Info

  • Location: Buckfastleigh
  • Admission: Paid
  • Parking: Free
  • Wheelchair Access: Partial
  • Rainy Day Friendly: No
  • Phone: 01364 642916
  • Postcode: TQ11 0DZ
Guide/assistance dogs can be permitted if arranged in advance; other dogs are not allowed. Venue is mostly accessible but some paths/areas may be challenging—see their access info.
For opening times and other up-to-date info please visit their website.

From Cofton Holidays

  • Distance: 20.6 miles
  • Driving Time: 43 minutes