Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Ferne Animal Sanctuary was founded in 1939 to provide refuge for the pets of those leaving to fight in the war. Sadly, but predictably, many owners did not return. The sanctuary found loving homes for some of the pets and gave lifelong care to the remainder.

Today, the work of caring for unwanted companions and farm animals continues. High in the Blackdown Hills of South West England our 51-acre estate is permanent home to cattle sheep, goats donkeys, horses, ferrets, chinchillas, chipmunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, chickens and cockatiels. As our founder did, we try to find loving, local homes for our cats and dogs but some are happier just staying with us. We do not charge an entry fee and rely entirely on donations, legacies and grants to fund both running costs and improvements.

Visitors are welcome to amble around our wheelchair friendly nature trail, purchase goods from our gift shop or enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in our tearoom. A tour guide is available from the information centre to enable you to get the most from your visit and staff will try to answer any queries that you have.

The tearoom and gift shop are open seasonally Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday afternoons 14:00 – 17:00. When the tearoom is closed refreshments are available from reception Mon – Fri 10:00 – 17:00.

Opening Times

Open All Year

2008 Opening 01/01/2008 - 31/12/2008

Monday 09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00

Thursday 09:00 - 17:00

Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Bank Holiday 09:00 - 17:00