National Seal Sanctuary

Welcome to the National Seal Sanctuary, home to the UK’s busiest rescue centre for marine mammals.

Set in 40 acres on Cornwall's beautiful Helford estuary, the National Seal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and releases over 40 seal pups a year, providing a refuge for the seals / sea lions that are unable to be returned to the wild.

Enter our Seal Rescue Centre, where you now don't just learn about seal rescue, you can become a rescue volunteer yourself.  Discover how to tube feed a seal pup and take its temperature. Don't worry though; our special 'plastic' pups don't bite. The real seals can be observed at their most graceful from our underwater observatories.

NEW 2011: Babyface!!!!!

The National Seal Sanctuary is thrilled to welcome its newest resident, Babyface, suspected to be the oldest Common seal in the UK at the 32 years of age.  Babyface has only one eye, but that doesn’t seem to stop him having an ‘eye for the ladies.’  Come and visit him and pool partners Luna and Sija and see for yourself how well he is progressing with his target training. 

It isn't only seals, sea lions and penguins that have a home at the Sanctuary. Come and visit our playful otters in our beautiful woodland walk and follow the Nature Trail. Discover the rock pools in our Cornish Coast Experience, hosting a fantastic combination of different types of fish, crabs, oysters and anemones. The Sanctuary is also home to rescued ponies, goats, sheep and even a cat!

The Sanctuary:

          * Provides a permanent retirement for the most diverse collection of seals and sea lions in the UK

      * Entry ticket valid all day

      * Free parking

      * Safari Bus (summer season)

      * Cafe, BBQ & Picnic areas

      * Children’s Playground

      * Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome

      * Group discount rates available for groups of 10+, booking at least 10 days in advance

Daily interactive talks and feeding demonstrations makes this a day out for the whole family!

Information & contact

Address: The National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UG.
Tel: 0871 423 2110
Website: www.sealsanctuaries.com
Email: seals@sealsanctuary.co.uk

SAT NAV ~ TR12 6UG, National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall.

Located on the Helford River in the village of Gweek, 6 miles from Helston, follow the brown tourist signs.