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Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Wildlife Centres & Nature Reserves

Sandown Bay, Yaverland Road, SANDOWN, Isle of Wight, PO36 8QB

Tel: 01983 403883

Tiger at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Attraction, Sandown, Isle of Wight

About

For admission prices and tickets please visit our website

From pocket sized primates to powerful predators, the residents of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, will charm and amaze you!

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is based on Sandown Beach, Winner of BBC Countryfile Magazines 2019 Beach of the Year Award, which is on the east coast of the Island. The sanctuary is well known as a centre for rescued big cats, all have come to their forever homes at different stages of their lives and from a variety of backgrounds. Originally family-owned it recently became a registered charity, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, which aims to promote the survival of endangered species through first class educational and recreational experiences, exemplary animal management, conservation and research.

New primate rescue facilitiy is now open and houses multiple species of primates that the sanctuary aims to rehome over the coming years. The facility is constructed of two gigantic bamboo domes, the first of their kind in Europe. These iconic geodesic structures tower over the buildings of Sandown, forming an unrivalled multilevel space for the inhabitants to thrive in.

The Wildheart Trust, is dedicated to realising its global ambitions to make a meaningful impact on the health of the natural world while actively improving the well-being of animals in human care.

AWARDS:
Beautiful South Awards Winner 2024/25 - Silver for Cafe & Tearoom of the Year.
Beautiful South Awards Winner 2024/25 - Bronze for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Countryside business of the year - 2022.
Rural tourism business of the year - 2022.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

Disabled Parking
Disabled persons toilet
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

Cafe
Catering for groups
Food Shop on site
On-Site cafe/restaurant
Outdoor eating area
Picnic area
Picnic Site
Refreshments Available
Take away food
Undercover picnic area
Vegetarians catered for

Children & Infants

Babes in Arms
Baby changing
Children’s packs
Children's Meals
Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Highchair(s) available
Outdoor children’s play area

Establishment Features

All weather attraction
Beach / Coast within walking distance
Beach/Coast 5 min walking distance
Event Venue
Gift shop
Groups welcome
Guided tours
Guided tours by arrangement
LGBT Friendly
Licensed for alcohol
Meeting rooms
No Pets
Open all year round
Open New Year
Open on bank holidays
Special Opening for Groups by Arrangement
Team / Corporate Activities
Toilets

Parking & Transport

Coach parking
On Site Car Parking
Own car park (Fee Applies)
Park and Ride
Parking (charge)
Railway station within 5 miles
Railway station within walking distance
Secure cycle parking

Payment Methods

Approx length of visit - 2-3 hours
Groups Accepted - Coaches and large group bookings are eligible for a reduced admission charge. Please call 01983 403883 ext. 116 for more information.
Maestro
Maestro Accepted
MasterCard
MasterCard accepted
Solo accepted
Special group rates - Special group rates for coaches and minivans. Minimum number in party of 15 people. Call 01983 302882 ext. 116 for more information.
Visa
Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

Countryside Setting
No Smoking Attraction
Outdoor Attraction
Smoking Some Areas - Smoking is allowed outside the sanctuary in a designated smoking area.

Specialist Features

Cyclists welcome
Educational Groups
Family Fun
Information Point
Marketed Towards Families
Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

Demonstrations Given
Educational Visits Accepted
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Guided Tours Available for Individuals

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available
Wi-fi available

Map & Directions

Click here to view map

Road Directions

If coming by car then use PO36 8QB for your SatNav.

By ferry from East Cowes (Red Funnel): Second exit at roundabout onto Well Road, A3021, A3054 to Newport, A3020 to Sandown, A3056 to Lake, A3055 to Sandown.

By ferry from Fishbourne (Wightlink): B3339 (Fishbourne Lane), A3054 to Ryde (Esplanade), straight along the Esplanade to the boating lake, follow the road round to the right onto A3055 to Sandown.

By ferry from Yarmouth (Wightlink): A3054 to Newport, A3020 to Sandown, A3056 to Lake, A3055 to Sandown.

Public Transport Directions

The sanctuary is serviced by the Number 8 bus route. Route details and times are available from this link: https://bustimes.org/services/8-newport-arreton-sandown-bembridge-seaview-ryde. For further bus information please visit the Southern Vectis website at www.islandbuses.info/.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

3230 reviews

Excellent
1637
Very Good
825
Average
421
Poor
193
Terrible
154

Recent Reviews:

Julie P
Polegate, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Couples
Great day out
Sunday, 16th March 2025
The place is well maintained and the animals are clearly looked after well. There was plenty of information around explaining the conditions the animals were previously in and how they had been... Read full review
LozLawtonBerry
Trip Type:
Family
A delightful and insightful way to view animals in their safe & secure forever homes
Tuesday, 18th March 2025
Immaculately kept throughout, wonderful children’s play area, great signage and cosy cafe. I haven’t visited for a few years and it’s wonderful to see all of the continuous improvements. A new bridge... Read full review
Zoe E
Bring back cows milk
Thursday, 27th March 2025
Animals were great to see but the cafe was a disappointment. Can only have oat milk. Have you ever read the ingredients on oat milk. Full of additives and tastes nasty Read full review

Write a review

Access Information

PARKING

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance

Parking provided for visitors

with designated parking for visitors with disabilities

Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:

with a ramp

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside main entrance

Handrail by ramp

Ramp to main entrance

There is a ramp to the main entrance

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:

gift shop

public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

ticket issuing point

Level access, ramp or lift to a public toilet

Level access, ramp or lift to dining area

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

Meals provided for guests with special dietary requirements

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:

cafeteria

GENERAL

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility

all routes

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users

some routes

Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility

Service dogs are NOT allowed in attraction

Reason:Due to animals at the sanctuary

Wheelchairs provided

These are freely available

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Awards

Tourism South East Award - Best Tourism Experience Highly Commended 2010
Visit Isle of Wight Award Wight Gift Card Venue 2020
Regional and Miscellaneous - TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Best of the Best Award 2022
Tourism South East Award - Beautiful South Awards Winner 2024/25 - Bronze 2025
Tourism South East Award - Beautiful South Awards Winner 2024/25 - Silver 2025

Opening Times

Open New Year

Open Christmas

Open (1 Apr 2025 - 30 Sept 2025)
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	17:00
Tuesday	10:00	17:00
Wednesday	10:00	17:00
Thursday	10:00	17:00
Friday	10:00	17:00
Saturday	10:00	17:00
Sunday	10:00	17:00
Bank Holiday	10:00	17:00

Open (1 Oct 2025 - 31 Mar 2026)
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	16:00
Tuesday	10:00	16:00
Wednesday	10:00	16:00
Thursday	10:00	16:00
Friday	10:00	16:00
Saturday	10:00	16:00
Sunday	10:00	16:00
Bank Holiday	10:00	16:00

Open (1 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2026)
Day	Times
Monday	10:00	16:00
Tuesday	10:00	16:00
Wednesday	10:00	16:00
Thursday	10:00	16:00
Friday	10:00	16:00
Saturday	10:00	16:00
Sunday	10:00	16:00

* Open all year round except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
* JANUARY 2023 CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT.

Saturday, 28th June 2025 - Sunday, 29th June 2025

FOCAS Festival at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary: more info

Saturday, 5th April 2025 - Monday, 21st April 2025

Easter at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary: more info

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