Porfell, near Lanreath and Liskeard, Cornwall
Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
Half day
Time
Paid
Cost
Family-friendly
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A Cornish wildlife park with a sanctuary mission: Tripadvisor’s attraction description says it was founded in 1989 by John and Joy Palmer to give rescued, neglected and unwanted animals a home.
Porfell stands out for its sanctuary identity and the chance to encounter a varied collection of animals in a family-run park. The rescued-animal story gives the visit more character than a conventional animal attraction, though check the current programme and facilities before setting out.
Family-friendly
Find your way
Open mapPorfell, near Lanreath and Liskeard, Cornwall
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow around two hours for a walk around the park, according to a review quoted on the park’s reviews page. Check the current daily programme before visiting; talks and encounters may be timed.
Things to do
Explore the animal collection
Walk around the park and observe the animals in its collection. Tripadvisor describes a reptile house, children’s farmyard and African plains-style Maasai village; confirm which areas are open on your visit.
About 2 hours for a visit, according to a review quoted on the park’s site
Check for a keeper talk or animal encounter
The attraction description reports keeper talks and timed encounters. Check the current programme and whether advance booking is required.
Visit the children’s farmyard
The attraction description identifies a children’s farmyard. Check current access and any animal-feeding rules with the park.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 2 hours
Quick Escape: Meet the animals
- 01
Check opening times and the day’s programme before setting off.
- 02
Follow the visitor route around the park, allowing time to observe the animals.
- 03
If available, finish with a scheduled talk or animal encounter.
Half day · Half day
Make a Half Day of It: Take your time around the sanctuary
- 01
Check current opening times, admission and scheduled activities.
- 02
Explore the park at an unhurried pace, including the children’s farmyard and Maasai village if open.
- 03
Look out for keeper talks or timed encounters listed for your visit.
- 04
Use the reported picnic area for a break; check current food provision before relying on the café.
Verified history
Tripadvisor’s attraction description says Porfell was founded in 1989 by John and Joy Palmer as a family-run sanctuary for rescued, neglected and unwanted animals. The available supplied sources do not independently verify further historical detail.
Hidden details
The sanctuary story behind the visit — The attraction description presents Porfell not simply as a place to see animals, but as a sanctuary giving lifetime homes to rescued, neglected and unwanted animals.
When to go
· Check the current schedule; timed talks or encounters may affect the best order for your visit.
The source row suggests late spring and early autumn for milder weather and fewer visitors, and says the park closes from late autumn until early spring. Verify current opening dates.
Check the forecast and current visitor information. The source row describes outdoor paths and notes that some terrain is uneven.
What to look for
Notice the different settings and animal groups as you explore, including the children’s farmyard and African plains-style Maasai village described by Tripadvisor. Check which animals and activities are available on the day.
The story
Wildlife rescue and sanctuary
Best time to go
The source row describes a spring-to-autumn season, with late spring and early autumn suggested as quieter times. Confirm current opening dates before visiting.
Late spring or early autumn are suggested by the source row for milder weather and fewer visitors. Confirm seasonal opening dates and the day’s animal programme.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
A visitor wildlife park and sanctuary. Check current opening times, admission and animal encounter arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
On-site parking is reported by the source row; confirm current arrangements before visiting.
Toilets
The source row reports accessible toilets. Check suitability and availability with the park before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The source row reports a café and picnic areas. Check current food and drink provision before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The source row says dogs are not permitted.
Accessibility
The source row reports accessible paths, but notes that uneven terrain may make some areas challenging for wheelchair users. Contact the park about your specific access needs.
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
