Ottery St Mary, Devon

Wildwood Devon

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

5.4

Wildland

Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Family-buzz

Feel

WoodlandWetlandParklandFamiliesYoung childrenWildlife loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

5.4

Wildwood Devon combines extensive parkland and woodland with encounters with animals including bears, wolves, lynx and otters, alongside wetlands, a maze and champion trees.

The appeal is its mix of green space, wetland and woodland with a substantial animal collection—not a remote, unstaffed nature reserve. It offers a family-friendly way to encounter wildlife, though the available evidence gives limited detail about independent trails or the reserve’s conservation work.

Family-buzz · Peaceful

Find your way

Open map

Ottery St Mary, Devon

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

The experience

Explore the grounds and animal areas, with time for the wetlands and maze if open. The supplied sources establish the broad offer, but do not provide a verified route, distances or detailed visitor itinerary.

Things to do

Explore the animal areas

The supplied attraction information names bears, wolves, lynx, otters and birds of prey. Check which animals and areas are available on the day.

Look for the champion trees

Champion trees are mentioned among the grounds’ features; the supplied information does not identify their species or locations.

Explore the wetlands

Wetlands are described as part of the grounds. Check on arrival which areas are accessible.

Try the maze

A maze is listed among the attraction’s features; check whether it is open on the day of your visit.

Join a conservation course or animal experience

The official site lists animal experiences and conservation courses. Activities vary, and booking details should be checked with the venue.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; duration is a suggested estimate, not a published visit time.

A quick grounds-and-animals visit

01
Check opening times and admission before travelling.
02
Explore the grounds and visit the animal areas that are open.
03
If time allows, look for the wetlands and maze.

Half day · Half day; suggested, not a published itinerary.

Make a half day of it

01
Allow time to explore the grounds and animal areas at an unhurried pace.
02
Include the wetlands and maze if open.
03
Take a packed lunch; the source row reports picnic areas. Verify facilities and current rules with the venue.

Verified history

The supplied sources describe parkland, champion trees and threatened native species, but do not establish a detailed history of the site. No dated historical narrative is included.

Hidden details

Champion trees in the grounds — The attraction information specifically mentions champion trees, but does not identify their species or locations. Ask on arrival if you want to find them.

When to go

April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Check opening times and choose a visit that leaves enough time to explore; no quieter time of day is verified by the supplied sources.

The source row recommends spring and summer for flowers and milder weather, and notes autumn colour. These are general suggestions rather than verified peak dates.

Devon weather can affect outdoor paths; check the forecast and current venue information before travelling.

What to look for

The grounds’ champion trees, wetland areas and the animals named in the supplied attraction information, including bears, wolves, lynx and otters.

The story

Parkland and champion trees; further historical detail is not established by the supplied evidence.

Best time to go

Spring and summer for longer days; the source row also describes autumn colour. Check current conditions and seasonal opening information before travelling.

Spring and summer are suggested in the source row for flowers and longer days. Check current opening times and seasonal information before visiting.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Families · Young children · Wildlife lovers · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

A visitor attraction with ticketing linked from the official Wildwood Devon website. Check current opening times, admission and access arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

The source row reports parking near the entrance; check availability and current arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

The source row reports toilets on-site; check current availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The source row reports no café or pub within the reserve and mentions dining options in a nearby village. Check locally before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row marks the venue dog-friendly; check current rules and any animal-area restrictions before visiting.