Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gweek, Cornwall. Operated by the SEA LIFE Trust, it rescues, rehabilitates and releases grey seal pups while providing lifelong care for animals that cannot return to the wild

Due to the nature of the location, there are some steep gradients on site. From the main reception area and car park, it is about a 600m walk to our seal hospital, and then a further 300m downhill to our seal pools.

Visitors using mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs:

• The hills leading down to the pools may exceed 16° which may not be suitable for some mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Please check your instruction manuals before visiting.
• For visitors unable to use their mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs on steep slopes, we do have limited accessible parking available near the hospital and seal pools.

Vehicle Assistance:

• For visitors that may need mobility assistance due to the site’s steep gradients, we have a golf buggy that operates on a seasonal basis that can take up to four passengers or two passengers plus a wheelchair or mobility scooter. On some days, the golf buggy may be unavailable and so the on-site van is able to take up to four passengers.
• For days that neither the golf buggy or on-site van is available, or for visitors unable to use these for any reason, there is limited accessible parking available near the hospital and seal pools. 
• Please speak to a member of the team on arrival if you require this assistance.

Accessible Parking:

• The main accessible parking area is immediately in front of the main reception, or there are a limited number of spaces to park by the seal pools which is then on a relatively flat surface, giving you access to all of our residents and beaver enclosure. 

Accessible Toilets:

• The accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are located in front reception, and on the left hand side of the Seal Hospital. The baby-changing facilities include changing units with a weight limit of 50lbs. Unfortunately, there are no accessible toilet facilities once down the hill by the seals pools due to the estuary location.

All guests aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over to visit. No child or children aged 16 and under will be admitted to the Site unless they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over and such child or children whilst on Site must always remain under the control or supervision of an adult. 

Yes, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has an on-site café offering food, drinks and refreshments during your visit.

You can see rescued grey seals, common seals, puffins, sea lions and other animal residents, depending on the season and rehabilitation programme.

Yes, during seal pup season the sanctuary cares for rescued grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline and visitors may be able to observe their rehabilitation.

Yes, free carer tickets are available for eligible visitors with supporting documentation.

Tickets include admission to the sanctuary, access to animal habitats, conservation exhibits, talks, woodland trails and visitor facilities.

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.