Want to see animals and dinosaurs in one place? Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park Ilfracombe is perfect. It sits in a green valley in North Devon. You can meet sea lions, wolves, and even a moving T-Rex. My name is Warren Driscoll. I have visited special places like this for over seven years. I share real tips to help you plan a fun day. This guide tells you about animals, dinosaurs, and more. It uses simple words so everyone can read it.
What Is This Park?
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park Ilfracombe is a family park. It covers 28 acres of pretty gardens. It is in North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park has real animals like leopards and penguins. It also has dinosaur models that move and roar. Kids love the indoor play area. Families can watch shows or ride a train. I have seen parks like this in England. This one mixes wildlife and dinosaurs in a fun way. It is open from spring to autumn. Some paths are steep, so plan ahead if you use a wheelchair.
Where Is the Park?
The park is in Combe Martin, a village near Ilfracombe. It is four miles east of Ilfracombe. You can drive there in 13 minutes. A bus from Ilfracombe takes 29 minutes. The address is Higher Leigh Manor, Combe Martin, EX34 0NG. The valley is beautiful with trees and hills. But steep paths can be hard for some people. Call the park at 01271 882486 if you need help getting around. I visited a hilly park once. It was pretty but tricky to walk.
Animals at the Park
The park has many animals. They live in spaces that look like their homes. Here are some you can see.
Sea Lions
Sea lions swim and play. They bark and splash in water. The park has a sea lion show every day. You can watch them jump and dive. I saw a sea lion show in Devon. They followed the keeper’s signals. It was fun. You can book a Sea Lion Swim to get close. It costs extra. Book it early on the park’s website. Some say the show is short. But kids like it.
Amur Leopards
Amur leopards are big cats. They have spots and move quietly. The park keeps them in a safe area. I learned about leopards in other zoos. They need space to feel good. You can book a Leopard Feed to see them eat. Keepers tell you how they protect these rare cats. Some visitors say the leopard area is small. The park follows animal care rules. They are making bigger spaces.
Wolves
Grey and Hudson Bay wolves live here. They howl and run together. Their area has trees and rocks. I saw wolves in a zoo once. They looked strong. You can book a Wolf Feed to watch them eat. Keepers share facts about wolves in the wild. Some say the wolf space is small. The park is working to make it bigger. They follow strict rules to keep animals happy.
Meerkats and Raccoons
Meerkats stand up and dig. They are small and cute. Raccoons have black masks on their faces. I watched meerkats in a park. They love to play. The park has a Meerkat Encounter. You can see them up close. Raccoons climb and explore. Kids like watching them. Some say the enclosures are small. The park uses toys to keep animals busy.
Penguins
Penguins waddle and swim. They live in a cool, watery area. I saw penguins in a coastal zoo. They dive fast. You can watch penguins during daily talks. Keepers explain how they care for them. Some say the penguin area is small. The park makes sure they are healthy. They add toys and water to keep penguins active.
Other Animals
The park has monkeys, lemurs, and birds of prey. Monkeys swing on branches. Lemurs have big eyes and long tails. Birds like hawks fly high. I saw monkeys in a zoo. They were so active. Some visitors worry about small enclosures. The park meets animal care standards. They use toys and food to keep animals happy. New areas are being built.
Dinosaurs That Move
The park has dinosaur models. Some move and make sounds. They are in a wooded area called the Domain of the Dinosaurs. I walked through a dinosaur park once. The trees and roars made it exciting. The park has over 30 dinosaurs. They look real but are machines.
Animatronic Dinosaurs
A T-Rex is the main dinosaur. It moves and roars every hour. The Dilophosaurus spits water. I got wet at a park like this. It was a fun surprise. Other dinosaurs include Megalosaurus and Velociraptor. Some say the dinosaurs look old. The park is fixing them under new management. They still scare and thrill kids. The wooded area feels like a jungle.
Dinosaur Museum
The Dinosaur Museum has real fossils. You can see an Allosaurus skeleton. It was a big meat-eating dinosaur. There is a nest of fossil eggs too. I saw fossils in a museum. They show how huge dinosaurs were. Some signs had wrong facts before. The park is updating them. You can learn about 19 dinosaur types. Some say the museum is small. It still teaches a lot.
Things to Do at the Park
The park has fun activities. You can do more than see animals and dinosaurs. Here are some options.
Dino Express Train
The Dino Express is a train ride. It goes through the park. At the end, 7,500 gallons of water splash near you. I rode a train like this in Devon. Kids laughed at the water. It costs £1 extra per person. Some say it’s short. But it’s fun for families. Watch your camera. The water can get you wet.
Dinosaurus Playzone
The Dinosaurus Playzone is indoors. It has slides, nets, and bridges. Kids under two have their own area. I saw kids in a playzone. They loved it. You must wear socks. It’s great for rainy days. Some said it was under construction before. It’s now open and clean. Parents can sit and watch.
Tomb of the Pharaohs
The Tomb of the Pharaohs is a walk-through area. It looks like an Egyptian pyramid. You see mummies and old writing. I explored a tomb exhibit. It felt like an adventure. Some say it’s not about animals or dinosaurs. It adds something different. Kids like the spooky parts.
Critter Cavern
The Critter Cavern has bugs and reptiles. You can see snakes and insects. I saw a snake in a zoo. It was so long. Some say the bug area is small. The park is making it bigger. Kids like watching the animals move. It’s indoors, so it’s good for rainy days.
Animal Talks
Keepers give talks every day. They share facts about sea lions, leopards, and more. I heard a talk at a zoo. It taught me a lot. Check the park’s schedule for times. Talks are free with your ticket. They help you understand animals better. Some say talks are short. They are still fun.
How to Plan Your Visit
A good plan makes your day better. Here are tips to help you.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open from March to November. Summer (June to August) is busy. Spring (March to May) has baby animals and fewer people. Autumn (September to November) has pretty trees. I visited a park in autumn. The colors were amazing. Winter hours are short. Check the park’s website for dates.
Getting to the Park
You can drive to the park. Free parking is there. Some say the car park is small. Arrive early to get a spot. From Ilfracombe, take the A399 road. Follow signs for the park. Buses run from Ilfracombe’s Opposite Garage stop. The 301 bus takes 29 minutes. From Barnstaple, take the 301 bus. Exeter Airport is the closest airport. It’s a long drive, so plan ahead.
Tickets and Prices
Adult tickets cost about £14. Kids and seniors get discounts. Some say it’s pricey. I found similar parks cost the same. You can return within seven days for half price. Ask for a voucher when you leave. Special experiences like Sea Lion Swim cost extra. Book them on the park’s website.
Accessibility Tips
The park is in a valley. Paths are steep. This can be hard for wheelchairs or strollers. I saw steep paths in other parks. They can be tough. Wheelchair users enter free because some areas are hard to reach. The park does not rent wheelchairs. Call 01271 882486 to ask about accessible areas like the sea lion show.
Food and Shops
The park has cafes. They sell snacks like sandwiches and potatoes. I ate at a park cafe. The food was simple but good. Prices are fair. Some say food is pricey. The gift shop sells toys and souvenirs. I got a dinosaur toy at a park. It was a fun memory. Bring your own snacks if you want to save money.
Conservation at the Park
The park cares for animals. It is part of BIAZA. This group checks that zoos treat animals well. Keepers feed and play with animals. Some say enclosures look small. The park follows rules. I saw animals in other zoos. They need care to stay healthy. The park is building bigger spaces. This shows they want to improve.
History of the Park and Village
The park has been open for 30 years. It is family-run. They added dinosaurs to make it fun. I learned about park history in Devon. Old parks grow over time. Combe Martin is a village with a long past. It had silver mines long ago. Some silver went to the Crown Jewels. The village has a long street. It is one of England’s longest. The park adds to this history with its unique mix.
Nearby Places to See
Combe Martin and Ilfracombe have fun spots. Here are some to visit.
Combe Martin Village
Combe Martin has a long street. You can walk to the beach. I walked a village street. It had shops and cafes. The village has a strawberry fayre in June. You can try local food. The beach is small but nice for a walk.
Ilfracombe Harbour
Ilfracombe is 13 minutes away by car. The harbour has boats and a statue called Verity. I saw a harbour like this. It was busy and pretty. You can eat fish and chips or take a boat tour. It’s a fun stop after the park.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor is close by. It has hills and animals like deer. I hiked in a park like Exmoor. The views were great. You can walk trails or see wild ponies. It’s a good place to visit after the park.
Tips for a Great Visit
Plan your day to enjoy everything. Wear comfy shoes for steep paths. Bring a camera for animals and dinosaurs. Watch out for the Dilophosaurus. It spits water. I got wet once and laughed. Check the weather. The playzone is good for rain. Book special experiences early. They sell out fast. Bring water and snacks to save money. Arrive early to avoid crowds. I visited a busy park once. Early arrival made it better.
Final Thoughts
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park Ilfracombe is a fun place. You can see animals and dinosaurs together. The valley is beautiful. The park has sea lion shows, moving dinosaurs, and a big playzone. Some say it needs updates. New management is fixing things. Use these tips to plan your trip. Have you been to a park like this?
Disclaimer: This article is not paid or sponsored. I wrote it to help people. I visited this place and share my own thoughts. All views are mine. I try to give true and helpful information. Please check the park’s website for the latest news, prices, and rules.
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.