You are here > Home > Things to do > Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

Wildlife Centres & Nature Reserves

Sandown Bay
Yaverland Road
SANDOWN
Isle of Wight
PO36 8QB

Tel: 01983 403883

Two bears at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Things to Do

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:

3295 reviews

Excellent
1678
Very Good
838
Average
425
Poor
195
Terrible
159

Recent Reviews:

Stuart M
Poole, United Kingdom
There is a relative heaven on earth
Saturday, 30th August 2025
Went on a Wednesday evening, pre-booked special event. Been going to the centre for years. It has always been a place to go and enjoy, but the outside has always looked a bit tired and still does... Read full review
Rebecca A
Oxford, United Kingdom
See the rescued bears - and more
Friday, 5th September 2025
The highlight was seeing the recently rescued bears in their new very spacious enclosure. I’d go for this alone! The lemur walkthrough was also fantastic. Read full review
Katie242424
Lovely big cats!
Saturday, 6th September 2025
We visited the park while on holiday. The park is small but the animals you see are amazing, the lions and tigers in particular. The bears looks happy and it was lovely to watch them. The park could... 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 Gold 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.

What's Nearby

Yaverland Beach

Yaverland Beach is one of the Isle of Wight’s best beaches, providing a long stretch of…

0.15 miles away
Sandham Gardens

Located on the northern side of Sandown, Sandham Gardens is the ideal place to relax and…

0.35 miles away
Sandown Beach

Sandown Beach is one of the Isle of Wight's finest and most recognised beaches, with…

0.8 miles away

Isle of Wight Rare Breeds CIC

The Isle of Wight Rare Breeds CIC is a must visit for families and nature lovers. Enjoy…

1.89 miles away
Lake Beach

Lake Beach is located between the popular resort beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, and…

1.91 miles away
Small Hope Beach

Small Hope Beach sits to the left of the main Shanklin seafront and backs onto a…

2.26 miles away
Shanklin Beach

Shanklin Beach is a one of the Isle of Wight’s best known stretches of golden sands,…

2.61 miles away
Bembridge Beach

The main beach in Bembridge runs down the coast from the spit at the edge of Bembridge…

3.22 miles away
Wight Karting

Motorsport for the young, old, and everyone in-between on the Isle of Wight: all-weather,…

3.42 miles away
Bembridge Lane End Beach

Bembridge Lane End beach is a pebble and stone beach toward the sea wall, but is also…

3.48 miles away
Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Bay sits between Seaview beach and Priory Bay on the north east coast and boasts…

4.07 miles away
Goodleaf Tree Climbing

A unique, unusual adventure activity that takes you into the canopy of a mature oak tree.…

4.45 miles away
Springvale Beach

Springvale Beach stretches from Puckpool to Seaview on the north coast of the Isle of…

4.46 miles away
Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Inspiring, surprising and award-winning… Equally appealing to adults and families, your…

4.49 miles away
Ryde Beach

The beaches at Ryde lie on the north east coast of the Isle of Wight and offer miles and…

4.82 miles away
Robin Hill Adventure Park

Discover 88 acres of adventure, exploration and entertainment at the Robin Hill Adventure…

4.92 miles away