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Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Wildlife Centres & Nature Reserves
Sandown Bay
Yaverland Road
Sandown
Isle of Wight
PO36 8QB
Yaverland Road
Sandown
Isle of Wight
PO36 8QB
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
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
- Excellent1700
- Very Good842
- Average429
- Poor197
- Terrible162
Recent Reviews:
- Jet26299601610Abingdon, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyAnimal carer experience
Wednesday, 8th April 2026Just finished a junior carer experience with my 9 year old granddaughter. Lily was our guide and she was brilliant. So very knowledgeable. It is definitely an environment that puts the animals first... Read full review - OnAir07930230437Christchurch, United KingdomEmpty enclosures and distressed animals!
Thursday, 9th April 2026We arrived quite late in the day, knowing we wouldn’t have much time, but having visited twelve or so years ago, we thought it would be enough time to see most of the big cats and bears. As we walked... Read full review - MaryborisdouglasAverage morning out
Friday, 10th April 2026Looked rather run down and thought it was expensive as we weren't there very long. Saw most of the animals which was a bonus. Coffee was horrible in the cafe. You have to pay to park as well. Read full review
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 - Tourism South East Award -
Beautiful South Awards Winners 2025/26 - Commended 2025 - Tourism South East Award -
Beautiful South Awards Winners 2025/26 - Bronze 2025
Opening Times
| Open New Year |
|---|
| Open Christmas |
|---|
| Open (1 Apr 2026 - 30 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 - 31 Mar 2027) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 2027 - 31 Mar 2027) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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