Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Gweek, Helford River, Cornwall - seal rescue and rehabilitation
Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UG | 01326 221361
A working seal hospital on the Helford River
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary began in 1958, when Ken Jones started rescuing an orphaned seal pup found near his home at St Agnes. What grew from that single rescue became one of Cornwall's best-loved attractions: by 1975 the sanctuary had outgrown its original site and moved to its current 42-acre home at Gweek, on the tidal creeks of the Helford River, where it remains today.
At its heart the sanctuary is still a working rescue and rehabilitation hospital rather than simply a zoo. Each year it takes in dozens of orphaned, injured or sick seal pups found around the Cornish coast, treating and hand-rearing them in its purpose-built hospital before releasing them back to the wild once they're strong enough to fend for themselves. Alongside this rescue work, the sanctuary is also home to a number of resident grey and common seals that cannot be released - permanent ambassadors for the species, living in pools with underwater viewing areas.
Beyond the seals, the sanctuary's grounds are also home to otters, Humboldt penguins and sea lions, plus a paddock area with ponies, goats and sheep. In March 2018, Merlin Entertainments donated the sanctuary to the SEA LIFE Trust, a marine conservation charity, and it continues to operate today as a non-profit rescue centre backed by that charitable trust.
Opening Times & Ticket Prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £15.50 |
| Senior | £14.50 |
| Child (3-16) | £12.50 |
| Under 3s | Free |
The sanctuary is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm.
Did you know?
The sanctuary began in 1958 with a single rescued seal pup - it now rescues dozens of orphaned or injured seals every year at its purpose-built hospital on the Helford River.
Visitor Information
Parking
Free on-site car parking is available for visitors.
Facilities
On-site café and gift shop, with regular keeper talks and feeding times throughout the day.
Disabled Access
Paths around the sanctuary are largely level - contact the sanctuary in advance for specific access requirements.
Things to Do Nearby
- Helford River & Village - a picturesque wooded creek and thatched village a short drive away.
- Trebah Garden - a sub-tropical ravine garden running down to a private beach on the Helford.
- Glendurgan Garden - a National Trust valley garden with a laurel maze, near Mawnan Smith.
- Helston - historic stannary town, home of the Furry Dance.
- Kynance Cove - dramatic turquoise water and serpentine rock stacks on the Lizard Peninsula.
Nearby Places to Stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Website
For the latest opening times, ticket prices and rescue updates, visit the official Cornish Seal Sanctuary website directly, or view a live copy below.
Visit sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.orgPage last updated: 20 August 2026