The Mare & Foal Sanctuary Visitors Centre

Rescued horses graze peacefully in the Devon countryside at this working sanctuary that's opened its doors to visitors. You'll find the centre just outside Newton Abbot, where the charity has been caring for neglected and unwanted horses since the 1980s. The visitor centre tells the story of their rescue work through displays and information boards, though the real draw is seeing the animals themselves thriving in their new homes.

Families with horse-mad children will love it here. Kids can learn about equine care and welfare while getting up close to some genuine success stories. The staff are passionate about their work and happy to share tales of individual rescues, which adds a personal touch you won't get at a regular petting farm.

Being a working sanctuary rather than a tourist attraction means facilities are fairly basic, but that keeps the focus on the animals. It's the sort of place that works well as part of a broader Devon holiday rather than a destination in its own right. With holiday parks like Whitehill Country Park and Dornafield Dartmoor both under four miles away, it makes for a gentle afternoon out between more demanding Dartmoor walks. Worth checking opening times before you visit, as they operate around the horses' routines rather than standard tourist hours.