Nestled on the banks of the Helford River, near the village of Gweek in Cornwall, lies the inspiring and essential work of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a place where wildlife rescue meets visitor experience, education and environmental stewardship.
A sanctuary with purpose
Founded in 1958 when local resident Ken Jones rescued a baby seal near St Agnes, the sanctuary has grown from a humble garden pool to a full-scale rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for seal pups from around the Cornish coast.
In 1975 the facility moved to the more spacious location at Gweek on the Helford River, expanding to include nursery pools, a hospital building, outdoor rehabilitation pools and long-term accommodation for seals that cannot be released.
Today, operated under the umbrella of the SEA LIFE Trust as a registered charity, the sanctuary typically rehabilitates around 70 seal pups each season (September to March) for reasons such as separation from their mother, malnourishment or entanglement.
What visitors can expect
A visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is both immersive and meaningful:
- Walk through outdoor pools where you can observe seals swimming, playing and interacting through glass-sided viewing areas, ideal for photography or video.
- Meet resident seals, those animals unable to return to the wild and learn about their individual stories of injury, rescue and care.
- Discover the broader conservation mission: the sanctuary also cares for puffins, beavers and other species, and uses educational displays to engage visitors on marine-wildlife issues.
- Great for families: the grounds are dog-friendly (on leads), accessible and set in a beautiful natural estuarine environment — a gentle outing combined with a wildlife experience.
Why it matters
Around 70 seal pups are rescued each season, giving them a second chance at life. For those that cannot be released, the sanctuary provides long-term care and the opportunity to support their lives while educating the public about marine conservation.
For visitors to Cornwall, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary offers more than just viewing animals, it offers insight into the fragility and resilience of marine wildlife, and a chance to support an organisation making a real difference.
Tips for your visit
- Check the sanctuary website ahead of your visit for opening times, ticket offers and any special “meet-the-care-team” sessions.
- Allow at least two hours for the visit so you can take time at each pool, enjoy the stories and maybe capture some memorable footage (especially relevant to your photography/videography interests).
- Combine the visit with a drive around the Helford River area, the setting is tranquil, scenic and perfect for some extra exploration after your sanctuary experience.
- If you’re using the footage for your travel channel or blog, consider capturing the estuary environment, the seal pups in the pools, and visitor reaction to enrich the story.
- Note: even though there are indoor sections, much of the site is outdoors, dress for the weather, which in Cornwall can change quickly.
Closing thoughts
For anyone exploring Cornwall’s wildlife and natural treasures, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a standout destination, an experience that balances wonder, compassion and education. Whether you’re drawn by the playful antics of seal pups, the chance to watch marine animals up close, or the story of conservation in action, this is a location worth including in your journey.
Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary website.
