Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary | UK Family Days Out
When we went to stay at Parkdean's Sunnydale Holiday Park for the first time, we made a couple of trips out into the local area, including to Mablethorpe to visit the beach. Whilst there, we noticed the sign for the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre and so we decided if we stayed there again that we would be sure to visit. A couple of weeks later, that is exactly what we did.
The first seal arrived at the Sanctuary in 1974 and by 1990 they had been granted charity status, expanded their pools and built a seal hospital for rehabilitation. They care for over 60 seals a year on average and have an amazing set up for their arrivals, as well as for their visitors. It's not a massive park like some that we have visited in the past, but there was still plenty to keep us occupied for a couple of hours; especially while our children are still quite young.
Squidgy loves exploring parks like this, she is a big fan of animals whether it is a squirrel at our local park or a bird she gets to see flying around at a zoo. Running around the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and exploring all it has to offer was right up her street. She was amazed to discover that her arm span was smaller than one wing of the Tawny eagle and of course had to see how daddy compared.
It is not often that we can convince daddy to join in like he did the day we visited Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary. He doesn't have a problem being in photos but posing with boards is not really his thing. Thankfully Squidgy has him wrapped around her little finger so we managed to convince him to
There were so many interesting facts and things to enjoy beyond just looking at the animals. It was pretty amazing to be able to see the true scale of how awesome nature is; and to see how much work the team behind the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre had put into fighting to help the wildlife and be a sanctuary not just for seals but any animals that need help. They continue to do so as well, and there was evidence of the expansion plans and works around the place
The animals were all well cared for, with plenty of space, water, and food. It was amazing to see them being cared for in the best possible way, and I was impressed by the volume and variety of creatures that the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre were caring for. There were a few empty enclosures but we took this at face value; empty spots mean animals have been introduced back into the wild, and also mean there is space to help more.
Our trip to Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre was the first time that Little L was old enough to properly experience the excitement of seeing all the different animals and I think she found it quite overwhelming. She did smile plenty though, mostly thanks to finding her elder sister's joyous excitement most amusing!
Both girls were fascinated by everything. Seeing so many different types of animal from creepy crawlies to goats, meerkats to birds, and of course the few seals that they are unable to put back into the wild for various reasons. It rained on and off pretty much the whole time we were at the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre; but of course we didn't let it stop us from enjoying the day. Besides we weren't short of places to shelter during those October showers.
I am so glad we had a chance to visit, it was reasonably priced and we had a great time there as a family. Of course we made sure to get a couple of bits from the shop on the way out to remember our day.; including a soft toy seal which Squidgy decided to name, "Sheila". Plan your visit by checking out the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre website here.
For more posts about our family adventures, from UK staycations to days out for kids visit my Travel blog. If you have any questions about Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre feel free to ask in the comments section below.
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