The Sanctuary

You are assured of a warm welcome at Ferne. We are always pleased to see people – both first time visitors and regulars who come to enjoy the sanctuary. Ferne is a place that people come when they want peace and quiet. Unlike many visitor attractions we cherish the opportunity to allow people to escape from the day-to-day noise and bustle and to enjoy the wonderful Somerset countryside.

Our Sanctuary is home to over 300 animals many of whom have suffered at the hands of humans and have fear around strangers, noise and lots of activity. Our animals live in enough space to not be overcrowded and to allow them to retreat to quieter areas if they wish. When you visit, you may see many or only a few of the residents depending on how they feel about people, where they need to be, how their health is etc. We often have animals here who have recently been neglected or traumatised and are not in any condition to be available for you to see. Those who are comfortable around visitors are always located in the most easily accessible areas. We do rotate our larger grazing animals around the land in order to keep the grass and ground in good condition, these animals will not always be in the same place on every visit. Your visit might fall on a day where the vet is in or when animals are in for routine healthcare and treatments or training, this will all be carried out in a quiet space with no distractions. If you visit in poor weather, most of the animals are likely to be tucked up in bed, very sensibly. With our trails and activities there is always something fun to do at Ferne, but we do not guarantee you will see all the animals in one visit. Do stop and speak to a member of the team who will always be happy to talk to you about the animals and answer any questions.

Your Dogs are welcome to come join you on a lovely walk, but please note they have to be on a lead.

To view the map of the Sanctuary click HERE.

Opening times

SANCTUARY GROUNDS

Opened every day from 10am till 4pm (last admission to the Sanctuary at 3pm)

Please note: Both the Sanctuary and Nina’s Café will be closed on Boxing Day.

NINA’S CAFÉ

Opened every day from 10am till 3pm

PET SUPPLIES AND GIFT SHOP

Opened every day from 10am till 4pm

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT FERNE?

Click here to visit the WHATS ON page! 

What does it cost?

Admission charges

Our daily pass

*£8.75 Adult
*£7.70 Child (age 3–16)
*£27.45 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

* including Gift Aid

Our annual pass

£22.95 Adult
£19.95 Child (age 3–16)
£75.00 per family of two adults and up to three children.

Our Offers

Armed Forces Discount:

For serving members, veterans and family – 50% off individual/family tickets

Blue Lights Discount:

For all those that apply – 33% off individual/family tickets

Students and Concession:

For all those that apply – 25% off individual/family tickets

Teachers

For all those that apply – 25% off individual/family tickets

Please note: You must provide relevant identification upon purchase of entry to the Sanctuary. Carers enter for free.

 

How to find us

Directions

Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Wambrook
Chard
TA20 3DH

From the A30 turn onto James Lane. Follow this for 1.4 miles then, staying on James Lane, go around to the left and continue for 0.2 miles then turn left onto our driveway (signposted Ferne) and follow along (carefully) until you arrive at the Sanctuary car park.