Miniature Pony Centre
Miniature Pony Centre
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Are you looking for a super cute and safe family day out? Then make your way over to The Miniature Pony Centre, situated on the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, where you can enjoy all our outdoor open space and meet all our equines, miniature piggies, and our mammoth donkeys! We have daily activities, outdoor play areas, an onsite café, and free car parking. Open from 10th April to 31st October 2021* *Subject to government restrictions and guidelines. The Miniature Pony Centre, Dartmoor is a great ‘hands-on’ family day out filled with lots of cuteness and pony magic for children and adults alike. Home to over 80 equines from gigantic mammoth donkeys and heavy horses to Miniature Shetlands and Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, this is animal lover’s idea of heaven.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
16 within 3 miles
Attractions
31 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
611 reviews
Excellent
433
Very good
117
Average
27
Poor
20
Terrible
14
mina6923
Bingham, UK7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
At the beginning of our trip we had collected several brochures and sat down as a family and decided where we would like to go, based on time, distance and budget! The Pony Centre was a favourite as it seemed to have lots on offer. The added bonus was that the brochure had vouchers saying £1.50 off per person, plus a rainy day offer. When I rung to book my tickets I was told that they would not be honouring the vouchers this year. This was a huge disappointment and because the children had already decided this was what they wanted to do, I didn’t want to let them down. So I paid the full £29.35 for 3 of us (1 adult and 2 children)! On getting there we were hugely disappointed! The willow garden area was very small and overgrown and took less than 10 minutes to walk round. There were no pony rides on offer as stated in the brochure. The arena fields were closed off to the public, so you couldn’t walk up to see some of the farm animals there. Also the walk in Aviary was closed to the public. So really all we did get to do was pet the ponies. As much as that in itself was lovely, it was quite an expensive activity at £30 if that’s all you are getting to do! Also with unpredictable Devon weather, and the ponies being in the open field, you can’t stay in there all day, definitely not worth the price!
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. I am afraid that as with all other attractions our leaflets went out before the global pandemic hit. At that time we would have been able to offer all of our activities. Due to being closed to the public for such a long time, having over 80 equines and other animals to still look after it was not within our budget to recall and reprint our leaflets. All of the other attractions are also in the same predicament.
We are one of the cheapest farm attractions in Devon and are charging our normal entry for our customers to come in all day. Some attractions who are far more expensive than us are charging a higher price for customers to visit them for fewer hours.
On our website and social media we have advertised that due to the pandemic and for the safety and welfare of our customers and staff we are unable to offer all of our activities including pony rides. All other attractions have also put their messages on their website and social media channels to that effect. This will also include having to close some areas of the business due to social distancing and safety.
We are offering a variety of activities throughout the day. Along side this our customers can go into the paddock with over 40 miniature equines and foals and into our mini donkeys barn for a great, hands on experience.
I am sorry that you did not find us value for money as the response and feed back from our other customers has been fantastic.
We are all in very difficult times and we are all trying our best to offer a fun day out and to look after each other to the best of our abilities.
Written July 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben M
Hoddesdon, UK26 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We had an amazing time visiting the miniature pony centre, despite the temperatures reaching close to 30*c all week. Plenty of shade and water for all the animals and a lovely pony ride and unicorn story too. Our daughter visited one month earlier and was able to enjoy a ride in the arena. Her ride on this occasion was moved into the shade due to the heat. All staff very considerate and very polite. Cafe on site even makes children packed lunches at very reasonable prices. Have no complaints after a thouroughly enjoyable trip! Thank you to all the staff!
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma Q
Gloucester, UK16 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Smallish but Great value for money for little ones compared to other attractions in and around the area. Lots going on, Animals are placid and plenty of petting to be had. Play areas are great! Only criticism is not enough staff in the cafe, there should be separate queues for ice cream and drinks and another for food and drink,or they should be available in the gift shop to reduce queuing.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMR631
Amesbury, UK7 contributions
Aug 2022
A wonderful, hands on, friendly experience. From the warm welcome to the friendly staff, the customer experience was wonderful.
There were plenty of washing facilities for customers, and more importantly, the ponies were never stressed out on the sweltering day we visited.
Alongside the animals there are both outdoor and indoor play areas with plenty of shaded areas to rest in or have a picnic, though the onsite cafe provided delicious, generously portioned meals at a very reasonable price. Tap water refills were available on request, a nice touch.
A wonderful experience for the whole family, and if you are an adult looking for a bit of stress relief, just spend a while with the donkeys and ponies, you could do worse.
There were plenty of washing facilities for customers, and more importantly, the ponies were never stressed out on the sweltering day we visited.
Alongside the animals there are both outdoor and indoor play areas with plenty of shaded areas to rest in or have a picnic, though the onsite cafe provided delicious, generously portioned meals at a very reasonable price. Tap water refills were available on request, a nice touch.
A wonderful experience for the whole family, and if you are an adult looking for a bit of stress relief, just spend a while with the donkeys and ponies, you could do worse.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveMT_1961
Langtoft, UK192 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
My family are horse and pony mad, so had to pay a visit. The ponies are gorgeous and we spent ages stroking each one of them and in my sons case lying with them. Just a shame they are not Dartmoor ponies. Plenty of other animals too like micro pigs (which were cute), tall donkeys, goats, etc. Country walks, talks, pony activities in the arena all day, activity sheet, cafe (depleted by the time we wanted food) and a well stocked shop. A lovely half day out especially for families with younger children.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your day with our lovely animals and we hope to see you again.
Written August 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynda H
Plymouth, UK62 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a great place to visit with young children and excellent value for money. We were made to feel very welcome by the lady at reception and my granddaughter was thrilled with her rosette, pencil and poster, lovely reminders of the day. The animals are very well looked after and there is a real family atmosphere about the place, we also enjoyed our coffees at the cafe. We will certainly visit again.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are so pleased that you all had a great day with us and your granddaughter loved her rosette. We look forward to seeing you all again.
Written July 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darek B
3 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Very nice place where to spend day with families.
Staff on the entrance not welcoming at all. Ride £ bit expensive for 20 seconds going quickly as possible to get reduce queue. Website said you can buy more Ride however when you ask there was rude answer NO on the front of children.! Staff can be more friendly with kids as this is pure kids attraction side.
Staff on the entrance not welcoming at all. Ride £ bit expensive for 20 seconds going quickly as possible to get reduce queue. Website said you can buy more Ride however when you ask there was rude answer NO on the front of children.! Staff can be more friendly with kids as this is pure kids attraction side.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham P
Bournemouth, UK10 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We went here with our 3½ year old while on holiday. It was very quiet, probably due to the time of year (September) and it being a bit wet. The lady at the entrance / gift shop was very friendly and we chatted for a bit while she told us where everything was. The rest of the staff were great too and very attentive. The ponies and donkeys are very docile and you can get up close to them, walk them and kids can ride them. The restaurant food is good and the portions are generous. To top it off, it has a play park, trampolines, an indoor play area with climbing walls and a large soft play. Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to go back again.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Our little boy who is 3 yrs old absolutely loved it here. You can walk in first enclosure to feed ponies. Animals are very friendly. You can also see mammoth donkeys there , they are the size of horses. Playground has plenty of areas for small and bigger kids. There is also small pond with a path to walk around. Also impressive field with ponies running free.
I got ticket for pony ride which he loved too. Got a rosette after. The only downside is I think the under 5 indoor play area wasn't very big and he got bored after 2 mins he did go into the older indoor bit but the other kids were bit hectic for him but not the centre fault obviously, just wish there had been a bigger indoor play area as it was raining and no room to stand/sit in with kids. But we had a great day and will definitely go and visit again.
I got ticket for pony ride which he loved too. Got a rosette after. The only downside is I think the under 5 indoor play area wasn't very big and he got bored after 2 mins he did go into the older indoor bit but the other kids were bit hectic for him but not the centre fault obviously, just wish there had been a bigger indoor play area as it was raining and no room to stand/sit in with kids. But we had a great day and will definitely go and visit again.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FishUKGFR
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
Was good fun day out. Shame no pony rides at the moment (cant wait for covid to be over). The center has done well in setting up hand washing facilities. Slightly grumpy pony in the main paddock and maybe retirement to a closed off paddock might be for the best. Daughter loved the tractor and the trampolines as well as ticking off all the animals on the sheet.
Ignor the last review, I saw this family leaving the cafe and with the language coming out of their mouths I find there review highly hypocritical to be commenting on rudeness.
In all a great day as usual.
Ignor the last review, I saw this family leaving the cafe and with the language coming out of their mouths I find there review highly hypocritical to be commenting on rudeness.
In all a great day as usual.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are pleased that you had a fun day out with us. We are also looking forward to the time when we can offer pony rides to our customers again.
We have popped a couple of ponies into our 'naughty pony paddock'. the start of a new season didn't agree with them and our ultimate goal is for both ponies and customers to have a wonderful day.
We hope to see you all again soon.
Written May 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EilidhThomas
Cardiff, UK1 contribution
Can you stroke and feed the ponies?
Sunflower
Leeds, UK337 contributions
Yes you can go in the field and stroke to ponies it’s wonderful..
nigeldoble
Liskeard, UK65 contributions
Is there a discount rate for disabled and carer
gemini0987
Devon, UK35 contributions
Hi, I'm not sure, Sorry!
Give them a call they are very helpful.
How many miles from princetown to north bovey pony centre
braithwaite12
Northampton, UK938 contributions
out ten miles on a good interesting road
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMiniature Pony Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Miniature Pony Centre
- Miniature Pony Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Miniature Pony Centre:
- (0.02 mi) Crossroads Bed and Breakfast
- (0.04 mi) The White Hart Hotel
- (0.09 mi) The Old Post House
- (0.08 mi) The LongHouse B&B
- (0.07 mi) Underbow Cottage, Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor
- Restaurants near Miniature Pony Centre:
- (0.02 mi) The Bottle Shop
- (0.02 mi) The Cross Street Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Berto’s
- (0.03 mi) Central Stores Coffee Shop
- (0.04 mi) Baskervilles Ice Cream Parlour & Coffee Shop
Miniature Pony Centre Information
Excellent Reviews | 433 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 117 |
Miniature Pony Centre Photos | 532 |