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Book your visit Contact us Peaceways Pet Crematorium

Family Learning Days

Learn about our work and our animals during the school holidays.

Animal Olympics

Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, Wednesday 31 July and Thursday 1, Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 August

Raystede residents are preparing for the Animal Olympics this summer and we need your help to select the winning squad! Which of our animals will go for gold? Which animal will be the best jumper? Which animal will win the swimming and running races? Who will be crowned champion of the climbing wall?

At 11am and 2.30pm enjoy the opportunity to hear more about the lives of our Raystede champions at our animal talks.

Drop into our training tent to discover some of the unusual objects that our animals use to practise their athletic skills. Have a go at our 30 second hamster wheel challenge and show off your skills on the dog agility course in the garden!

Take a break in our craft and cinema room and design your own Raystede Olympic medal whilst enjoying some animal blockbusters. Take away some fun resources to carry on learning about animals from the comfort of your own home.

Book here

Animal Olympics

Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, Wednesday 31 July and Thursday 1, Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 August

Raystede residents are preparing for the Animal Olympics this summer and we need your help to select the winning squad! Which of our animals will go for gold? Which animal will be the best jumper? Which animal will win the swimming and running races? Who will be crowned champion of the climbing wall?

At 11am and 2.30pm enjoy the opportunity to hear more about the lives of our Raystede champions at our animal talks.

Drop into our training tent to discover some of the unusual objects that our animals use to practise their athletic skills. Have a go at our 30 second hamster wheel challenge and show off your skills on the dog agility course in the garden!

Take a break in our craft and cinema room and design your own Raystede Olympic medal whilst enjoying some animal blockbusters. Take away some fun resources to carry on learning about animals from the comfort of your own home.

Book here

A Terrapin's Tale

Wednesday 14, Thursday 15, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, Wednesday 28 , Thursday 29 August.

Learn more about some of Raystede’s lesser known residents as you complete our ‘Terrapin’s Tale’ trail. Follow the story of Terry the terrapin as you explore our beautiful site, and visit our new terrapin sanctuary and education ‘Shell-ter’:

· Where did Terry come from?

· Why did he need Raystede’s help?

· What is life like in our sanctuary?

At 11am and 2.30pm, enjoy the opportunity to hear more about the lives of our chelonian chums and furry and feathered friends at our animal talks.

Enjoy a tortoise treasure hunt in our learning garden, and then take a break in our yurt cinema. Take on an origami challenge in our craft room to take home your own paper terrapin!

Book here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do?

You will be welcomed by our friendly education team who will set you off on a trail around the site to explore Raystede and learn about our animals and how we care for them. You can also enjoy craft activities such as making cat toys, dog treat bags and rehoming posters, as well as watching films featuring our furry friends. At 11am and 2.30pm join our animal talks to hear more about the lives of our residents.

How much does it cost?

Entry is FREE, but we encourage donations to support our work in caring for animals.

When do they take place?

Family learning days happen every Wednesday and Thursday, 10am – 4pm, during school holidays (excluding Christmas).

How do I book?

Family learning days are FREE, but online booking is essential. Tickets become available 4 weeks in advance, events fill up quickly so don’t miss out!

Book here.

What animals will we see?

We care for a wide range of animals at Raystede, all of whom are encouraged to behave naturally. Depending on the season and weather they may choose to be outside or they might retreat inside. No day is the same and we cannot guarantee who you will get to see!

What ages will it appeal to?

Fun for all the family! You will need to work together to solve clues, answer questions and complete the challenges. Younger ones might enjoy a crafty challenge, whilst the older ones will learn more about our work at animal talks.

What else is there on-site?

Our Café offers a special Family Learning Day discount and our shops provide goodies for you and your animals. We also have a lovely play area where children can let off energy.

Special offer in our café for Family Learning Days!

Enjoy 10% off the bill including drinks, when you spend £10 or more.

Our generously portioned food is freshly cooked to order including breakfast baps, hot and cold mains, an array of tasty snacks and an indulgent selection of cakes. Why not compliment your meal with a hot or cold drink? We have a broad range of Lavazza Coffee, Teapigs Tea, soft drinks, smoothies and more.

Little ones will not be disappointed with our wonderful children's menu - come along for a family meal which won't break the bank!

Eat in or takeaway.

Visitor testimonials


“We loved it! It’s so nice to learn the animal’s stories, and know more about them. Both my children were really engaged."


“For a free day out (we did donate) it was amazing! We’re so lucky to have this place to visit on our doorstep. The kids loved the activity and the craft bits."


“My grandchildren loved making the dog treat bag and the pipecleaner cat toy. The trail was good fun and all educational staff were enthusiastic and keen to engage with the children. Thank you."


“My grandson enjoyed working out the clues and seeing the animals as we went round. Lovely greeting from staff, fun activities for the childr"

Visitor testimonials


“We loved it! It’s so nice to learn the animal’s stories, and know more about them. Both my children were really engaged."


“For a free day out (we did donate) it was amazing! We’re so lucky to have this place to visit on our doorstep. The kids loved the activity and the craft bits."


“My grandchildren loved making the dog treat bag and the pipecleaner cat toy. The trail was good fun and all educational staff were enthusiastic and keen to engage with the children. Thank you."


“My grandson enjoyed working out the clues and seeing the animals as we went round. Lovely greeting from staff, fun activities for the childr"

Book your Summer Family Learning Day visit

Other pages you may find useful

Book your visit
Entry is FREE but it is essential to book a ticket. Visitor numbers are limited for the welfare of our nervous rescue animals and to provide a better visitor experience. More Info
Raystede Rangers online challenge
Take on the challenge to become an online Raystede Ranger with games, puzzles, make and do activities and much more More Info
Games & activities
Learn all about pets and how to care for them from the comfort of your own home. More Info

We rely on your donations to help animals like Topsy.

When Topsy arrived with us, he was severely underweight and needed a lot of care. We couldn't help the amount of animals we do without your support. Please donate to help more animals get the care they deserve.

Donate