The Avian Influenza restrictions are lifting

- our Aviaries and the part of the lakes area housing our chickens, ducks and geese will reopen on Saturday 31 May.

Guinea Pig Day

Visit Raystede on Saturday 21 September 2024 and find out how to care for guinea pigs. Booking essential.

Squeak up for guinea pigs!


Guinea Pig Awareness Week is just around the corner and we are delighted to announce that we are hosting a special day dedicated to these wonderful animals!

Pop to Raystede between 10am to 4pm on Saturday 21 September 2024 to find out what it takes to be a perfect guinea pig parent.

We have a range of activities available for the whole family:

  • Visit our yurt and garden to pick up some top tips on how to keep your guinea pigs happy and healthy.
  • Join our masterclass sessions and speak to our experts at 11.30AM and 2pm.
  • Complete the family trail and learn to speak piggy!
  • Stock up on healthy guinea pig food, treats and toys in our pet shop.

Don’t forget to book your free tickets for this event.

Book your Guinea Pig Awareness Day visit

Squeak up for guinea pigs!


Guinea Pig Awareness Week is just around the corner and we are delighted to announce that we are hosting a special day dedicated to these wonderful animals!

Pop to Raystede between 10am to 4pm on Saturday 21 September 2024 to find out what it takes to be a perfect guinea pig parent.

We have a range of activities available for the whole family:

  • Visit our yurt and garden to pick up some top tips on how to keep your guinea pigs happy and healthy.
  • Join our masterclass sessions and speak to our experts at 11.30AM and 2pm.
  • Complete the family trail and learn to speak piggy!
  • Stock up on healthy guinea pig food, treats and toys in our pet shop.

Don’t forget to book your free tickets for this event.

Book your Guinea Pig Awareness Day visit

Visitor testimonials from last year's event:


‘We thought it was brilliant! Really informative but low key which is great. Good range of activities, though the origami was sooooo tricky!’


‘Thank you for all the work you do, and for being available to the public and educating us!’


‘The guinea pig party bag where you’ve got to fill a paper bag with hay and greens was brilliant. My guinea pigs really loved it and my children enjoyed making it.’

Guinea Pig Awareness Week


Guinea Pig Awareness Week (21 to 27 September), or GPAW, is a week of activities dedicated to improving the health and welfare of guinea pigs. Raystede is delighted to be a partner, along with other national animal charities, that rescue and rehome guinea pigs.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing some top tips on how to care for guinea pigs, show you what it takes to become a model guinea pig parent, and feature some of the gorgeous guinea pigs currently in Raystede's care who are looking for their forever homes.

Guinea Pig Awareness Week


Guinea Pig Awareness Week (21 to 27 September), or GPAW, is a week of activities dedicated to improving the health and welfare of guinea pigs. Raystede is delighted to be a partner, along with other national animal charities, that rescue and rehome guinea pigs.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing some top tips on how to care for guinea pigs, show you what it takes to become a model guinea pig parent, and feature some of the gorgeous guinea pigs currently in Raystede's care who are looking for their forever homes.

Got a question about guinea pigs?


Did you know that guinea pigs are very active and can be awake for up to 20 hours a day?

Did you know that guinea pig’s teeth never stop growing and they need plenty of grass and hay to chew on to stop them becoming overgrown?

Join us for our special guinea pig day and speak to our experts to discover more fascinating facts about these creatures!

Book your Guinea Pig Awareness Day visit Guinea Pig Care Guide

Meet Albert, who is one of our most heartwarming transformations.

When Albert arrived at Raystede, he was nervous, underweight and suffering with painful patches of dry skin and sore joints.

At Raystede, we don’t just rehome animals, we rehabilitate them first, giving the best chance at a happy and healthy life. From healthcare to behavioural therapy, every step of their journey is carefully guided so they can trust again.

You can make a difference. A gift today will help make sure we can continue to care for all our animals, giving them the love and care they deserve.

Donate