At Raystede, we love welcoming visitors for a glimpse into the vital work we do caring for animals and finding them their forever homes.
Visitor numbers are limited due to the welfare of our animals, in order for us to manage this we ask you to book a ticket. Whilst on quieter days we will try to accommodate, we cannot guarantee entry without a pre-booked ticket.
Welcome to Raystede. We are open from 10am to 4pm every day, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Entry is free but it is essential to book a ticket. You can arrive any time and stay as long as you like. Dogs on leads are welcome at Raystede.
The area around the lakes and dog walk are currently closed due to the Project Terrapin construction work. This is a unique sanctuary designed to help and care for injured and abandoned terrapins in the South East of England.
We offer a free daily guided tour at 11.30am.
On any given day we cannot guarantee any of our animals will be out and about. We care for a wide range of animals and birds 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! Watch the video or read on, to find out more to help you enjoy your visit to Raystede.
Our Kennels and Cattery are not open to visitors as some of our animals are nervous.
Our goats, horses, ponies, alpaca and sheep are usually to be found grazing in the fields.
If you look quietly and carefully into the rodent room you may spot some of our smaller residents such as mice, rats, chinchillas and degus.
The rabbits can be nervous but you may catch them sunbathing or enjoying some fresh greens.
Our colony of tortoises are often out on warmer days and our terrapins are the ultimate sun worshippers!
The Aviaries walkway closes at 2pm every day. This is to ensure the best welfare for our birds.
Our Kennels and Cattery are not open to visitors as some of our animals are nervous.
Our goats, horses, ponies, alpaca and sheep are usually to be found grazing in the fields.
If you look quietly and carefully into the rodent room you may spot some of our smaller residents such as mice, rats, chinchillas and degus.
The rabbits can be nervous but you may catch them sunbathing or enjoying some fresh greens.
Our colony of tortoises are often out on warmer days and our terrapins are the ultimate sun worshippers!
The Aviaries walkway closes at 2pm every day. This is to ensure the best welfare for our birds.
Raystede is an animal charity and our team are working hard behind the scenes to help extremely anxious animals get to a stage where they can trust people again and be happily rehomed - these are the animals you won't see.
If you are interested in adopting, complete an online application form or call 01825 840252 to arrange assistance.
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