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.
We are delighted that Raystede’s sanctuary and lakes area will be open for Easter. This includes the paths past our hen and duck enclosures and Rainbow Bridge, and the dog walk. This area has been closed for a while due to avian flu restrictions and then the construction of Project Terrapin, our terrapin sanctuary, which is nearing completion.
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.
Join our free guided tour every day at 11.30am. Head to the meeting point outside Visitor Information where you will find your personal tour guide.
Many of our animals are looking for their forever home. If you would like to adopt please visit our adopt page and complete an online application form. When animals arrive with us, we get to know them through behavioural and medical assessments. Our expert animal care teams carefully use this information alongside your application to see if the match could be a success.
You can also call our Rehoming Team on 01825 880468 if you would like to talk to us directly.
Or, drop into Raystede to speak to our Rehoming Team. All animals available for adoption are described on our website. We desperately need rehomers, but adopting a rescue animal can take a little extra time and patience. Please note – rehoming and viewing of animals takes place by appointment only.
If you would like to find out about fostering or need to give up an animal, please get in touch.
Raystede is a charity and we need your support to enable us to continue caring for the animals who so desperately need our help. Please support us during your visit by using our pet goods shop, charity shop and café, giving a donation. Visit our ‘How you can help’ pages to find out more about getting involved and supporting Raystede.
Raystede is located on the B2192, between Ringmer and Halland, opposite the East Sussex Gliding Club. For directions and contact details, please visit our Contact Us page.
Thank you, enjoy your visit!
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.
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