Please Note!

Due to the current Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, our Aviaries and fowl areas remain closed to the public. Good news - the terrapin sanctuary and dog walk have now reopened. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still very much open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

Book your visit Contact us Peaceways Pet Crematorium

Group bookings

We’re delighted you’re interested in visiting Raystede. While we’re open to the general public, group visits work a little differently to help us manage numbers for the welfare of our rescued animals and to ensure a better visitor experience.

Booking your visit

  • Entry is free, but visitor numbers are limited, so advance booking is essential — even on quieter days.
  • Tickets are usually released 2–3 weeks in advance, and we’re unable to reserve tickets outside of this schedule.
  • Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people, unless you have been invited by Raystede.
  • Entry is free, but visitor numbers are limited, so advance booking is essential — even on quieter days.
  • Tickets are usually released 2–3 weeks in advance, and we’re unable to reserve tickets outside of this schedule.
  • Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people, unless you have been invited by Raystede.

Visiting with young people or those with additional needs

  • If you’re bringing children, young people or visitors with mobility or additional needs, we strongly recommend a familiarisation visit in advance.
  • You’ll need to book a separate ticket for this visit and complete your own risk assessment.

On the day of your visit

  • Many of our animals are here for rehabilitation and may be shy or nervous, so you may not see them all.
  • We really appreciate it — and so do our animals — if visitors stay calm and quiet and do not feed or pet the animals.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Many of our animals are here for rehabilitation and may be shy or nervous, so you may not see them all.
  • We really appreciate it — and so do our animals — if visitors stay calm and quiet and do not feed or pet the animals.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.

Food and drink

  • As a charity, we kindly ask visitors not to bring picnics.
  • Our café is the only indoor eating area and offers a wide range of food, drinks and snacks, with all profits going to support the animals in our care.
  • We’re unable to reserve café tables or areas.

Parking and transport

  • Parking is limited.
  • If you’re planning to arrive by minibus, please let us know in advance by emailing info@raystede.org.
  • We’re unable to accommodate coaches.

Looking to do more?

Support Raystede through fundraising or other activities

Please contact our Fundraising Team by clicking the button below.

Contact the Fundraising Team

Interested in education sessions instead?

Our Community Education Team can visit schools and groups, delivering engaging sessions led by our experienced team.

Request an outreach visit

FAQs

Can I book a group?


Yes — groups of up to 15 people can book via the website.

How do I book?


Via our website (preferred) or by calling 01825 840252. Please review the Group Visits information first.

Can we reserve tickets in advance of the scheduled release?

Unfortunately no, we’re unable to reserve tickets outside of this schedule. However, please be reassured that Monday – Friday during school term time availability is generally not an issue.

Can someone show us around?

All visits are self-led.

What activities are running that week?

Please refer to our regular self-led activities on our Education For Families page (eg trails, Explorer Passport, etc), available to all visitors.

Can we join the daily tour?

Our 11.30am daily tour is designed for individuals and small family groups, not larger organised groups.

Can we eat a picnic / come inside if it rains?


We kindly ask visitors not to bring picnics. The café is the only indoor eating space.

Can we book the café, Meeting Place or any other areas?

No — we’re unable to reserve tables or specific areas, including the yurt and learning garden.

Can children play games in the play area?


Yes, there is a designated play area. As many of our animals are nervous or recovering, we kindly ask all visitors to remain calm and quiet. No ball games, scooters or noisy activities.

Can we bring a coach?

Parking is limited. If you’re arriving by minibus, please let us know in advance by emailing info@raystede.org. We’re unable to accommodate coaches.

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