Looking for a FREE wholesome horsey day out this summer?
How about a trip to one of Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s sites for some nose scratches with their special residents and see the amazing work they do!
Since forming in 1984, Redwings now cares for over 1,500 rescued horses, donkeys, ponies and mules at its centres around the UK, five of which provide sanctuary homes where you can meet the residents and enjoy delicious coffee and cake knowing all proceeds go towards caring for their rescued herds. The sites contain a variety of characters, and you can meet everything from Shires to Shetlands at a Redwings centre!
All the sites offer paddock walks, home adoption stars, have super gift shops and cafes, and dogs are welcome. All sites are free to enter and park and allow you to enjoy your own picnic. Having met the centre’s lovable residents, you might like to sponsor one of the charity’s adorable Adoption Stars. Available from just £2 a month, you can adopt for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. Everything Redwings does is 100% funded by the public.
Aylsham, Norfolk
Get up close and personal with some of the horses in the idyllic Norfolk countryside, at this award-winning visitor centre. Home to over 70 rescued residents including real-life Black Beauty Maya, donkey duo Wiggins and Wacko, and Redwings’ notorious herd of troublemaker Shetlands - 'The Gangsters'.
After making plenty of new four-legged friends, you can also enjoy a relaxing stroll around the centre’s peaceful wildlife walks – perfect for keen ramblers and dog walkers! Grab a bite to eat from Gulliver’s Café and browse the gift shop with all proceeds supporting the hundreds of equines in Redwings’ care.
Ada Cole, Essex
Redwings Ada Cole, a Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction, allows animal lovers to get up close and cuddly with almost 70 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules and is the perfect place to spend a free family day out! Visit adorable Shetland pony Tinkerbell and spotty donkey Dotty, along with all their friends. Make a day of it and enjoy lunch in Dolly's Cafe or take a picnic.
Caldecott, Norfolk
Redwings Caldecott is the largest visitor centre and currently home to almost 100 equines. Here you can meet mini but mighty Shetland pony Sampson, plus a whole herd of donkeys and mules including adorable donkey Esther and Fox the handsome Shire! You can even stay over at the Sanctuary Rooms in the grounds of Caldecott Hall, with access to a golf course and spa!
Mountains, Angus, Scotland
Set in 220 acres of beautiful paddocks and woodland, Redwings Scottish centre provides a place of sanctuary to over 50 horses, ponies and donkeys, as well as bountiful wildlife including red squirrels and mountain birds. Here you can meet the adorable donkey Minnie and her son Mouse. The perfect place to spend time with family surrounded by nature. From spring each year, they host a series of special open weekends, where the paddock walks and gift shop are open - and no need to book! There’s also Gibson's Gift and Tack Shop with wonderful preloved gifts and tack on offer and they are always on the lookout for donations if you'd like to contribute!
Oxhill, Warwickshire
At this beautiful rural location, you can take a guided tour at the fully accessible centre, where the Redwings staff care for 80 rescued residents. The gorgeous Warwickshire countryside boasts some beautiful views across the countryside and notable residents include fluffy donkey Arya and cuddly cob Rumpel.
Anna Sewell House, Norfolk
Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, dates back to the 16th or 17th century and was the birthplace of Anna Sewell, author of beloved novel Black Beauty, in 1820. Redwings became custodians of the building in 2022 and use this beautiful property to showcase the profound influence Anna’s famous book had on animal welfare, as well as their own work and how they continue her legacy today. Anna Sewell House attracts interest from Black Beauty fans across the world, including Her Majesty The Queen who visited in 2023.
Opening times do vary across the centres so look online before planning your trip. For large groups contacting Redwings ahead of time to make the most out of your day is advisable.
To find out more about Redwings, their centres and the work they do head over to their website HERE.