Redwings Aylsham

What it’s like

Free entry to wander paddocks of rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, with nature walks and ponds thrown in.

There's no admission charge here, which is rare for a place with this much ground to cover. You walk the paddocks and get close to rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, the sort of animals that have usually had a rough start and ended up somewhere better. Little ones who like naming every animal they pass will be in their element, and there's no pressure to rush since the whole site is free.

Beyond the paddocks there are wildlife ponds and nature walks where you might spot swans, herons, butterflies or otters if you're lucky and quiet. It's outdoor throughout, so a wet morning will change the visit, and there's no cover to duck into beyond the café. Pushchairs are fine on the paths, and dogs on leads can come too, which not every animal charity site allows.

The catch is the days and the hours. It's only open Friday to Monday, shut Tuesday to Thursday, and the paddock walks themselves close at 3:30pm even though the site stays open till 4. If you're planning a proper look round the paddocks, aim to arrive well before mid afternoon rather than turning up at three expecting the full run.

Gulliver's Café does pizzas, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and cakes, and the proceeds go straight back into animal care, so lunch there feels a bit less like a spend and more like a donation. There's a picnic area too if you'd rather bring your own. Parking is free and includes disabled bays, and there's a gift shop if a soft toy donkey is non negotiable on the way out.

Facilities

Need to know

Last entry

3:30pm (Paddock walks close at this time)

Parking

Free on-site parking, including disabled parking bays

Food

Gulliver's Café serves pizzas, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, cakes and hot/cold drinks

Picnics

Picnic area available on site

Pushchairs

Pushchair friendly

Dogs

On leads welcome

Getting there by bus or train

Closest train station is North Walsham, 8.5 miles away

Worth knowing

Children's menu meals included with free entry saving on lunch costs

• It's shut Tuesday to Thursday, so plan around the Friday to Monday opening
• Paddock walks stop at 3:30pm, an hour before the gates close
• Free entry means you can drop by for a short visit without feeling you need to make a day of it
• Schools and colleges can arrange bespoke visits with staff, subject to availability

Plan your visit

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