Due to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the UK our Aviaries and part of the lakes area are closed.

We do NOT have this virus at Raystede. We are still open and welcome visitors to the rest of the site.

Visit us

At Raystede, we love welcoming visitors for a glimpse into the vital work we do caring for animals and finding them their forever homes.

To avoid disappointment booking a ticket is essential.

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.

Due to the Avian Influenza Protection Zone across the UK our Aviaries and part of the lakes are closed.

The UK Government have applied an Avian Influenza Protection Zone across the UK. This means that from 25 January 2025, we must close our Aviaries and part of the lakes area to the public until the restrictions are lifted. We do NOT have this virus at Raystede but we are required to put in place a range of measures to protect our birds. Birds are not allowed access to open or standing water and our geese have been removed from the lake and ponds and are now in enclosures that will prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds.

We are still open and welcome visitors to enjoy the rest of the beautiful site.

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 offer a free daily guided tour at 11.30am. Our guided tour is subject to suitable weather conditions. Not available in extreme weather conditions.

Seeing the animals and birds at Raystede

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!

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!

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.

Daily tour

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.

Rehoming and adoption

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.

Please support our work!

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.

How to find us

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!

Your support helps animals like Mags

Mags arrived at Raystede in poor condition, suffering with chronic laminitis (inflammation and damage to the tissue of his hooves) severely impacting his ability to move. Mags spent around four weeks not being able to leave the stable, with Styrofoam pads taped to all four feet to increase comfort.

Five months later, thanks to your kind donations and the expert care our Equine Team, Mags is the picture of health, he is worm and lice free, and most importantly he isn’t in pain.

We couldn't help animals like Mags without your incredible support.

Donate