I’m smiling as I type this, because Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Essex has that effect on both its visitors, and residents of 80 horses, ponies and donkeys. As part of the UK’s largest horse sanctuary, this peaceful, unassuming little haven is a lovely place to visit with little and big-ones in tow, especially if they are crazy about horses.
It’s taken us ages to finally get round to visiting Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Essex. Absolutely ages! And, I can’t tell you how pleased I am that we did. Due to covid restrictions you must book online to visit.
Visitor slots are limited to select weekend dates over the year, so planning ahead is a must. During the summer months we really struggled to get a booking, however, tripping over into the cooler Autumn months, there is currently plenty of availability. It’s free to visit, but any donations are so very gratefully received by Redwings, as this helps towards the care of the rescued animals.
We travelled by car, and due to limited visitors at any one time on site, there was ample free parking.
Address:
Redwings Horse Sanctuary – Ada Cole
Broadlands, Epping Road
Roydon, Nazeing
Essex, EN9 2DH
On arrival, you should report to the visitor centre to check in. And, if it’s your first time visiting the lovely staff will give you a little introduction to the sanctuary.
It’s so hard to believe that any one of the gorgeous horses, ponies or donkey’s we saw could ever have been in a position where they needed rescuing. On sight, they all looked so content, happy and at peace in their own ways. Redwings gives visitors the ability to look up their residents in more detail, and find out a bit more about their (often, awful) backgrounds as you go along. It’s very tastefully done, with a focus on the positives – which is great for little ones.
It’s split into sections, with stables to the front of the grounds. Further along are pens, and further still are the fields. There is plenty of space for fun and frolics, so you may not get to see all the horses, ponies and donkey’s, depending on where they are and what they are up to.
However, if you’re lucky, you’ll manage to get a snuggle or two with the most cuddly residents who trot over to meet everyone.
We were absolutely taken by the ponies who loved lots of fuss. Little Button seemed to really click with Tinkerbell, so much so, that she could have stayed all night stroking her!
Dolly’s café makes for a lovely pit stop in between pony snuggles – if you can tear them away (believe me – it was hard!). It was a beautiful day, so we purchased drinks and a cake to nibble at the picnic bench area. Funds go towards the running of Redwings, and every little bit helps! You are of course welcome to bring your own picnic from home too. The toilet block is right by the stables, and conveniently located near the café and picnic area.
Pony mad Little Button was thrilled to have the opportunity to adopt Tinkerbell. It was a donation of £15 for the year that you can make at the visitor centre, and we now receive a fab newsletter and updates. The lovely thing about making an adoption at Redwings horse sanctuary is not only feeling like you are making a difference (which you are), but actually being able to visit the resident you have adopted.
We absolutely love Redwings Horse Sanctuary – Ada Cole, Essex, and we’ll certainly be back to visit very soon. It’s a gorgeous place to spend a couple of hours, whether you like to sit back and watch the horses play or get up close and have snuggles with them. It’s inspiring to see what good is being done, and of course, there’s an opportunity to contribute in different ways too – which gives all the warm fuzzies.
I think it’s probably worth noting that Redwings is not an attraction like a children’s farm or a zoo. It’s a fully working horse sanctuary, and everything is set up to make the horses, ponies and donkey’s as comfortable as possible. It caters brilliantly for visitors, but do expect modest facilities, and appreciate having a chance to see these beautiful rescued residents being cared for and given the love they deserve.
WILD is now out in Spanish!
WILD – Our debut children’s picture book
Dad blogger Ross Good from The Stented Papa is the official storyteller for WILD!
Happy book birthday WILD!
It’s so wondertful that Redwings Horse Sanctury is still on the go. I remember as a child being horse crazy and my mum used to get me Christmas presents from them.
It is wonderful what they do for neglected horses.
Before atroke I used to ride a friend’s ex race horse every weekend, so this post is right up my street#dreamteam
I can see why this would be a dream visit for a little girl!
This sounds like an intriguing visit. I am so pleased they give you more info about the horses’ backgrounds but do it in a way suited to children. #DreamTeam
How lovely. And yes, great presents for horse mad kiddos.
What a lovely place to visit and to take kids to learn to be kind to animals. The ponies look so cute.
I am so glad you got to visit the sanctuary. I love horses and donkeys, I will have to look at taking my lot there.
That would be sweet to have them trot over for a meet and greet. Sounds like a wonderful time.
Aww this place looks really adorable! Thank you so much for sharing it, our little one loves horses and this seems like a great place to take her.
It’s such a lovely place for the littles. x