Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary, West Runton: Hours, Address, Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary Reviews: 4.5/5
Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
4.5
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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135 within 3 miles

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Attractions
39 within 6 miles

West Runton Beach
56
0.6 miBeaches

Sheringham Museum at the Mo
248
1.6 miSpeciality Museums • Observation Decks & Towers

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139
2.3 miTheaters

Sheringham Beach
693
1.6 miBeaches

Cromer Pier
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2.3 miPiers & Boardwalks

Cromer Lifeboat Station
766
2.3 miVisitor Centers

RNLI Henry Blogg Museum
447
2.4 miSpeciality Museums

North Norfolk Railway
2,045
1.7 miScenic Railroads

Priory Maze and Gardens
358
1.3 miGardens

Felbrigg Hall
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1.9 miHistoric Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
499 reviews
Excellent
382
Very good
87
Average
18
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Moochiesmum
Sheffield, UK5 contributions
Couples
Had a couple of hours to kill whilst waiting for low tide in Sheringham and found this animal sanctuary nearby. So glad we decided to visit, we loved it there!
We spent the morning wandering around, reading the rescue stories and giving the horses, donkeys and goats lots of strokes and scruffles. The goats in particular seemed to love a scratch around the neck - they were blissed out! This place is fab for kids, with the added extra of a little playground, but everyone, young and old, appeared to be having a lovely time chatting to the animals. There were also plenty of hand washing stations dotted around to keep hands clean.
As veggies, it was really nice to see a selection of vegan snacks in the cafe, so we decided to stay for a quick bite and give our support.
During September, entry is free, but we felt a donation and gift of grass nuts for the horses was well worth it for a few hours in the company of the Hillside animals.
We spent the morning wandering around, reading the rescue stories and giving the horses, donkeys and goats lots of strokes and scruffles. The goats in particular seemed to love a scratch around the neck - they were blissed out! This place is fab for kids, with the added extra of a little playground, but everyone, young and old, appeared to be having a lovely time chatting to the animals. There were also plenty of hand washing stations dotted around to keep hands clean.
As veggies, it was really nice to see a selection of vegan snacks in the cafe, so we decided to stay for a quick bite and give our support.
During September, entry is free, but we felt a donation and gift of grass nuts for the horses was well worth it for a few hours in the company of the Hillside animals.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
k381ss
Leicester, UK187 contributions
Family
We visited here for the 1st time and what a great choice, there is a large area to walk round you can spend a good few hours.
There was a child's activity sheet which was definitely a brilliant idea to keep the kids entertained, the animals are well looked after and also tells you about what had happened to them.
There is a gift shop where you can adopt some of the animals for a yearly fee which make a great present and also helps the sanctuary out. There is a cafe for snacks and drinks, seating outside not much shade when it's a really hot sunny day, even walking around there were only a couple of shady spots.
A child's play area also a great place for them to just have a little play.
So glad we visited will return again.
No fee entry for 2021. Donations requested on entry, this may change next year so its best to check.
There was a child's activity sheet which was definitely a brilliant idea to keep the kids entertained, the animals are well looked after and also tells you about what had happened to them.
There is a gift shop where you can adopt some of the animals for a yearly fee which make a great present and also helps the sanctuary out. There is a cafe for snacks and drinks, seating outside not much shade when it's a really hot sunny day, even walking around there were only a couple of shady spots.
A child's play area also a great place for them to just have a little play.
So glad we visited will return again.
No fee entry for 2021. Donations requested on entry, this may change next year so its best to check.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Erin
Leatherhead, UK39 contributions
Family
This is such an incredible place, with incredible selfless people to run it. This sanctuary doesn’t just rescue horses, they also save goats, donkeys, chickens, alpacas, bunnies, geese, ducks, pigs, deer… the list goes on and on. It’s free to go in, and personally I think they should make an entrance fee as they really do need the help to look after all the animals. All of the animals are very well cared for, and the people who work there adore their job. You can make donations, and they have a little bric-a-brac shop where you can leave money in a box for whatever you decided to take home. You can also buy a sack of hay for the animals for £5. I absolutely 100% would recommend going. It’s a gorgeous place, and I plea that everyone makes even the tiniest donation. The animals are very sweet, and lots of the horses are very friendly. They also have a cat who lives there, Luca, and is often seen weaving round peoples legs in the gift shop! It’s a wonderful place for people of all ages, and definitely worth a visit. Was by far one of the highlights of my trip to Norfolk :))
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnrosslinden1
12 contributions
Couples
We regularly stay in this area but today we thought we would visit Hillside. There is free entry at the moment but you can make a donation on entry or once inside. We are glad we made a donation because this is a great place to visit where the priority is animal welfare. We couldn’t believe the diverse range of animals which were onsite after being rescued from some awful Predicaments. This is a great place to visit and see the amazing work of these kind people. The site is very clean and organised with so much to look at.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lou L
King's Lynn, UK52 contributions
Family
Visited here today for the first time with the family for my daughters 16th birthday.
Due to some places not being open due to covid 19 entrance was free but donations welcome. Social distancing was observed by all and there were numerous hand sanitising stations. Parking is free and plentiful. A good variety of animals to see and encounter including horses, donkeys, parrots, turkeys, pigs; llamas, cows rabbits goats , chickens and sheep. The cafe was open for cold takeaway food which is all vegetarian and vegan. At each animal stable/ enclosure the history of how the animal ended up at the sanctary was displayed. The animals were obviously very well looked after and the staff we encountered were friendly. There is a small book shop and a bric a brac shop with an honesty box in which you pay for your items. People were encouraged to wear masks in indoor areas and the toilets were well maintained. We spent 2 hours there and if we didn't live so far away we would be back each week
Due to some places not being open due to covid 19 entrance was free but donations welcome. Social distancing was observed by all and there were numerous hand sanitising stations. Parking is free and plentiful. A good variety of animals to see and encounter including horses, donkeys, parrots, turkeys, pigs; llamas, cows rabbits goats , chickens and sheep. The cafe was open for cold takeaway food which is all vegetarian and vegan. At each animal stable/ enclosure the history of how the animal ended up at the sanctary was displayed. The animals were obviously very well looked after and the staff we encountered were friendly. There is a small book shop and a bric a brac shop with an honesty box in which you pay for your items. People were encouraged to wear masks in indoor areas and the toilets were well maintained. We spent 2 hours there and if we didn't live so far away we would be back each week
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
D63
Hungerford, UK1 contribution
Couples
This is a lovely place to while away a couple of hours, especially good for children but not a requirement! The animals are well cared for and it is a lovely setting, would recommend a visit to West Runton beach afterwards.
There is no entrance fee (bizarrely as they really should charge) and donations are requested to help with the animal costs.
Highly recommend
There is no entrance fee (bizarrely as they really should charge) and donations are requested to help with the animal costs.
Highly recommend
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael W
Cleethorpes, UK112 contributions
In these strange times when you have to avoid close contact with other people, we really enjoyed our visit to Hillside because everything is outside. The number of people entering the centre is monitored and as people leave you are admitted. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. The running costs of this centre must be colossal as there are so many rescued animals and not just horses onsite. Some of the information boards have horrific stories of how abused and neglected animals arrived at the centre.
Definitely can recommend here for a visit.
Definitely can recommend here for a visit.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy F
Northampton, UK7 contributions
Couples
We loved this place. It was far bigger than we expected, especially since they don't currently charge admission, just ask for a donation. They house a lot of animals here. They have a lot of information signs around and space to sit for a break and drink at the cafe. You can "adopt" an animal for as little as £10 for the year which I thought was great value, and can pay to help with the cost of animal feed and bedding etc. It was very clean, well run, lots of space and we had a lovely visit.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amy
10 contributions
Solo
I have lived in West Runton for over two decades, I finally visited the sanctuary and I am so impressed.
Not only is this an incredible day out for families, with free entry and a cafe that charges more than reasonable prices (3x ice lollies for less than £2.50).
It also has bric-Ã -brac, book stools, gift shops, informative stations and more.
But most importantly, it's animals are well looked after. Would definitely recommend.
Not only is this an incredible day out for families, with free entry and a cafe that charges more than reasonable prices (3x ice lollies for less than £2.50).
It also has bric-Ã -brac, book stools, gift shops, informative stations and more.
But most importantly, it's animals are well looked after. Would definitely recommend.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victoria W
Winchester, UK84 contributions
FAB-U-LOUS! I was totally impressed by this place. It is by donation so if you are of low income all are welcome. The premises are spotless even though there are loads of animals. The animal enclosures are also spotless and the animals look happy and well cared for.
We payed a quick visit before a long journey home and hope to go again when we have more time on our next trip to Norfolk.
There are 2 bric a brac sheds and bookshop that are like Aladdins Caves, with proceeds going to the sanctuary; a small cafe and a gift shop.
This place is outdoors so dress for the weather. We went with children aged 2-12 and grandparents and everyone was happy.
Definitely worth a visit or 2!
We payed a quick visit before a long journey home and hope to go again when we have more time on our next trip to Norfolk.
There are 2 bric a brac sheds and bookshop that are like Aladdins Caves, with proceeds going to the sanctuary; a small cafe and a gift shop.
This place is outdoors so dress for the weather. We went with children aged 2-12 and grandparents and everyone was happy.
Definitely worth a visit or 2!
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liverp00lLady
Liverpool, UK22 contributions
Is this place wheelchair friendly?
Bernice C
8 contributions
It's set on rural land so whilst I can't remember there being steps, the paths may be a little uneven and there are slopes etc. They do have specific disabled parking spaces close to the entrance and there is a disabled toilet on site. They're really friendly so it may be best to call before you go to find out whether it would be accessible.
Hannah
13 contributions
Is this open daily? It’s very unclear on their website whether you can visit everyday or they have open days and you have to book and go on one of these. I looked at the website but it really isn’t very informative or clear. Trip advisor seems to be much more informative.
It's open every day (10am) EXCEPT Saturday (I assume it's the one day the staff get off each week!).
Entry is free but there are other ways to contribute, eg cafe, gift shop, bric-a-brac shop, buy a bundle of hay for an animal, adoptions, standard donations etc. So you could have a completely free day out and take your own picnic if you're watching the pennies or there are opportunities to be more generous if you can.
Helen P
Haverhill, UK6 contributions
Do you have to book at the moment prior to visiting?
Rockchick63
Peterborough, UK33 contributions
No lots of car parking and great social distance rules and procedures in place, we felt very safe.
Suelinflower
52 contributions
Do you offer horseback riding?
susan L
4 contributions
No this is a rescue centre to care for unwanted mis treated animals
Is the sanctuary any good for a rainy day?
Donna O
Peterborough, UK65 contributions
Most of it is outdoors but there are various sheltered units.
Marg5
2 contributions
Is there disabled access
Hillside
Norwich, UK
Hello Ma55i,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. As others have helpfully mentioned, the Sanctuary is generally accessible for disabled visitors but it is an outdoor environment so in some weathers (such as rain, or when muddy) it may be difficult accessing all of the outdoor areas. There are several indoor areas to visit including the Museum, Gift Shop and Animal Friendly Cafe. Thank you for thinking of visiting our rescued animals.
Sophie S
England, UK114 contributions
Is this dog friendly?
davidch217
Reading, UK35 contributions
Yes, they allow dogs on leads. We didn't have a dog with us but I am sure I saw a water bowl near the cafe for dogs to drink from.
Sophie S
England, UK114 contributions
Is this dog friendly?
Richard6allcock
Norwich, UK29 contributions
yes its all ok to bring dogs as long as they are kept on a lead and under controll
Maria T
Wellingborough, UK17 contributions
Is the sanctury open over the Christmas week commencing 22 - 29 December. we are renting a cottage and would like to visit with grandchildren if poasible.
Sheila C
Chesterfield, UK20 contributions
I am sorry, I really can’t answer that as I didn’t look when we were there.
Maggie_Taylor026
Peterborough, UK9 contributions
Are you open on a Sunday please?
Carolj28
Biggleswade, UK146 contributions
Yes I think they close on Fridays and Saturdays !
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
- Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary is open:
- Sun - Fri 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Hotels near Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary:
- (0.05 mi) The Links Country Park Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Set within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this bungalow is just the place
- (0.10 mi) St Josephs Cottage | Norfolk Holiday Properties
- (0.27 mi) Corner House B & B
- (0.29 mi) Homefield Guest House
- Restaurants near Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary:
- (0.05 mi) In2Blu
- (0.28 mi) The Tea Room at Corner House
- (0.32 mi) The Pepperpot
- (0.28 mi) Krua Thai
- (0.45 mi) Rocky Bottoms