The Sancuary Wildlife Care Centre
The Sancuary Wildlife Care Centre
The Sancuary Wildlife Care Centre
4
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
52 within 3 miles
Attractions
34 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
50 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
4
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Gary
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK14 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Myself, partner and 7 year old visited here today as we are all animal lovers and knowing The Sanctuary is in need of as much financial help as possible thought it would be good to go and give our support. To start with please don't go if what you expect is a children's petting farm then come on here and slag it off, the place is as the name suggests an animal sanctuary. They look after wild animals, farm animals and unwanted pets which need looked after and treatment if they are poorly. We had a great time feeding the horses and donkeys as well as the cheeky goats. The owls they have are amazing as is the fox which we got a chance to see even though it was mid day when normally he is asleep. All in we spent around an hour there which people may not think is long but we had a great time seeing and feeding the animals knowing our entrance fee is going to a good cause in feeding, homing and caring for these great creatures and not making profit like petting farms do for the owners. There is a small shop selling tea and coffee and sweets again all money made goes to the animals. These people are doing an amazing job with the limited funds they have so please visit and support these animals.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hueysdenise
Tyneside, UK21 contributions
Didn't see any animals as they all seemed to be nocturnal
Written December 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
starpyrowhittle
northumberland2,024 contributions
Mar 2012
Set near Ulgham, sign posted from the village centre, this is a secluded wildlife sanctuary which is not only advertised as such, but actually works as one. No animal or bird, be it a crow or an eagle owl is turned away if at all possible. Each needy bird or animal is given its care and attention, and this is reflected in the centre itself.
the intensive care unit for the more needy is not open to the public, and rightly so- why should these needy birds and animals be made a public viewing opportunity when the aim is to rehabilitate and release again.
There are plenty of pens, fields etc that are dedicated to the more resident occupants that can not be released, and are a pleasure to spend time with- especially the viewing area for the foxes, owls etc in large enclosures.
The people here are so friendly though, from the volunteers to the owners, all willing to engage in a chat, and talk about their residents at the time!
This place is ideal for a small childs birthday with a dedicated tent area for refreshments etc, and plenty of petting opportunities, as well as donkey rides etc!
This place does not pretend to be a zoo!- its a wildlife sanctuary in need of donations, and i would certainly recomend a visit or a donation to help their continued work.
the intensive care unit for the more needy is not open to the public, and rightly so- why should these needy birds and animals be made a public viewing opportunity when the aim is to rehabilitate and release again.
There are plenty of pens, fields etc that are dedicated to the more resident occupants that can not be released, and are a pleasure to spend time with- especially the viewing area for the foxes, owls etc in large enclosures.
The people here are so friendly though, from the volunteers to the owners, all willing to engage in a chat, and talk about their residents at the time!
This place is ideal for a small childs birthday with a dedicated tent area for refreshments etc, and plenty of petting opportunities, as well as donkey rides etc!
This place does not pretend to be a zoo!- its a wildlife sanctuary in need of donations, and i would certainly recomend a visit or a donation to help their continued work.
Written March 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
Glasgow16 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Booked wild day experience Easter 2013 but cancelled by owner the night before, after we had travelled down from Scotland. Tried to book again this year for my wife and daughter but again left disappointed with no response after initial booking attempt January 2014 and promise to get back to us. Will not try again, if you want a true animal experience I suggest Eshott Heugh,Lynn,Brian and Linda will not let you down
Written April 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello James
If you are going to complain then I suggest you are at least honest in your complaint. I have checked all our emails from 2013 & 2014 and can confirm the following :
Your wildlife experience day was cancelled last year but not the night before as you claim It was booked for Thurs 4 April 2013- we contacted you on Mon 1 April. You were in fact staying in Rothbury for the whole Easter period and did not travel down from Glasgow the night before as you imply.
The reason we cancelled was due to the centre undergoing major building works & delays caused by a harsh winter last year and for health & safety reasons. Not only was your day cancelled but The Sanctuary was not able to open at Easter either. As you can appreciate these decisions are not taken lightly and I did apologise very much that we had no choice but to cancel. We believe the safety of children is more important than making money and taking risks.
You made contact again on 27/02/14 and requested to book another experience day between 8 - 11 April. I replied that we were away with our children on an Easter break and was unable to offer those dates.
What we are surprised about is if your daughter has had such a lovely experience at another attraction - why feel so bitter towards our sanctuary - you should feel happy for your daughter.
Or do you have an ulterior motive in going public to criticise The Sanctuary ?
Written April 15, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Esmefry
2 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
Kim and Alan's ethos of helping all the animals which need their care, rehabilitating those who can be released back into the wild and protecting those who can't, is non-judgemental and life affirming. Being able to interact with those animals unsuitable for release e.g. a fox, barn owls etc., was a magical experience . The sanctuary has only been open to the public for a few years of its 19year life, to help raise funds. It's advisable to check their website for open times before your visit, but please visit, you won't regret it!
Esme and Steve
Esme and Steve
Written September 4, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emmaLancashire_uk
Ashton in Makerfield, UK54 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
Whilst staying close by, we were looking for somewhere to take the children. We saw the sign from the main road and decided to visit. After approx. 10 minutes down a long windy road we arrived to find a sign saying CLOSED!!!
Impressed we were not!! Why did they not put the CLOSED sign on the main road. We wasted petrol and our time!!
Impressed we were not!! Why did they not put the CLOSED sign on the main road. We wasted petrol and our time!!
Written June 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry to hear that you travelled here to find The Sanctuary is closed. The Sanctuary has been closed to the public for visits since August 2014.
However, there are Closed signs clearly displayed in the village of Ulgham which is 1 mile from the centre and although a country lane - does not take 10 mins but no more than 5 mins.
Also most visitors do check our website before travelling out and also if visitors telephone before setting out, the answering machine clearly advises the centre is closed for general admission. Both our website & answering machine say we are closed.
Also all the brown tourism signs in the area had CLOSED signs on them but it is possible they have blown off in the recent gales. We will check this at our earliest opportunity.
It is always best to check opening times of smaller attractions in any case.
Thank you.
Kim
Written June 7, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mac_man2014
Morpeth, UK1 contribution
Aug 2014 • Family
Amazing place that obviously takes good care of all the animals that it has rescued. It is not a large attraction but we spent a great hour there with our children aged 3 and 5. They really loved feeding the ponies and we were so lucky to see the fox too ! A real first for our kids. The play area was great for little ones especially the big swing. There is a simple log cabin that serves cups of tea and snacks for kids. All in all a lovely place to visit especially to support The Sanctuary as the money helps feed the rescued animals.
Written August 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackbean33
Preston, United Kingdom65 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
what a total rip off and so boring. do not take small children unless you want them asleep all morning. we were in there for 20 mins so bored and will not return
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigSkell
Wakefield, UK1 contribution
Apr 2014
Great couple of hours spent there with my wife and 5 year old son, for unforeseen circumstances the tour was cancelled, which we accepted and understood. They were more than happy to allow us access to see Sam the Fox up close and feed him, after travelling from West Yorkshire, especially. Lovely people doing the best they could under the circumstances and difficult time.
Thank you, it made our little boys birthday (and mine) we will return.
The Skelton Family
Thank you, it made our little boys birthday (and mine) we will return.
The Skelton Family
Written April 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smithynat
Morpeth, UK28 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Have driven up 4 times, and never managed to get in yet. Always either not open, or closed for a private party. Will not try again. Dreadful management. Never advertise their opening times.
Written November 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry to hear that you have tried so many times to visit and found us closed.
We were open every day of the school holidays. We do advertise our opening times - on our website, on all the tourism websites , on Facebook & on the telephone message for The Sanctuary and on the tourism leaflets that are distributed throughout the north east. Did you check our opening times before you drove out ? I would also be interested to know when you tried to visit ? I cannot help but be surprised that you tried four times to visit and were unsuccessful - surely after a failed attempt the first time you would check our opening times.
However, if you contact us direct we are happy to arrange a suitable time for you to visit.
Written December 7, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChaosAndClutter
51 contributions
We live relatively local and my children have a challenge to do given by school. They have to ‘show love’ in the community. As they are avid animal lovers I was wondering if it would be possible to maybe make a food donation to the Sanctuary or even better if they could help out at all , even if it’s for an hour!? (Though I understand this maybe unfeasable due to regulations).
If there’s any way they could do something to ‘show love’ to the animals at your sanctuary it would be much appreciated. They are boys aged 5,6 and 11.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Kim O
Morpeth1 contribution
Hello
What a lovely idea ! As you guessed due to the zoo licensing issue we cannnot allow visitors but if the children wanted to drop in some food donations for the animals I’m sure they could feed the horses and goats while here.
Just to give you an idea of the food we use : meaty dog food for fox, rich tea biscuits for treats, appples , carrots ad tins of sweet corn.
Hope to hear from you again soon
Kind regards
Kim
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing