Name: Redwings Aylsham
Rating: 5.0

Redwings Aylsham

Redwings Aylsham, Spa Ln, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6UE, United Kingdom

1-99 Years

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Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Aylsham, Redwings Aylsham is a welcoming animal sanctuary providing a safe home to over 70 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. It provides an engaging day out where visitors can meet rescued animals face-to-face, enjoy peaceful countryside walks, and learn about equine care.

Admission to the visitor centre is completely free of charge, with no entry or gate fees required for families. Visitors can choose to support the charity through voluntary donations, gift shop purchases, or by adopting one of the resident animals.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines gentle outdoor exploration with heartwarming animal encounters, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers a relaxed, budget-friendly environment where children can see friendly donkeys, miniature ponies, and majestic horses up close.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Rescue Equine Paddocks: Open-air fields and purpose-built stables housing a community of rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Red's Shed Education Centre: Interactive indoor display zones offering children a fun way to learn about horse care and experience what it takes to run an animal rescue.
Peaceful Wildlife Walks: Scenic perimeter walking tracks winding around the sanctuary grounds, perfect for family strolls and dog walkers.
Friendly Keeper Talks: Informative chats hosted by knowledgeable staff sharing individual rescue stories about the resident animals.

Top 5 Highlights

Wiggins the Donkey: Come face-to-face with Wiggins, one of the sanctuary's most popular and cuddly adoption star donkeys who loves greeting visitors. Children are instantly captivated by his gentle nature and friendly character.
The Gangsters Shetland Herd: Watch the cheeky and spirited Shetland pony herd known locally as "The Gangsters" as they scamper and play in their paddocks. Their miniature size and mischievous antics provide endless amusement for young visitors.
Callisto the Star Resident: Say hello to Callisto, a gorgeous new equine arrival who draws admirers from across the region. Meeting this special resident highlights the important rehabilitation work done by the charity.
Maya the Real-Life Black Beauty: Marvel at Maya, a striking equine resident whose sleek dark coat and gentle temperament earned her a special comparison to the famous fictional character. Standing near her gives children a wonderful appreciation of large horses.
Gulliver's Café and Gift Hub: Step inside the warm indoor seating area to relax with a hot drink or light lunch while supporting a good cause. The adjoining gift shop offers exclusive adoption merchandise and local souvenirs.

Facilities

Toilets & Baby Changing: Clean public restrooms featuring dedicated baby changing facilities and fully accessible options.
Pushchair Access: Primary reception areas, paved yards, and main visitor zones are flat and pushchair-friendly.
Food Options: Gulliver's Café serving hot drinks, pizzas, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, and homemade cakes.
Picnic Areas: Open-air picnic benches positioned outdoors for families bringing their own food.

Pro-Tips

Check Opening Days: The sanctuary is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, but remains closed to visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Arrive Before Paddock Closures: Note that while the centre closes at 4:00 PM, the animal paddocks close slightly earlier at 3:30 PM.
Keep Dogs on Leads: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on site provided they remain on a lead during your visit.

Targeted FAQ

Is Redwings Aylsham worth it for toddlers? Redwings Aylsham is worth it for toddlers because they can safely view friendly rescue donkeys and small ponies up close in a gentle, welcoming environment.
How long does a family visit take? A typical family visit to Redwings Aylsham lasts between 2 and 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the stable yards and enjoy a snack at the cafe.
Where is the best place to park? Visitors can use the complimentary on-site car park located directly outside the main visitor reception area.
Are there free family activities in Aylsham for rainy days? Redwings Aylsham offers free admission and features indoor education zones and a heated cafe area that provide shelter when weather turns wet.x`x`

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Bure Valley Railway: Norfolk's longest narrow-gauge steam railway running nearby between Aylsham and Wroxham.
Blickling Estate: National Trust historic house, expansive gardens, and woodland walks located just minutes away.
St Michael's Church, Aylsham: Historic town landmark featuring striking medieval architecture.
Wolterton Hall and Gardens: Palladian mansion surrounded by picturesque historic parkland.

What Visitors Love:

Admission and parking are completely free, making it an affordable day out for families on any budget.
The atmosphere is peaceful, educational, and focused entirely on the wonderful welfare of rescued animals.
Staff members are exceptionally welcoming, friendly, and eager to share stories about individual horses and donkeys.
The chance to see friendly donkeys and tiny Shetland ponies up close creates magical memories for young children.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The centre is closed three days a week (Tuesday through Thursday), requiring careful scheduling.
Public transport options directly to the site are very limited, meaning traveling by car is recommended.
Certain grassy walking trails can get muddy or challenging to traverse during wet winter months.

Attractions & Live Exhibits

The Rescue Donkeys: Charismatic long-eared residents including popular favorite Wiggins.
Shetland and Miniature Ponies: The mischievous "Gangsters" herd.
Full-Sized Equine Residents: Rescued horses and cobs including Callisto and Maya.
Red's Shed: Interactive learning space with tactile displays about animal welfare.
Wildlife Walking Trails: Grassy tracks looping around the perimeter fields.

New for 2026

Expanded Adoption Star Celebrations: Special seasonal weekend events for 2026, including birthday parties for resident favorites like The Gangsters and individual star ponies.
Refreshed Interactive Displays: Updated learning zones inside Red's Shed designed to engage younger children with rescue stories.
Enhanced Paddock Pathways: Improved access routes around main visitor yards to help pushchair users navigate comfortably.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Information available on official website. While the sanctuary does not offer private function hire rooms for children's birthday parties, families are welcome to celebrate special occasions by visiting during normal opening hours or attending special animal birthday open days.
Contact for Bookings: Enquiries can be directed via email to info@redwings.co.uk or by phone at 01508 505246.

Monday: 10am–4pm.
Tuesday–Thursday: Closed.
Friday–Sunday: 10am–4pm.

Address: Redwings Aylsham, Spa Ln, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6UE, United Kingdom

Post Code: NR11 6UE

Council: Norfolk

County: Norfolk

By Bus: Our nearest bus stops are at Motel, Norwich Road, 0.6 miles away (12 min walk), or Howard Way, Henry Page Road, 0.5 miles away (10 min walk).
By Car: Just 12 miles from the centre of Norwich, Redwings Aylsham is situated off the A140 junction at Henry Page Road, Aylsham. Postcode: NR11 6UE. There is free onsite parking, and disabled parking bays.
By Train: The closest train station is North Walsham, which is 8.5 miles away. You can pre-book an accessible taxi with NJE Taxis who are based in North Walsham. Alternatively the next closest train station is Norwich, which is 14 miles away.