“Took 3 grandchildren aged 5 9 and 12 and they had a good couple of hours meeting the animals and learned a lot. However, whilst I understand and appreciate the purpose of the sanctuary and the need to keep a distance and a policy of not feeding them, it would have been a better experience if a few more of the animals were a little more accessible and perhaps some able to be fed with food that could be bought on site. I did my best to explain the animals circumstances and they understood but a return visit is not likely as the children would have liked to be a bit more involved with some of the animals. I know its not a petting zoo but it lacked that ahhhh factor and could have focused more on the wonderful outcomes of the work done at Hopefield. Finally, it wasn't busy when we were there but the tea room would benefit from removing a table as there is no room to sit and move - just an observation! keep up the good work”
“I visited here at the start of the summer holidays with my 4 year old and he loved it. As a charity it is great to see the events they put on for the family and children. Entrance is a great price compared to other animal places ive visited in Essex and it all goes directly to helping the animals too and not in peoples pockets! All of the animals have been rescued and spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary, not sold on for slaughter etc. Lots of staff around to ask questions about the animals and they were very knowledgable. Would gladly go back again!”
“This place does so much good work looking after these animals. But I don't think this is a place to go out with the kids. If you lived in the area and you had a spare hour pop along, but I won't be making the trip of an hour to visit again. Also I think it should have a voluntary amount not a ticket price of £5 per an adult as this is a lot to walk around a charity while the staff sit in a shed and most the animals are in fields you can't reach. Keep up the good work but maybe don't open every day instead do lots more open days with activities for families”
