Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Brentwood, Essex
About Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Nestled in the heart of Essex, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a peaceful, not-for-profit haven that provides lifelong care to over 100 species of rescued animals. From horses and donkeys to pigs, goats, alpacas, cows, exotic birds, reptiles, and small domestic animals, the sanctuary is home to more than 600 animals, each with their own story of survival, resilience, and healing.
Founded in 1983, Hopefield was created out of a deep desire to give abandoned, neglected, and abused animals a second chance at life. Since then, it has grown into one of Essex’s most cherished animal welfare organisations, widely known for its unwavering commitment to compassionate care and ethical values. At the heart of everything Hopefield does is its mission: to provide a safe, loving environment for animals in need and to educate the public about the importance of animal welfare.
What sets Hopefield apart is not only the scale and diversity of animals in its care, but also its welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Open to the public most of the year, the sanctuary offers an affordable, family-friendly day out where guests can meet the animals up close, hear their stories, and witness the positive impact of rescue work in action. Whether it’s watching a pig roll happily in the mud, feeding goats, or seeing a horse once abandoned now thriving, visitors leave with a deeper understanding of compassion and the role they can play in supporting animal welfare.
Every aspect of Hopefield is rooted in ethics. The sanctuary is entirely plant-based—meaning no animal products are sold on site—and it avoids any practices that put stress on animals for entertainment purposes. There are no animal performances or forced interactions; instead, animals are respected and allowed to live at their own pace. This makes the sanctuary an ideal destination for those looking for an ethical, educational alternative to traditional animal attractions.
Hopefield runs entirely on public support and donations, and this is a key part of what makes it so special. The money from every ticket sale, café purchase, or donation directly funds the care of the animals—paying for food, bedding, veterinary treatment, and enrichment. When visitors spend a day at Hopefield, they’re not just enjoying themselves; they’re actively helping to give animals a better life.
In addition to daily visits, the sanctuary offers a range of activities and events throughout the year, including school visits, seasonal celebrations, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities. These programmes aim to inspire the next generation to be kinder to animals and to make more informed, compassionate choices in their everyday lives.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary isn’t just a place—it’s a movement rooted in kindness, education, and community. It serves as a reminder that every animal deserves love, care, and respect—and that together, we can make a difference. Whether you're a family looking for an affordable and meaningful day out, an animal lover wanting to support rescue work, or someone seeking a more ethical experience with animals, Hopefield offers a truly heartwarming destination.
The biggest animal sanctuary in Essex open to visitors!
As the largest animal sanctuary in Essex that's open to the public, we provide a safe, spacious home for a wide variety of rescued animals — from farm animals to equine and more exotic animals (exotic animals only on public display 6 days a year) — offering them the care and environment they deserve.
What makes us unique isn’t just our size, but the fact that we’re open to the public. Visitors can meet the animals, learn their stories, and see firsthand the impact of animal rescue and rehabilitation. Whether you're an animal lover, a family looking for an educational day out, or someone passionate about animal welfare, our sanctuary offers an engaging and meaningful experience.
An ethical & affordable day out for the family!
We offer families a chance to enjoy a fun, educational day together — while supporting a meaningful cause. Every visit helps us care for rescued animals, making your trip not only enjoyable but ethical. Unlike commercial zoos or entertainment-focused attractions, our sanctuary prioritises animal welfare, education, and compassion.
We also believe that doing good shouldn’t come with a high price tag. That’s why we keep entry fees low and offer great value for money, so families of all backgrounds can enjoy time together without financial strain.
This unique combination of affordability and ethics means families can have a memorable day out while feeling good about where their money goes.
The money from your visit helps our rescued animals!
Unlike commercial attractions, we’re a rescue-focused, not-for-profit sanctuary. Every ticket purchased, snack enjoyed, or gift shop item bought directly supports the animals in our care. From feeding and medical treatment to shelter and enrichment, your visit helps us provide a safe, loving home for animals that have been neglected, abandoned, or abused.
This creates a more rewarding experience for visitors—you’re not just enjoying a day out, you’re actively contributing to a cause. Families, schools, and animal lovers can connect with animals in a peaceful setting, knowing their presence is making a real difference.
By choosing to spend your day with us, you’re helping to fund lifesaving work—and that turns a fun visit into something truly meaningful.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 15:00
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, Closed
- Thursday, Closed
- Friday, 10:00 - 15:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 15:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 15:00
School Holidays & Events*
10:00 - 16:00
*Check website for more details
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (2-15) : £8.00
- Adult (16-18+) : £9.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-1) : Free
Adult – £9.00
Child (2-15) – £8.00
Concession – £7.00
Family of 2 – £16.00
Family of 4 – £32.00
Under 2’s – FREE
When purchasing on the gate, there’s a surcharge of £1.50 per person to pay.
*includes optional donation of £1 per person towards our charitable work.
**prices on event days may vary.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Baguettes, paninis, cakes, snacks
Hot drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
The nearest bus stops are located on Brentwood High Street which is accessible from both Shenfield and Brentwood train stations.
We're a 10 minute walk from Brentwood High Street.
Verification
Verified Status:
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Hopefield Animal Sanctuary Reviews
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