Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare Reviews Summary

Adoption and Animal Interaction

Pros:

• "We adopted our gorgeous and cheeky eight-year-old cat from Raystede and the process could not have been better."
• "Because they are wonderful people who work there who care for all their animal friends."
• "The goats were very friendly, and would come right up to the fence to say hi."
• "Great for the kiddies to go and learn more about animal welfare and what a rescue centre does."
• "We adopted Pika who is settling in nicely."
• "Adopting a dog was a good experience with everybody being so helpful."
• "A large site with a variety of resident animals and those waiting on homes, all well cared for in enriching and spacious enclosures."

Cons:

• "Lack of communication, ask about a dog and they say you will be considered, then you find that the dogs you have shown an interest in have been reserved."
• "The only downside was there was only 1 cat and we didn't see any dogs!"
• "Cant see the dogs barely see the cats & small animals also very difficult to see guineapigs in a shed where you cant see them real shame for anyone who actually wants to see the animals to adopt them."
• "Took our granddaughter to see animals... but greatly disappointed as very few animals birds to see cages all empty."
• "Unfortunately we went on a hot day so we saw very few animals as they were all hiding!"
• "Some of the rescued animals were difficult to spot."
• "Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that we didn't see that many cats or rabbits as they seemed to all be hiding away."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "There's a cafe, charity shop and pet store on the grounds."
• "So very welcoming staff, they chatted warmly with my group of Learning Disabled Adults."
• "Raystede has a great deal to offer, animals in abundance to view, walks in the grounds, discussions, food and drinks in the cafe with ample seating arrangements."
• "Entry is free, but think about donating as takes £6000 per day to look after the amount of animals they have."
• "Nice place which has been brilliantly adapted to support a good number of visitors."
• "There are disability pathways around the park, baby changing and disabled toilets/restrooms for those who need them."
• "They have ample parking and the site has wheelchair access throughout."

Cons:

• "Shame there's not a proper picnic area and you are discouraged from taking picnics on their website."
• "Its a shame we could not do more as my husband and grandchild are disabled and there are not a lot of benches and when you could find some they were covered in birds poo or mould so you couldn't sit down, so we had to leave such a shame that it's the bare minimum is done for disabled people."
• "Was really disappointed in the visit I traveled 60 miles round trip to come here and felt like a wasted journey they’ve fenced all the animals off so you can’t touch them."
• "Not all areas are paved so can be tricky with wheelchairs."
• "The centre isn't very easy to get to if you don't drive, because the bus doesn't go to Raystede at the weekend."
• "Would be much better if there were more animals to see instead of so many empty cages."
• "Car parking spaces limited on busy days."

Food and Cafe Experience

Pros:

• "Cafe was good, there is a very small park but it's completely free so you can't ask for more really."
• "The food in the cafe was so tasty. I had a baked potato with vegan chilli - delicious!"
• "My friend had a cheese & ham pannini which she raved about, especially the cheese."
• "The cafe offers a selection of hot & cold food, also I had a delicious latte."
• "The food was lovely and very reasonable prices."
• "The cafe served amazing food and they had a playground for the children as well as all the animals."
• "Cafe there too that serves great food."