The Retreat Animal Rescue Sanctuary

The Retreat Animal Rescue Sanctuary, often referred to as simply ‘The Retreat’, was born in 1989 and is home to over 1,000 animals at any one time, operating a genuine no-kill policy and where possible they re-home animals to live in permanent, loving environments with a forever family. The Retreat is a not-for-profit organisation that have saved more than 20,000 lives since opening 32 years ago.

There are a huge range of animals living at the Retreat at any one time, including horses, goats, pigs, sheep, cows, cats, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, cockerels (who are delightfully noisy!), dogs, ferrets, rabbits, mice, rats, chipmunks and fish. There really is something for everyone!

The Retreat is in High Halden and is open from March to November, Thursdays-Sundays, from 12pm-4pm. It is free entry with free parking and you don’t need to book ahead. Be aware that the car park isn’t huge but they do allow parking in the field next to the car park, just make sure you take adequate footwear in case it has been raining, otherwise you’ll end up like me, desperately trying – and failing – to keep your shoes mud-free because you left your wellies at home!

They have a vegan cafe that serves a range of delicious foods, including gluten-free options, kids meals and desserts. There is also a Thrift Shop selling a huge variety of items, which welcomes donations, and lodges for overnight stays should you be travelling from further afield, or simply fancy a peaceful night in the Kent countryside.

It is wonderful to see the ducks, chickens, turkeys and geese free-roaming so happily, and all the other animals have ample space. There is the option to buy bags of feed for them next to the Thrift Shop – if you do you’ll be certain to make a new best friend or two, especially with the goats! Every staff member and volunteer we have spoken to has been really helpful and friendly and will happily answer any questions.

If you would like to ‘meet the residents’ then you can as they offer guided tours before they open to the public, but they do ask that anyone attending be over the age of 8 and please leave your four-legged friends at home – they are otherwise welcome but as you will be able to go into the animal enclosures, it’s best they give this visit a miss.

I have only been here a handful of times and I honestly cannot explain how wonderful a place it is. It’s a fantastic place to take adults and children alike and sparks difficult conversations that need to be explored by people of all ages. We were particular fans of Roxy the one-eyed horse, who had suffered serious abuse from humans and who is looking for a safe forever home. If you are able to provide such a home for Roxy or any of the other animals looking for a loving family then get in touch with the team.

I would highly recommend visiting the Retreat, you will thoroughly enjoy it, I promise!

Let us know if you visit,

Summer and Livvy