Family Outing Review: Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre & Bird of Prey Hospital

As a parent, I find that the July/August summer school holidays seem really long especially if we have not booked to go abroad.  To fill our days with interesting activities, we love heading on days out and discovering new places which are local to us without breaking the bank.

In today’s post, I am pleased to share with you about Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre & Bird of Prey Hospital which is located in Eccleshall, Stafford.  This is a registered charity which is home to over 100 rescued and rehomed exotic animals including monkeys, raccoons, meerkats, owls, hawks, emus, snakes, tortoise and more run by volunteers.

Keep on reading to find out more about this sanctuary and safe haven for exotic animals and birds of prey and what we did there on our day out with the kids.

What we thought of Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre & Bird of Prey Hospital

We were lucky to have a few good days this summer and this was one such day and decided to visit the willdlife centre with friends to make the most of it.  I first heard about Gentleshaw Wildlife from a friend, who mentioned what a lovely place it was and had to discover it for ourselves.

The sanctuary has plenty of carpark and easy enough to get to using satnav/google maps. We soon realised that we could spend a day there easily as it was located next to Fletcher’s Garden Centre, Hilcote Valley Railway, Scoop Waffle & Dough which sells amazing waffles and ice-cream, clean toilets and restaurant as well as an outdoor play area where you can enjoy a picnic.

We had to enter via the garden centre/back of the carpark to access the wildlife centre. There is a small entry fee to be paid to access the wildlife centre to help upkeep the place.

@yeahlifestyle

Gentleshaw #Wildlife Centre & #birdofprey hospital review is now live on www.yeahlifestyle.com #stafford #staffordshire #blogger #influencer #blog #socialmediainfluencer #uk #england #initedkingdom #kids #family #daysout #travel #holiday #halfterm

♬ Holiday – FASSounds

Established in the late 80s with the sanctuary opening in 1993, this also doubles as a bird of prey hospital which helps to treat wild raptors (not on display) and showcase over 30 different species of Bird of prey, Primate, Reptile, Invertebrate, Raccoons, Cats and many more.  It is an outdoor centre so do dress appropriately when you visit.

It is a great place for young kids to explore and learn about exotics birds and admire an aviary full of beautiful birds which is located at the top of their walkway.

Do check their website for events as well as the bird display time/feeding time to get a chance to see more of the animals there.  You could also opt to partake in their zoo keeper experience to get up close to their animals.  It is also a great experience for little ones as they get to read about the stories of the rescues.

For those into reptiles, pythons there is also an area dedicated to them, don’t worry, they are all in glassed compartments, so you are safe. Also don’t forget to stop by their gift shop to grab yourself a souvenir before you head back.

When you exit the sanctuary, you will notice the Hilcote Valley Railway  which little ones would love. There is a small fee of £2 per person while under 2s ride for Free.  Their season starts at February half term  and continues until October Half Term (weather permitting). So do check the weather report if you are heading especially for the train ride.

There is also a play area with swings, climbing structure and slides along with lots of picnic benches available for patrons. Feel free to bring along a picnic if the weather is nice otherwise, pop over to their restaurant for a hot meal or some waffles/ice-cream.

The toilets are located in the garden centre, so a great way to browse items while you are there. There are also seasonal items on discount at the Garden Centre if you are lucky to spot some.

I would say, Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre & Bird of Prey Hospital is a great place to head to with grandparents or kids/teens in tow as there is so much to do there especially on a nice sunny day for both the young and old.

Most importantly, it is a great place to head to as it is good value for your money and the visit won’t break the bank.

Where is Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre

It is easy to get to Gentleshaw Wildlife, there are Free parking on site. You need to enter the Garden Centre to access the Wildlife Centre.

Stone Rd
Eccleshall
Stafford
ST21 6JY
 01785 850379

What Are their Opening Times?

Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Wed to Sun 11am to 4.30pm (last admission 4:00pm)

(It is open everyday during school holidays)

How much is their entry fee

About Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre

Gentleshaw Wildlife centre, a registered charity, is a small sanctuary for exotic animals and birds of prey. As well as a hospital unit for the treatment of wild raptors, (not on display), the centre is home to over 30 different species of Bird of prey, Primate, Reptile, Invertebrate, Raccoons, Cats and many more.

Their mission statement is to provide, at all times, the best care and welfare for the birds and animals they take in, nothing is more important to them than their health and safety. Gentleshaw bird of prey hospital was established in the late 80s, with the sanctuary opening at its base in Eccleshall in 1993.

They offer permanent homes to unwanted or mistreated exotics and captive bred birds of prey, as well as temporary foster home for exotics whilst forever homes are found for them. They are a licensed zoo and work with many other organisations to help exotic animals in need.

You may also want to read this:

Fun Kids Day out to Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot

Family Day Out at Warwick Castle – including The Falconer’s Quest live show

Family Outing Review: Bidlea Dairy in Holmes Chapel

Photo disclosure: Some of the images have been provided to us by Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre