Its years since we have been to the Horseworld rescue centre in Whitchurch and my how things have improved, the centre has a large carpark area and the entrance is via a small but really nice shop where you can purchase an array of and things to keep the kids happy, there is a really nice cafe to the left which leads out into a large conservatory eating area which overlooks the garden, the cafe serves a good selection of light meals and at very reasonable prices, high chairs are available.
When you go into the actual centre there is a tractor tour, interacttive centre, a creative workshop, small animal stables, a shire barn, a nature trail the sand arena and donkey den, another stable where you can touch and groom this is really great for children that have never experienced being up close to animals let alone touching them, there is the noahs ark., a ferret house, play barn with some really great slides and indoor play area, a straw pit, party room and outside of these there is a great picnic area with tables and benches so if you are strapped for cash you can bring along a picnic and really make a day of it.
There are some pot bellied pigs which will allow you to smooth them and the array of donkeys and mules that are a joy to behold. Then there is popeye the one eye horse which was one of our favourites, Popeye was abandoned with eight other horses and left to starve,following his rescue by HorseWorld, he developed an eye condition and it was decided that it was kindest to remove his eye, Popeye enjoys a full and active life at HorseWorld’s Visitor Centre and he is used to help educate the public about responsible horse ownership..You can sponsor a horse or donkey and as HorseWorld is responsible for the care of nearly 500 equines,they really do rely on the generosity of supporters to fund its work to rescue and nurse each horse back to health.....
We had lunch, went all around the many areas and finished up with the children having a super time in the play barn and I must say that we honestly thoroughly enjoyed our day out at Horseworld and look forward to vsiting it again soon.
There are disabled facilities available, HorseWorld’s Visitor Centre Gift Shop and Stable Door Cafe has full disabled access (with disabled toilet facilities) and the yard is on level concrete that is wheelchair-friendly, wheelchair loan and disabled visitors can claim concessionary rates of admission.
Horseworld is open All Year, Including Bank Holidays
Winter (November 1st to March 31st) - Open every Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm and all week during school holidays.
Summer (April 1st to October 31st) - Open every day from 10am - 5pm.
Last admission to HorseWorld is one hour before closing.
Adults £6.95 (£3.48 with Discovery Card) Senior & Concessions £5.95 (£2.75 with Discovery Card) Children 3-15 £4.95 Children under 3 Free Families (2 adults + 2 Children) £20.95 Concessions / Student Discount £5.95 Concessions (Child 3-15) £3.95
Carers Free
You can download a 3 for 2 Discount Voucher on their website and there are special rates apply for group/school bookings of 15 or more. http://www.horseworld.org.uk
C heal July 2009