Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre

A few enclosure issues I noticed but has improved since my last visit.

I love this place as do my grandchildren aged 7 and 4. Fascinating rescue animals and birds if all types.

Great little place. Well looked after. Wildlife park ran by volunteer's. Picnic areas in the wildlife park. Also in children's play area. Has a train that goes all round. (Seasonal). Garden centre all setting up for Christmas. The tea room loverly staff. Great propped service. Hit and cold food severed. Great selection of gifts.

You go in expecting to see a few kestrels and owls, only to be surprised by things like coatis, lemurs, monkeys, raccoons and even a dingo - not your usual small sanctuary fare! This makes for a pleasant surprise, especially considering the (fair) price of admission, and the space is well worth taking an hour or two to explore.

The animals are in old-fashioned wire-mesh enclosures, but have plenty of stimulation and space to roam around, and generally seem perfectly content - although a couple were seen to be pacing. Each animal also has its own story, which is interesting to read and usually a little heartbreaking, as most are neglected or surrendered pets that the sanctuary has taken in and rehabilitated or given a good home to. These individual touches perfectly complement the experience of seeing the animals, giving it a more personal feel. The staff also clearly love the animals, and are happy to talk about them - unless they're busy caring for them, of course!

The ground also feature a miniature train, which goes on a short loop around the play area and the back of the sanctuary. It's not that pricey for about 10 minutes of fun, and will put a nice bow on the experience, especially if you have children.

All in all, if you are expecting a big zoo-type experience, this isn't it. This sanctuary is located at the back of a garden centre in the middle of nowhere (the Midlands countryside) and is more about re--homing and rehabilitating animals than catering to visitors. But if it's an inexpensive day out you're after, and you want to see cuddly animals and/or imposing birds of prey, by all means make the effort of visiting here - it's well worth it, and you'll be contributing towards the sanctuary's upkeep!

A great place for a family day out. My grandchildren loved seeing all of the different animals, playing on the park and riding on the train. Meals were reasonably priced and cooked fresh. Lots of plants for grown ups to check out too

A great day out with the family, lots of birds and some monkeys, meerkats, etc. Good to see the page constantly evolving and a place which looks after the animals well.

Always love visiting this place. It's small but perfect. They don't have huge expanses of land but the animals are well loved, well looked after and we'll stimulated. The staff are always happy to talk to visitors and share a camaraderie that's palatable.

Small but perfectly formed! Great range of interesting creatures and the people who support the centre are so friendly and willing to interact and share great information. I remember getting this kind of attention at a zoo.

Fantastic place, a must see. The animals look very happy even when it was wet. My grandkids really enjoyed themselves. Will return when its much dryer for the crazy golf and play area. The garden centre right next door with a lovely restaurant and very friendly staff.