Buttercups Goat Sanctuary
1 / 10

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary

4.9
·1k reviews·Boughton Monchelsea, United Kingdom

A peaceful sanctuary offering close encounters with rescued goats, where donations ensure their well-being. A heartwarming escape for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Baby goats are active!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Buttercups Goat Sanctuary

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary

Best Time

Spring mornings

Baby goats are active!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful sanctuary offering close encounters with rescued goats, where donations ensure their well-being. A heartwarming escape for all ages.

4.9
(1k reviews)

"A delightful place where you can chill out with goats! Highly recommended for a heartwarming and relaxing experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Donation is Key

Entry is free, but donations are vital for goat care. Consider £5 or buying feed! :heart:

🐐 Feed the Goats!

Purchase bags of goat food for £1 to feed them through the fence. So much fun! :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paddock Playtime

Paddock Playtime

Goat Enclosures

Get up close with a variety of goat breeds, pet them, and even feed them treats.

InstagramReddit
Baby Goat Cuteness

Baby Goat Cuteness

Nursery/Kidding Areas (seasonal)

Witness adorable baby goats during kidding season, a truly heartwarming experience.

TikTok+1
Unique Animal Friendships

Unique Animal Friendships

Sanctuary Grounds

Discover heartwarming interspecies friendships, like the one between Buttercup the goat and Coaster the horse.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Donations & Entry

While entry to Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is free, donations are highly encouraged and essential for the goats' care. Consider a small donation upon arrival or purchasing feed to support their well-being. InstagramReddit

Goat Interaction Tips

You can enter enclosures to pet and feed many goats, but be mindful of those with red collars, as they can be unpredictable. Always supervise children and keep dogs on short leads. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Baby goats are active!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more calm
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Morning Kid Check🐐 #kiddingseason
@katievanslyke
379.4K likes • 4.1M views

🎯 Donation is Key

Entry is free, but donations are vital for goat care. Consider £5 or buying feed! InstagramReddit :heart:

🐐 Feed the Goats!

Purchase bags of goat food for £1 to feed them through the fence. So much fun! Reddit :moneybag:

Meet Buttercup’s Kids🌼🐐 #nigeriandwarfgoats #quadruplets #kiddingseason #quads #buckling #doeling
@katievanslyke
302.1K likes • 2.5M views
Goat encounter with Snowflake from Buttercups Goat Sanctuary 🐐🤍 #buttercupsgoatsanctuary #goat #goatsofinstagram #goatexperience #goatwalking
gothicvegan05
11 likes • 195 views

🐾 Dog Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Goats are curious but usually keep their distance. Reddit :dog:

♿ Accessible for All

Wheelchair users can easily access the goat enclosures. Reddit :wheelchair:

Our obsession🐐🥰❤️ Cuteness overload at Buttercups Goat Sanctuary! There’s no better time to visit 🍃 #whatsoninkent #animals #babies #kids #goats #goatsanctuary #charity
whatsoninkent
13 likes • 289 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Donation is Key

Entry is free, but donations are vital for goat care. Consider £5 or buying feed! InstagramReddit :heart:

🐐 Feed the Goats!

Purchase bags of goat food for £1 to feed them through the fence. So much fun! Reddit :moneybag:

🐾 Dog Friendly (Leashed)

Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome. Goats are curious but usually keep their distance. Reddit :dog:

♿ Accessible for All

Wheelchair users can easily access the goat enclosures. Reddit :wheelchair:

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera! The goats are incredibly photogenic and interactions are memorable. Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Buttercups Goat Sanctuary for its heartwarming atmosphere, friendly staff, and the opportunity to interact closely with well-cared-for goats. It's a highly recommended, peaceful escape for all ages, offering a chance to support a worthy cause. Some mention that certain goats can be unpredictable, advising caution. Reddit+1

"Amazing little place. Really lovely to visit and the goats are all so cute. They are well looked after and you can purchase bags of goat food to feed them. You can also go into the pens and see them and stroke them. Such a brilliant place to go it."

Charlene Wakerell

"A recent visit to Buttercups Goat Sanctuary with friends proved to be a calming experience. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the beautiful setting and the palpable sense of peace that permeated the sanctuary.

It's clear that the goats are the priority here. They have ample space to roam, play, and express their individual personalities. Observing them, it was evident that they are genuinely loved and well cared for. The sanctuary provides a wonderful environment for these charming animals.

The staff and volunteers we encountered were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Their passion for the goats and the sanctuary was evident, and they were happy to answer our questions and share their knowledge.

The sheer variety of goats was a joy to behold – so many different shapes, sizes, and characters! It was simply lovely to spend a few hours in such a tranquil setting, enjoying the company of these gentle creatures.

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary offers a wonderful opportunity for a few hours of peace, calm, and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will certainly be returning soon, this time with my grandchildren, to share this special place with them. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a heartwarming and relaxing experience."

becci27

"I loved this place. It is perfect for people of all ages. Interacting, feeding and stroking the goats was so much fun.

There were so many different breeds and they were all bonkers!!

People in wheelchairs were also able to get amongst the goats which was great.

There is also a little shop where you can buy souvenirs or even choose to sponsor a goat.

Definitely recommended."

Mark Thomas

What People Like

Up-close goat interaction
Friendly staff & volunteers
Calming, peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Unpredictable goats (red collars)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is located in Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, Kent. It's accessible by car, and some walking routes also lead to the sanctuary. Instagram+2

Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but visitors often arrive by car. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or inquire directly if you are driving. Instagram

Yes! Several walking routes, including those from Linton and as part of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival, incorporate a visit to Buttercups. Instagram+1

For most visitors, driving is the most convenient option. Public transport options might be limited, so planning your route in advance is recommended. Instagram

Yes, it's about an hour's drive from London, making it a feasible day trip for those in the capital. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is free. However, donations are highly encouraged and crucial for the animals' welfare. A recommended donation of £5 per adult is common. InstagramReddit+1

As entry is free and donation-based, advance ticket purchase is not required. You can simply visit during their operating hours. Instagram

Specific opening hours can vary, but it's generally open for visitors to enjoy the goats. It's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

No, Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is suitable for all ages, from young children to adults. It's a family-friendly destination. Reddit

No booking is required for general visits. You can arrive and enjoy the sanctuary at your leisure. Instagram

🎫 🐐 Onsite Experience

Absolutely! You can enter many of the goat enclosures to pet and stroke them. Some goats are very friendly and will approach you for attention. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can purchase bags of goat food for £1 to feed them, often through a fence or directly if they approach you. InstagramReddit

Yes, goats with red collars may be a bit unpredictable, so it's best to let them approach you rather than forcing interaction. Reddit

The sanctuary is known to be accessible, with wheelchair users able to get amongst the goats. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on short leads at all times. The goats are generally curious but keep their distance. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

There is a small cafe on-site offering reasonably priced drinks and snacks. Reddit

While there's a cafe, visitors can also bring their own refreshments to enjoy in designated areas. Reddit

There are benches available where you can sit and enjoy your snacks or drinks. Reddit

The cafe typically offers drinks and crisps, providing simple refreshments for visitors. Reddit

Yes, pubs like The Bull Inn in Linton are nearby and offer lunch options after a visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The goats are very photogenic, and the interactions make for wonderful, candid shots. Instagram+1

Interacting with the goats, especially feeding them or seeing them play, provides fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok+1

During kidding season, the baby goats are a major highlight and incredibly cute subjects for photos. TikTok

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing candid moments without disturbing the goats. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is a fantastic outing for families. Kids will be thrilled to get up close with the goats, pet them, and even feed them treats. The free entry and affordable feed bags make it a budget-friendly option. InstagramReddit

Remember to supervise children closely, especially when interacting with the goats. The accessible enclosures mean even younger children can participate. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about animal care and responsible interaction in a fun, engaging environment. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary welcomes well-behaved dogs on short leads. The goats are generally curious but tend to keep their distance, making it a relatively calm experience for most dogs. Reddit

However, if your dog is reactive or easily stressed by new animals, it might be best to leave them at home. The sanctuary staff are friendly and can advise on the best way to manage your dog's visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For those who enjoy a scenic walk, Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is a perfect destination. It's integrated into several walking routes, including those from Linton and as part of the Heart of Kent Walking Festival. Instagram+1

You can plan a circular trail that includes a stop at the sanctuary, offering a rewarding break amidst nature. Combine your visit with a stop at a local pub like The Bull Inn for a complete day out. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Buttercups: Goat Care and Welfare

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe and loving home for goats that have been neglected, abandoned, or are in need of rescue. The sanctuary ensures each goat receives proper veterinary care, a balanced diet, and a clean, comfortable environment. Instagram

Visitors often remark on how well-cared-for the goats appear, noting their healthy coats and playful demeanour. This is a testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who are passionate about the animals' well-being. The sanctuary relies heavily on donations to continue its vital work, making every visit and contribution meaningful. Reddit+1

During kidding season, the sanctuary also focuses on ensuring the safety and health of new mothers and their offspring. The TikTok videos by @katievanslyke offer a glimpse into the daily care, from monitoring pregnancies to introducing newborns to their families. TikTok+2

Visitor Experience: Interaction and Atmosphere

The experience at Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is consistently described as calming, heartwarming, and fun for all ages. The ability to enter the paddocks and interact directly with the goats is a major draw. Visitors can pet, stroke, and even feed many of the friendly residents, creating memorable moments. InstagramReddit

The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Many reviewers highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and volunteers, who are eager to share their knowledge about the goats and the sanctuary's mission. Reddit

Even with dogs present, the goats generally remain calm, and the sanctuary is noted for its accessibility, making it an inclusive destination for everyone. The unique interspecies friendships, like that between Buttercup and Coaster, add an extra layer of charm to the visit. TikTokReddit

The Role of Donations and Support

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary operates primarily on donations, making visitor contributions essential for its sustainability. While entry is free, a suggested donation of £5 per adult is common, and purchasing goat feed is another direct way to support the animals. InstagramReddit

These funds are crucial for covering the costs of food, veterinary care, shelter maintenance, and the overall well-being of the rescued goats. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for sponsorship, allowing individuals to further contribute to the care of a specific goat. Reddit

Social media content often highlights the daily needs of the goats, subtly reminding followers of the ongoing financial requirements of running a sanctuary. This transparency helps visitors understand the impact of their donations. TikTokInstagram

You may also like

1 of 2