Northcote Heavy Horse Centre
A heartwarming sanctuary for rescued animals, especially majestic heavy horses, run by dedicated volunteers. Free entry, donations welcome!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and volunteers
Northcote Heavy Horse Centre
Best Time
More activities and volunteers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A heartwarming sanctuary for rescued animals, especially majestic heavy horses, run by dedicated volunteers. Free entry, donations welcome!
"A wonderful little sanctuary for a range of animals as well as the Shire horses."
Bring cash for donations
Entrance is free, but donations are crucial. Cash is preferred for easy contributions and animal feed purchases. :moneybag:
Book special events early
Medieval banquets and other events are popular. Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Heavy Horses
Main paddocks
Witness the impressive presence of well-trained heavy horses, a true testament to their care and dedication.
Animal Encounters
Various enclosures
Get up close with a variety of rescued animals, including pigs, goats, llamas, and more. Feeding opportunities available!
Interactive Grooming Sessions
Designated areas
Experience the joy of grooming the gentle horses and ponies, a hands-on activity for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support a Worthy Cause
Plan for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring cash for donations
Entrance is free, but donations are crucial. Cash is preferred for easy contributions and animal feed purchases. :moneybag:
Book special events early
Medieval banquets and other events are popular. Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance! :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the centre, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Feed the friendly animals
Purchase animal feed from the gift shop to interact with pigs, goats, and other residents. :pig:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring cash for donations
Entrance is free, but donations are crucial. Cash is preferred for easy contributions and animal feed purchases. :moneybag:
Book special events early
Medieval banquets and other events are popular. Secure your spot by booking tickets in advance! :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the centre, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Feed the friendly animals
Purchase animal feed from the gift shop to interact with pigs, goats, and other residents. :pig:
Explore the gift shop
Find unique souvenirs and support the centre's mission by browsing their gift shop. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Northcote Heavy Horse Centre as a wonderful, hidden gem with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The dedication of the volunteers and the opportunity to interact with a variety of rescued animals, especially the majestic heavy horses, are major highlights. While entry is free, the centre relies on donations, which visitors are happy to provide.
"We went for a medieval event. There are a few horses and other animals. These horses are well trained to do a variety of activities which we was well impressed with."
Mark Anthony Blades
"Sorry, no photos because we were just so in the moment enjoying this wonderful little sanctuary for a range of animals as well as the Shire horses. We attended their fabulous Medieval Banquet fundraiser. Highly recommended and I will definitely be back for another visit to this beautiful location run by very caring and warm hearted owners. Well worth supporting them! Buy tickets in advance for special events."
Sandra Taylor
"Such a lovely little hidden gem with such friendly people! As a huge animal lover it's a perfect place to spend a few hours. They have a really nice little cafe and lots of different animals: pigs, frogs, fish, geese, llamas, goats, horses, ferrets, owls and a kookaburra
All the staff are so lovely and it's all definitely worth a visit. You can walk a llama or pony and groom the horses too"
Gemma Hollingworth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Northcote Heavy Horse Centre is located in Lincolnshire. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Visitors often mention it as a 'hidden gem' suggesting it might be a bit off the beaten path. Consider using a GPS or navigation app for the most direct route.
Yes, parking is generally available for visitors. Given it's a volunteer-run charity, it's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak times or special events, to secure a convenient spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance to Northcote Heavy Horse Centre is free! However, as it's a volunteer-run charity, donations are highly encouraged and greatly appreciated to help care for the animals.
For general visits, booking in advance is usually not required. However, for special events like Medieval Banquets, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets ahead of time to guarantee entry.
Opening hours can vary, especially for a volunteer-run charity. It's best to check their official social media pages or website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wonderful variety of rescued animals, including majestic heavy horses, pigs, goats, llamas, chickens, frogs, fish, geese, ferrets, owls, and even a kookaburra!
Absolutely! Visitors can often groom the horses and ponies, and purchase food from the gift shop to feed animals like pigs and goats. Llama and pony walks are also sometimes available for a small fee.
Yes, it's a great place for children! They can enjoy feeding the animals, grooming ponies, and walking llamas. The variety of animals and interactive opportunities make it a fun and educational experience for kids.
Yes, there is a small cafe located in one of the old WW2 airfield buildings, offering refreshments. You can also purchase animal feed from the gift shop.
The RAF Spilsby Memorial is a nearby point of interest that visitors might consider visiting while in the area. It's a quick stop that adds a historical dimension to your trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The majestic heavy horses are a prime subject, especially when interacting with them or during events. The diverse range of rescued animals also offers unique photo opportunities. Capturing the volunteers' dedication is also a great idea.
Yes, photography is generally welcomed. However, be mindful of other visitors and any specific instructions given by staff during events or demonstrations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekend when more volunteers are present, potentially offering more interactive activities like llama walks.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Volunteers
If you're considering volunteering, the centre relies heavily on its dedicated team. Visitors often praise the warmth and dedication of the staff, who are volunteers themselves.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Northcote: Rescued Animals
Many of the animals can be fed with food purchased from the gift shop, adding an interactive and memorable element to your visit. This hands-on experience is particularly popular with families and children, making Northcote a fantastic destination for a day out. The volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating these interactions, ensuring both the animals' well-being and visitors' enjoyment.
The centre's dedication extends to its equine residents, with a focus on heavy horses. These magnificent animals are not only a visual spectacle but are also well-trained for various activities, including demonstrations and events. The opportunity to groom these gentle giants is a highlight for many, offering a unique chance to bond with these powerful yet docile creatures.
Beyond the Stables: Events and Experiences
Beyond the larger events, the centre offers more intimate experiences like llama and pony walks. These activities provide a fantastic opportunity for closer interaction with the animals, often led by enthusiastic volunteers.
For those interested in the arts, Northcote has also hosted creative events like 'Creative Heights Scratch Night,' featuring a variety of performances.
This demonstrates the centre's commitment to being a multifaceted venue, supporting not just animal welfare but also local arts and culture. Keep an eye on their announcements for a diverse range of upcoming activities. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit