
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
A sanctuary providing care, rehabilitation, and forever homes for over 1300 animals annually, from dogs and cats to farm animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More animals visible

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
Best Time
More animals visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary providing care, rehabilitation, and forever homes for over 1300 animals annually, from dogs and cats to farm animals.
"An amazing place doing so much for all the animals in their care."

🐾 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are crucial. Bring cash or visit the shop!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so sturdy footwear is a must.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 1,641 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet the Dogs
Dog Kennels
Wagging tails and hopeful eyes await! Many dogs are looking for their forever homes.

Feline Friends
Cattery
From abandoned strays to rescued companions, the cats here are seeking love and a safe haven.

Farm Animal Encounters
Farm Area
See horses, donkeys, and other farm animals enjoying their sanctuary life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Donations Make a Difference
Volunteer & Adopt
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are crucial. Bring cash or visit the shop!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so sturdy footwear is a must.
🐶 Consider Adoption
Many wonderful animals are looking for homes.
🤝 Volunteer Your Time
Help care for the animals and make a difference.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Donation Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are crucial. Bring cash or visit the shop!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so sturdy footwear is a must.
🐶 Consider Adoption
Many wonderful animals are looking for homes.
🤝 Volunteer Your Time
Help care for the animals and make a difference.
🚗 Spacious Parking
Ample parking is available, though it can get busy during events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary for its dedicated staff and the exceptional care provided to a wide array of animals. The peaceful countryside setting and the opportunity to adopt or volunteer are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While the cafe can be intermittently closed, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the free entry and the direct impact of their donations.
"Great little place where the people working there really care for the animals! I rescued my guinea pig (Snoopy) last week, communication was great before picking him up, and now my lone pig, Squid (after his mate sadly passed away, our beloved Jupiter) has a friend again! Shoutout to Pete who also gave us Snoopys bed, he still loves it in his new home 💖🫶🏼"
Danielle Fillingham
"Impressive establishment with very friendly staff in a splendid and scenic countryside location. Toilets on site as is bookshop and cafe though the cafe was closed on this particular visit understandably given the workload of available staff and tbh that's not why you're here really though with very spacious parking facilities I imagine it can get busy."
Paul Keeley
"Lovely little place, we always go to the fairs and they get better each time! Lots of animals both for rescue and just that live there. A really friendly place that really cares about the animals, every penny goes to looking after them."
Sam Lowe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is located in Ramsbottom, Bury. It's easily accessible by car, with spacious parking available. For public transport, check local bus routes that serve the Ramsbottom area.
Yes, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is located just up the road from Rochdale in Ramsbottom, making it a convenient option for local residents.
While specific opening times can vary, the sanctuary is generally open for visitors to see the animals. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding specific areas or cafe hours.
Typically, you can visit Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary without prior booking, as it's a place for the public to see the animals and support the charity. However, for specific events or volunteer days, booking might be required.
Yes, there is spacious parking available at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, which is helpful as it can get busy, especially during events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is free. However, they kindly ask for donations to help care for the animals, and they also have a charity shop on-site.
You can donate to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in several ways: through direct donations on-site, by purchasing items from their charity shop, or by volunteering your time. Every contribution helps them care for over 1300 animals.
Project Purrfect is an initiative by Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary to address the cat welfare crisis in the North West. They aim to provide warm and safe spaces for cats awaiting rehoming, with sponsors helping to fund cat pens.
Yes, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to finding forever homes for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals. You can inquire about their adoption process.
Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary often hosts events like family fun days and fairs, which are great opportunities to visit and support the sanctuary. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals at Bleakholt, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, guinea pigs, and other farm animals. They care for over 1300 animals in need.
Yes, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is a great day out for families. Children can enjoy seeing the animals, and the sanctuary often hosts family-friendly events.
Yes, there are toilets on-site. While a cafe is sometimes available, it may be closed depending on staffing and workload. The focus is on the animals and the sanctuary's mission.
Absolutely! Volunteering is a fantastic way to support Bleakholt. Many visitors have found volunteering rewarding, and it can even lead to finding a forever pet.
The atmosphere is described as peaceful and caring, with friendly staff dedicated to the animals' welfare. It's a place where animals are given a second chance at a happy life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A cafe is sometimes available at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, but its opening can depend on staffing and the sanctuary's operational needs. It's advisable to check in advance if you plan to use it.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own picnic is generally acceptable at many outdoor attractions. However, the focus of your visit should be on supporting the sanctuary and enjoying the animals.
Ramsbottom, the town where Bleakholt is located, offers various dining options. You can find local pubs and cafes for a meal before or after your visit to the sanctuary.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary. Visitors often share photos and videos on social media, capturing the animals and the sanctuary's atmosphere.
The best photo opportunities are often around the animal enclosures, especially when the animals are active. Capturing interactions between volunteers and animals can also make for heartwarming shots.
If you are interested in adopting, you can certainly take photos of the animals. However, always be respectful of the animals' space and follow any guidelines provided by the sanctuary staff.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit