Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary - Image 1
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Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

4.7
·2k reviews·Ramsbottom, United Kingdom

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More animals visible

CrowdMedium
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Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary - Image 1

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

Best Time

Weekends

More animals visible

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary providing care, rehabilitation, and forever homes for over 1300 animals annually, from dogs and cats to farm animals.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"An amazing place doing so much for all the animals in their care."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,641 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet the Dogs

Meet the Dogs

Dog Kennels

Wagging tails and hopeful eyes await! Many dogs are looking for their forever homes.

InstagramReddit+1
Feline Friends

Feline Friends

Cattery

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

Instagram+1
Farm Animal Encounters

Farm Animal Encounters

Farm Area

See horses, donkeys, and other farm animals enjoying their sanctuary life.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Donations Make a Difference

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary relies heavily on donations to care for over 1300 animals annually. Consider bringing a donation or visiting their charity shop to support their vital work. Every penny truly goes to looking after the animals. InstagramReddit

Volunteer & Adopt

Many visitors find joy in volunteering or adopting. If you're looking for a furry friend, Bleakholt has dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals needing forever homes. Check their website for adoption processes and volunteer opportunities. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More animals visible
Crowd
Medium
When
During events
Why
Fun family atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Been to @bleakholt_animal_sanctuary to catch up with my friends and have a play in the sandpit #hapoy
juniorthestaffie
20 likes • 258 views

🐾 Donation Welcome

Entry is free, but donations are crucial. Bring cash or visit the shop! InstagramReddit

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so sturdy footwear is a must. Instagram

Today me and my team volunteered at Bleakholt animal sanctuary a non profit organisation who find new homes for over 1300 animals a year. I would do it all again everyday of the week. #volunteer #dogwalkersofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #adoptiondontshop #adoption
frylo.ren
33 likes • 730 views
@bleakholt_animal_sanctuary works incredibly hard to provide the very best possible care and welfare for the animals they look after in the North West of England. From dogs and cats to horses and farm animals, they care for a variety of animals in need, helping give them the best life possible and an opportunity to be re-homed in a safe, loving environment. They often take in older animals or tho...
animalfriendsinsurance
14 likes • 480 views

🐶 Consider Adoption

Many wonderful animals are looking for homes. Instagram+2

🤝 Volunteer Your Time

Help care for the animals and make a difference. Instagram+1

About Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary - Caring for those who have no one So where did it all begin? It was started by a very kind lady, Olive Lomas, who saved a lucky donkey named Maudie from slaughter. Her hard work and commitment continued thereby saving many horses and in 1957, the Sanctuary at Bleakholt Farm was formed. Running on pennies Bleakholt had a very humble beginning. Despite this, thousa...
turtonrotaryclub
3 likes • 355 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Donation Welcome

Entry is free, but donations are crucial. Bring cash or visit the shop! InstagramReddit

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around the sanctuary, so sturdy footwear is a must. Instagram

🐶 Consider Adoption

Many wonderful animals are looking for homes. Instagram+2

🤝 Volunteer Your Time

Help care for the animals and make a difference. Instagram+1

🚗 Spacious Parking

Ample parking is available, though it can get busy during events. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Dedicated and caring staff
Wide variety of animals
Peaceful countryside location

What People Dislike

Cafe availability can vary

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. Reddit

Yes, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary is located just up the road from Rochdale in Ramsbottom, making it a convenient option for local residents. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, there is spacious parking available at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, which is helpful as it can get busy, especially during events. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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