Best things to do in Essex with kids: How your visit is more than a day out

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Essex with kids, then head to the Brentwood countryside where you’ll find a safe haven for animals in need – Hopefield Animal Sanctuary & Visitor Centre. For over four decades Hopefield has opened its gates, its fields, and its heart to hundreds of animals who have had nowhere else to turn. Each rescued resident has a story to tell, a chapter of resilience and hope, and every single one reminds us of the vital role that sanctuaries play in today’s all-too-often throwaway society. We would love to have you come and visit us where you can meet many of beautiful souls who call Hopefield home, and to discover how your visit can fuel our mission to save lives. In the meantime though, here is some more information on some of the 700 animals, birds and reptiles that live on site. 

Little Tan 

Little Tan arrived in 2006, at the age of five having been living in someone’s back garden. His previous owner came to the realisation that this was not a suitable place to keep him, so he trotted into our lives and has been a firm favourite ever since. We spent a lot of time with him when he arrived getting him used to being handled and groomed, and fast forward to today, he is one of our friendliest ponies. 

Jammy Dodger the Pig 

Once destined for slaughter, Jammy Dodger was rescued by a passer-by who found him at the side of a railway track. We think because he was so tiny – just weeks old – he had been being transported on a train carrying livestock to slaughter, and he literally rolled out of the train and into a far happier fate. He lives his life with his girlfriends, Hope & Blossom (who were rescued from a farrowing crate existence) and Peggy (who was found as a piglet running away from a meat farm) and now knows only love and safety. 

Mabel the Goat 

While Mabel might be the smallest goat in the goat field, she has a huge personality! Often found hanging out with her bestie, Thor, this little lady is super friendly – but isn’t adverse to giving our animal caregivers a butt with her head if she’s not getting attention! She arrived at Hopefield in 2021 when her owner became ill and could no longer care for her.  

Regina and Ernie the Donkeys 

Regina arrived at the sanctuary seven years ago, after she was found in a bad way wandering the streets of London. Police felt that she had likely been dumped because not only was she in poor condition, but she was also heavily pregnant. Her son, Ernie, was born at the sanctuary and has grown into the handsome boy you will see in our donkey field when you visit. Regina is a brilliant mum to Ernie, and you’ll always see them together.   

Mildred the Cow 

Mildred arrived at the sanctuary with her best buddy, Simone, in July 2024 after their owner died and no one would take responsibility for them. They were shut in a small barn for months before it was decided they would be put to sleep, but thankfully we heard of their plight and stepped in. Sadly, we lost Simone last year due to old age and we’re so happy we were able to make her final months happy and peaceful. Mildred is the matriarch of her field where she lives with our Highland Cows, Bonnie & Pumpkin, our Jersey Cows, Arlo & Oakley, and Jack the gentleman – our Dexter Cow.   

Chewie the Alpaca 

Chewie was not supposed to come to Hopefield because his previous owner wanted to sell him rather than give him to a sanctuary. She had agreed to give us two of her other alpacas who were less ‘pretty’, but when the other two were brought to us on a trailer, we were surprised to find Chewie on board too! His owner had changed her mind and had decided it was kinder to let him stay with his friends. They were all underweight and suffering from mange when they arrived but now live happily in our alpaca field along with the rest of the herd. All of our alpacas are shy by nature, but they will always come over to our animal caregivers for their favourite treat: grated carrots and sugar beet! 

Jet the Cat

Jet arrived as a kitten back in 2021 after he was found dumped in a bag next to a road. We’re not sure why he only had three feet as he was like that when he came into our lives, but it certainly doesn’t stop him jumping, playing and getting up to mischief. He’s an incredibly loving kitty and will always be first up for attention when visitors are near the catio.  

Misty the Rabbit 

We have lots of rabbits here at Hopefield, many of who arrived in quite horrible circumstances, including Misty. We had a call from a local rabbit breeder in March 2024 who claimed that they had found Misty dumped in a box in their garden, and that if we didn’t come and collect her she would be released into the wild. Despite not having the resources for more rabbits, we couldn’t let her face this horrible fate – domesticated rabbits should NEVER be released into the wild as they do not have the skills to survive. The breeder would have known this. Our office manager, Sophie, a bun mum herself, rushed to the rescue. 

Misty was incredibly shut down when she arrived, but after months of patience and love she now happily interacts with other rabbits and humans and is quite the transformation story.  

Simon the Sheep 

Five years ago, Simon arrived at the sanctuary at just one day old after his mum rejected him and his twin  – who had sadly died. This lovable lamb stole everyone’s heart and under the woolly wing of his foster dad, Dustin, he became the superstar we all know and love today. He’s often mistaken by visitors as a goat, but he’s definitely 100% and 100% cheeky!  

Juliet the Horse 

Juliet was one of the most horrific abuse cases we’ve seen at the sanctuary, arriving severely malnourished and just skin and bones, she was also riddled with worms. If this wasn’t heartbreaking enough, she was also badly burnt having had – unbelievably – bleach thrown over her. Who does that?  

While she has flourished into a beautiful horse now, she still prefers the company of other horses and donkeys over humans, which is why she is kept in a field where you will be able to see her from our viewing stand, but she is not accessible for the public to get too close as she is skittish around strangers.  

Jimbo the Marmoset  

We first heard about Jimbo when his owner was advertising him for sale on Facebook, which was brought to our attention which, of course, meant we had to act. He was living by himself in a small rat cage, and when our team went to pick him up, his owner informed us that his favourite food was chips & gravy – an appalling diet for any kind of animal, let alone one with such specific needs as a marmoset.  

There are an estimated 5,000 primates being kept as pets in the UK. These intelligent animals should never have been introduced to the pet trade. They have complex needs, as well as a lengthy lifespan when given the correct care. Whilst we are one of the largest exotic animal rescue sanctuaries in the UK, due to legislation we are only allowed to have our exotic animals like Jimbo on public display six times per year, with the next dates being 2-3 August 2025. 

Your Visit: A Lifeline for Hopefield 

When you visit Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, you do more than enjoy a day out in Essex – you become a partner in our life-saving work. Every ticket, every cup of tea in the café, every souvenir purchased in our gift shop and every animal sponsorship helps us provide food, shelter, medical care, and love for residents like Juliet, Jimbo, and the many others who depend on us. 

By meeting our animals in person, you witness firsthand the difference that compassion and community can make. Your support allows us to rescue more animals in need, to educate the next generation about animal welfare, and to continue being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

We invite you to become part of the Hopefield family. Whether you’re an animal lover, a parent looking for a fun day out with kids in Essex, or someone looking to make a difference, your visit ripples out into real change. Come and meet our resilient residents – their stories are sure to touch your heart, and your presence helps write their next hopeful chapter.