The difference between an animal sanctuary and farm parks in Essex

Why Hopefield stands out

• Animal welfare is the core mission: Every resident at Hopefield has been rescued from neglect, abandonment, or abuse, and is guaranteed a home for life. The sanctuary is a registered charity entirely funded by donations, sponsorships, and visitor support, meaning every pound raised goes directly back into caring for the animals.

• Ethical, affordable day out: Admission is kept deliberately low to ensure accessibility (Under 2s are free and admission prices start from £7). We’ve worked hard on being a great visitor attraction while still keeping our animals at the heart of what we do. We have a plant‑based café, Max’s Café, that reflects the sanctuary’s ethos, and while you can bring your own food ( we have lots of picnic benches to use), we do ask that you respectfully bear in mind that many of our rescued animals have been saved from the meat and dairy industry.

• Education through connection: Hopefield isn’t a petting farm. Instead, our ethical animal experiences (e.g., Cow Cuddles, Donkey Dates, Pig Tickles) offer respectful interaction for children (aged 6+) and adults who wish to engage with animals thoughtfully. We also have a free sanctuary trail which will lead visitors around the entire 53 acre sanctuary that includes videos and stories about our residents and more about our mission. 

• Exotic animal sanctuary: Although our more unusual residents such as meerkats, raccoons, skunks, marmosets, and foxes are only available for the public to see during six exotic animal weekends per year, we are one of the largest exotic animal rescues in the UK. We are unable to have these areas permanently open to the public because we currently do not wish to apply for a  a zoo license, because legislation around the license does not currently align with our ethics. As a result of our not having this license, we have unfortunately taken a huge hit financially as we now have less visitors. We are not a farm and we are not a zoo either. We pick up the pieces of the nefarious exotic pet trade, giving a forever home to animals that people bought and quickly realised should never live in a home, and animals that have often come from mobile zoos once they are no longer generating enough interest or profit. We live in the hope that one day we will be able to have all areas of the sanctuary open again so that we can continue to educate on the exotic pet trade, if we can find a way to align ethics with legislation via the relevant authorities. 

• Award-winning recognition: Hopefield has earned a spot in the top 10% of global attractions via Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, a testament to visitors’ appreciation for its compassionate, family-friendly approach.

Sanctuary vs. Farm or Farm Park

Explore green fields with benches and picnic spots, a children’s playground, a soft‑play bus, an arts & crafts marquee, and a gift shop stocked with lots of wonderful keepsakes, including animal sponsorship packs. During school holidays, Summer of Fun unlimited passes and themed events like Exotic Animal Weekend and End of Summer Carnival make returns inviting and educational

Final reflections

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary offers an experience that’s richer than a typical day out. It invites you to connect with animals in a calm, compassionate setting, and in doing so, you’re helping to transform lives. Whether you’re an Essex local or visiting with family, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a great example of what a sanctuary looks like: a place where animals truly come first. We invite you ALL to come for the animal stories, and leave knowing your visit has made a meaningful difference.