Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

Buttercups began in 1989 when Bob and Valerie Hitch decided to care for two unwanted goats. A few months later, the RSPCA approached them to take in another goat in urgent need, and this marked the beginning of a steady stream of goats arriving from around the county, many suffering from cruelty and neglect. By 2003, the number of goats in their care had grown so much that the sanctuary became a registered charity.

Since then, we have rescued nearly a thousand goats, with around 120 currently in our care. We are the only registered charity in the UK dedicated solely to the welfare of goats. Our sanctuary strives to provide a loving home for goats that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected, as well as those simply in need of a new home. Additionally, we aim to enhance knowledge and education about goat welfare across the country.

During your visit, you'll be able to freely roam and relax among the goats. However, please note that there is a small ‘off-limits’ area reserved exclusively for the goats, providing them with a quiet space to retreat to if they need a break. Additionally, be aware that any goats wearing RED COLLARS may be temperamental and should be given extra space. We recommend not petting these particular goats.

Feeding the goats is a must-do activity during your visit! You can purchase feed for £1 per bag in the designated feeding area. Please do not bring your own food for the goats, and be sure to use all the feed before re-entering the paddock. Also, please DO NOT FEED GOATS WEARING PURPLE COLLARS, as these goats are often on special diets or have difficulty chewing.

When you're ready for a break, the Buttercups Tea Room offers hot and cold drinks, crisps, cakes, snack bars, and ice cream—all the good stuff! If you bring a picnic, we recommend keeping it in your car until you’re ready to eat, and remember, it MUST NOT BE OPENED until you're in a goat-free area.

While you’re visiting, keep an eye out for our Adoption Goats, identifiable by their yellow collars. These goats can be adopted for £20 a year, adding a special touch to your visit.

To make your visit even more memorable, check out our range of Goat Experiences: Goat Keeper, Goat Encounter, and Husbandry Course.

General admission is free!

We do ask for donations to enter (this can be done by cash, card, Apple Pay or Google Pay). Suggested donation of £5 per person - no booking required!

Throughout our summer season (April-October), the sanctuary is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (not Wednesdays!) from 11am-4pm.

Across the winter season (November-March), we run reduced hours of Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 11am-3pm.

Please note that during school holidays, the sanctuary will always be open six days a week.

Upcoming Events

Husbandry Course

Spend the day learning from our experienced goat staff and go away feeling like a goat pro! With a theory session in the morning and a practical in the afternoon, this session will give you a chance to learn about and practice all the essentials of goat husbandry and welfare.

When: Sun 24 11 2024 at 11:00 am

Until: Sun 24 11 2024 at 3:30 pm

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Recurring Events

Goat Encounter Experience - Saturday

Looking for a little goat one-on-one time? Join us for an hours session during which time you will be able to brush, walk and bond with one of our lovely goats!

14+ Years Only

30th Sep 2023, 10:00 am - 31st Oct 2024, 10:00 am

Taking place on Saturday at 10:00 am until 11:00 am

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Goat Encounter Experience - Sunday

Looking for a little goat one-on-one time? Join us for an hours session during which time you will be able to brush, walk and bond with one of our lovely goats!

30th Sep 2023, 10:00 am - 31st Oct 2024, 10:00 am

14+ Years Only

Taking place on Sunday at 10:00 am until 11:00 am

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Goat Keeper Experience - Saturday

Join the team for a morning of all things goats!

The Buttercups Goat Keeper Experience offers a unique opportunity to experience first-hand what it is like to care for over a hundred goats and see just what makes the sanctuary tick. An amazing experience for any ani... (click below to read more)

Taking place on Saturday at 10:00 am until 11:00 am

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