The Big Cat Sanctuary

Type:Animal Collection

Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8PJ

Add The Big Cat Sanctuary to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01233 771915

Tiger at the Big Cat Sanctuary

Book Tickets Online

About

The Big Cat Sanctuary… “Protection is our Passion”

Providing a future for some of the most beautiful and endangered cats in the world...

Home to over 50 cats including African Lions, Sumatran Tigers, Jaguars, Amur Leopards and Snow Leopards to name just a few, we are located in the heart of the Kent countryside. The 32 acre plot began as a refuge for big cats that had been rescued from less than desirable homes, the site has now become a sanctuary and breeding centre that takes a personal approach to their wildlife residents. Our four pillars of ethos are welfare, breeding, conservation and education. The Big Cat Sanctuary does not operate as a conventional zoo but by way of personal big cat experiences, although we do operate under a zoo licence and we are regulated as members of EAZA and BIAZA.

Visitors learn about the work being done to save what are some of the most iconic yet endangered species on planet. The charity hosts a number of events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness of the in-situ conservation projects they support. The Big Cat Sanctuary is a leading conservation organisation of wild cats in the UK and are proud to have recently piloted an education programme within schools. With the knowledge and dedication of Managing Director and Big Cat Expert Giles Clark and the team, the facility thrives in its ethos to give the animals a fulfilled quality of life in captivity - stimulating them both mentally and physically.

With progressively more involvement in both fundraising and supporting conservation initiatives at The Big Cat Sanctuary, we also contribute to in-situ conservation projects around the globe. By securing a future for both big and small cats we are conserving and restoring the balance of the ecosystem in which predators play such a vital role. In doing this we are saving not just isolated species but our entire natural world.

The key issues for cats around the globe are that they are victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans and the illegal wildlife trade. The aim is to reduce human/wildlife conflict - by pioneering and utilising various conservation techniques and strategies, ultimately mitigating the conflict enabling the local communities to coexist with the surrounding wildlife.

It is only with a dedicated holistic approach to conservation that meets the need of both wildlife and local communities that we will succeed in our quest to help save some of the world’s most magnificent animals.

The Big Cat Sanctuary operates by way of personal big cat experiences only, these include tours, ranger days, a selection of different photographic workshops, overnight stays in our luxury lodges and adoptions. This is our main source of funding and aids the day to day running costs of the site. The reason for this is simply to ensure our cats reside in tranquil surroundings and remain content, to aid our success in breeding contributions.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Weekday£199.00 per ticket
Weekend£249.00 per ticket

Experience holder must be aged 16 years & over.

For this event you may bring up to four guests for a suggested donation of £20 per person.

Visits must be booked in advance.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      1107
    • Very Good
      46
    • Average
      16
    • Poor
      5
    • Terrible
      18

    Recent Reviews:

    • David I
      The big cate experience....delivers on so many levels!
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 16th March 2024
      This was special! Imagine everything you'd hope a big cat experience would be and you've got the big cat sanctuary big cat experience! We stayed overnight in a luxury lodge, had a wonder meal and... Read full review
    • kirstenlucy2
      Canterbury, United Kingdom
      amazing day
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 17th March 2024
      i did the experience day yesterday and it was incredible! we were shown around by mike and he was friendly and was great with telling us all about the different animals, super fun day, 100% worth the... Read full review
    • clopavitt
      Essex, United Kingdom
      We enjoyed every second!
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 19th March 2024
      My partner bought me the overnight stay for my birthday and it exceeded my expectations! From the moment we stepped out the car we were greeted and escorted to our accommodation by a lovely staff... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Opening Times

    Big Cat Encounter (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

    What's Nearby

    1. Lenham Farmers Market

      Occurs on the 2nd Sunday of every month. The market offers an assortment of delicious…

      3.94 miles away
    2. The Len Valley Walk

      The Len Valley Walk runs between Maidstone and Lenham for 12 miles. It follows the…

      4.08 miles away
    3. Skydive Headcorn

      Skydive (Headcorn) Ltd provides parachute training and equipment used to jump with at…

      7.69 miles away
    1. Headcorn Aerodrome

      This is a free attraction where parachuting, balloons, stunt flights, pleasure flights,…

      7.69 miles away
    2. Aero Legends

      Aero Legends offer and unrivalled choice of classic vintage aeroplanes in which to learn…

      7.69 miles away
    3. Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

      One of the longest established aviation museums in the country, started by members of the…

      7.7 miles away
    4. Segways at Leeds Castle

      Take an escorted tour of the castle's picturesque grounds on a Segway, the world's only…

      7.86 miles away
    5. Go Ape - Leeds Castle

      We’ll brief you for safety before you fly down our zip-wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing…

      7.9 miles away
    6. Headcorn Farmers Market

      2nd Saturday of every month.

      8.19 miles away
    7. Leeds Castle

      Set in 500 acres of Kentish parkland, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the…

      8.4 miles away
    8. Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Hollingbourne

      Enjoy an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Hollingbourne, right next door to the…

      8.65 miles away
    9. Weald Of Kent Golf Course & Hotel

      Membership or pay & play 18 hole golf course, set in rolling countryside. The course has…

      8.67 miles away
    10. Hucking Estate

      This beautiful ancient woodland sits on top of the North Downs and has one of the most…

      8.75 miles away
    11. Sutton Valence Castle

      This is an imposing ruined castle with a history dating from c.12th century. The great…

      8.93 miles away
    12. Sutton Valence Farmers Market

      Occurs on the 3rd Saturday of every month. This farmers market takes place in the village…

      9.04 miles away
    13. Electric Bike Hire & Tours

      UK Electric bike tours are able to offer a choice of tours, taking in vineyards, castles,…

      9.96 miles away
    Previous Next

    Ratings & Reviews

    Powered By

    Don't Miss

    Don't Miss

    Don't Miss

    Don't Miss

    Don't Miss

    Don't Miss