Join us this September and October for our award-nominated Home Education Days at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Designed specifically for home-educating families, these dedicated learning days offer a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of wild cats, conservation and animal welfare in an inspiring setting.
Through themed activities, interactive learning opportunities, Mini Meets and self-guided exploration, learners of all ages can discover how cats are adapted to survive in the wild, how conservationists work to protect threatened species, and the important role modern zoos play in conservation.
Led by our Conservation Education team, each day combines hands-on learning with real-world conservation, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper connection to wildlife.
We are also proud to share that our Home Education Programme was recognised as Runner-Up in the Education Category at the 2026 BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Annual Awards.
Want to be the first to hear about future Home Education events? Join our mailing list by emailing education@thebigcatsanctuary.org.
- We are a small, private Sanctuary not normally open to the public. These education days are designed for learners aged 5-16 with up to two accompanying adults. However, we kindly ask that the number of accompanying adults does not exceed the number of learners, as extra adults may take up space meant for a learner. We appreciate your understanding that these events are specifically tailored for learners aged 5-16 years.
- Younger siblings may attend but please be aware that we do not have facilities suited for young children as there are no play areas, so we ask that you are mindful of younger siblings taking up a learner space.
- Each session has a maximum capacity of 90 people with tickets being sold on a first come first serve basis. This is inclusive of the learners attending, and accompanying siblings and adults.
- Booking is required for every Home Education Day you wish to attend, and tickets must be shown to gain entry to the sessions. There are no on the day admissions.
- The Big Cat Sanctuary reserves the right to cancel sessions if fewer than 5 people are booked into a single session. We will notify all participants with no less than 3 days’ notice.
- Due to having a small Conservation Education team, we have tried to cater for a wide range of ages and learning needs so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to learn more or ask questions, please speak to one of the Conservation Education team. We will be wearing badges and will be very happy to talk to you!
Cost to visit:
- Learner (5–16): £13.75
- Adult (18+, max 2 per learner): £16.25
- Child (2–4): £3.75
- Under 2: Free
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non refundable or transferable.
Behaviour Code of Conduct: The welfare of our cats is of the upmost importance. Please read the behaviour code of conduct to ensure yourself and all our guests get the best from your day with us. If you book one of the themed Home Education Sessions, we will assume that you have read these rules and that you agree to them.
Activity Packs To enhance your learning experience, we offer activity packs filled with theme-related activities for you to complete around the Sanctuary at your own pace. There are differentiated levels of challenge, indicated by the number of paw prints, allowing learners to choose activities best suited to them. Each pack also includes further learning ideas to take home and continue your wildlife journey.
Activity packs are available to borrow free of charge and must be returned in their original condition at the end of the day. Please indicate when booking if you would like to reserve a pack, as additional packs will not be available on the day. A replacement fee may be charged for packs that are not returned or are returned damaged.
Mini Meets Our Mini Meets provide an opportunity to see one of our cats up close whilst learning more about their species, behaviours and individual personalities from a member of the team.
There is no need to book a Mini Meet. Simply arrive at the stated enclosure at the time shown on the day’s timetable. Please note there is no handling of the cats during these sessions and guests will remain behind a safety barrier at all times.
Exploration Station and Learning Activities Please note that our pre-bookable workshops will not be running during the 2026 Home Education Days.
Due to current staffing capacity, we have made the decision to focus our resources on providing more flexible learning opportunities throughout the day. Instead, our Exploration Station will offer a range of additional drop-in activities, wildlife artefacts, games and opportunities to engage directly with members of our Conservation Education team.
These activities can be accessed at your own pace, allowing learners and families to tailor their experience to their interests and spend more time exploring the Sanctuary together.
Please dress appropriately for the weather! Most of the activities are outside and we can get muddy if it rains. Feel free to bring any of your own learning materials such as notebooks, worksheets and pens.
We have sensory bags available to rent onsite for a small refundable deposit at Heritage Lodge. There is a limited amount of these rented on a first come first serve basis. Please see here for site accessibility information.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is a cashless site so if you are wishing to purchase anything from the gift shop you will need to pay via card. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our education souvenir goody bags offer for a memento of your day. Goody bags will be available to purchase in the gift shop.
To make your day even easier, we are introducing pre-bookable lunch boxes for both adults and children. With a choice of sandwiches and snacks, you can enjoy lunch whilst relaxing in our beautiful Sanctuary grounds.
Lunch boxes must be ordered when purchasing your tickets and will not be available to buy on the day. Aside from snacks sold on at the shop, no other food will be available to purchase.
Children’s lunch box – £8.50
- Choice of gammon, jam or vegan cheese sandwich
- Animal Adventure crisps
- Shortbread rounds
- Choice of Radnor fruit drink or water
Adult lunch box – £10.50
- Choice of gammon, vegan cheese or mediterranean vegetables & hummus
- Kent crisps
- Cake/biscuit
- Choice of soft drink or water
Join us and learn all about the unique adaptations of various cat species from around the globe that have enabled these magnificent creatures to thrive in their respective habitats. Learn about the stealth of the jaguar, the agility of the cheetah, the climbing prowess of the snow leopard, and much more. Participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate key concepts related to cat adaptations. From examining claws and teeth to exploring camouflage techniques.
Activities on the day:
- Mini-Meets will take place at 11:30 and 14:15. Cats and meeting points will be given out the week before your visit in your welcome email.
- Exploration Station with one of our Conservation Educators, allowing hands-on exploration of cat artefacts, activities, and an opportunity to talk to our team.
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with adaptation themed activities to complete on your way round.
For learners who have a keen interest in the arts and the amazing world of big cats, this day should be the perfect opportunity to engage with cats and conservation from a more artistic perspective. You may be exploring cat anatomy through investigating and sketching replica big cat skulls, creating portraits or honing your photography skills using our very own big cats as your subjects!
For an additional charge, there is the opportunity to take home your own Kasanga the lion Cardimal®. Modelled after our very own handsome African lion Kasanga, these recyclable cardboard puzzles offer a hands-on challenge that you can decorate here on site or take home to do later.
Activities on the day:
- Mini-Meet will take place at 11:30 and 14:15. Cats and meeting points will be given out the week before your visit in your welcome email.
- Exploration Station One of our Conservation Educators will be hosting a discovery table throughout the day. Take the opportunity to get face to face with some replica cat skulls! You can also try your hand at sketching the interesting shapes and details while learning about the specialised adaptions cats possess which make them such amazing predators. One of our resident photographers will hopefully be on hand to give you some wildlife photography tips.
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round. You might want to bring your own sketching tools or cameras too.
Whether you’re a budding zoologist, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, or simply curious about the inner workings of a zoo, our Extraordinary Exhibits session explores the world of life here at the Sanctuary and the dedicated care that goes into looking after our amazing cats. This event offers an educational experience, allowing participants to gain insight into welfare, enclosure design, and enrichment.
Activities on the day:
- Mini-Meet will take place at 11:30 and 14:15. Cats and meeting points will be given out the week before your visit in your welcome email.
- Exploration Station hosted by one of our Conservation Educators, the discovery table allows for hands-on exploration of cat artefacts and an opportunity to talk to our team. Whilst you’re there, take a look at our building brick conservation scenes and enrichment for our cats! Meet our Deputy Head Keeper and trained Veterinary Nurse in the Exploration Station to learn about veterinary care, health checks and caring for the cats at the Sanctuary.
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round.
Join us for an exciting Wildlife Watchers themed day, where you’ll dive into the fascinating world of wildlife tracking and conservation! Learn how experts study animal movements, behaviours, and habitats using traditional tracking methods alongside cutting-edge technology. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, you’ll discover how tracking techniques help scientists monitor endangered species, support conservation efforts, and promote peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.
Activities on the day:
- Mini-Meet will take place at 11:30 and 14:15. Cats and meeting points will be given out the week before your visit in your welcome email.
- Exploration Station hosted by one of our Conservation Educators, the discovery table allows for hands-on exploration of cat artefacts and an opportunity to talk to our team. Whilst you’re there, why not have a go at identifying cheetahs with our Discovery Box!
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round.
Join us for an exciting Crucial Conservation themed day, where you’ll explore the science behind saving species from extinction. Discover how conservationists assess the threats facing wildlife, monitor populations, and decide which species need the most urgent support. Through interactive activities and discussions, you’ll learn how research, data collection and conservation action work together to protect wildlife around the world.
This day is aimed primarily at learners aged 11+ due to the more scientific nature of the content. However, younger learners are welcome to attend if parents feel the theme is suitable for them. Younger siblings are also welcome, but please note that activities and discussions will be designed with older learners in mind.
Activities on the day:
Mini-Meets will take place throughout the day. Cats and meeting points will be provided the week before your visit in your welcome email.
Exploration Station hosted by one of our Conservation Educators, featuring hands-on activities, wildlife artefacts and opportunities to explore real conservation challenges.
Meet one of our Centre for Species Survival Officers and learn about their role in assessing species, monitoring populations and helping guide conservation action both in the UK and around the world.
Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round.
Book NowWant to stay up to date with all our Home Education events? Then join our mailing list by emailing education@thebigcatsanctuary.org