Big Cat Sanctuary — Attraction in Ashford

The absolute best overnight stay! My partner booked this for my birthday and we had the best time! The staff were all lovely, the lodge was super cute (we stayed in lion lodge). We were served afternoon tea which consisted of sandwiches, sausage roll, honey cake, macarons and a huge scone with cream and strawberry jam, as well as tea or coffee, olives and bread and olive oil. The afternoon tea overlooks the Asianic lion enclosure but they didn’t make an appearance for this.

After tea, we went on the first tour with Izzy who was incredible, knowledgeable and funny. She made the tours so much fun! We saw the Big Cat Sanctuary’s resident “Disney lion”, Kasanga chowing down on a hefty horse leg and then we got to meet some of the smaller cats; mother and daughter Servals, Griffin the shy Caracal, we got a glimpse at the snow leopards and their cubs as well. Then we saw my absolute favourite Qara, the Pallas’ cat. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the elusive Jethro, one of the volunteers said they work most Sundays since last summer and had never laid eyes on him but Qara’s personality more than made up for it! We also got to see Kuda, the tiny rusty spotted cat, and watched the photographer take some great pics of him. We saw the educational room and the food preparation area, learning more about how much the cats eat, what food sources, and the poaching trade. We also learned about the sanctuary’s plans to expand “small cat world” in the next 5-10 years. We then got to tong feed Puna, a gorgeous, retired tiger who was very sweet and food motivated.

After the first tour, we went to our lodges to change for dinner. The first drink was free, we both had Kuda’s punch which was delicious and we’re treated to a three course meal. Dinner service was a little slow but the food was all delicious and we had the Asianic lions to keep us company, including some play fighting, a sad romantic rejection and spraying on one of the windows which was hilarious. The male lions roar late into the night, setting each other off and it is really a tremendous sound to witness as they compete.

The next day we were served breakfast and then off on the second tour to see the rest of the cats and we all did a hand feed with a chicken drumstick. You have the choice of Luca the orange tiger, one of the male lions (although don’t hold your breath for Kasanga, he wasn’t interested in chicken), the white lionesses, the infamous black jaguar Maya, Willow the world’s purriest cheetah, or brothers Mo and Bolt (also both cheetahs), the Amur leopards, Kiera the golden jaguar, or Cal the white tiger. My partner fed Kiera who was so excited she was dancing and climbing the mesh, and I fed a white lioness. We also saw the three resident pumas and learned a lot about all the cat species and the pet trade.

If you’re thinking about booking, just do it, it was honestly one of the best weekends we’ve had and the animals are so well cared for and it’s so nice how few people are allowed to visit at a time/how small the keep the tour groups.

Once again, massive thank you to Izzy, who...

We went to The Big Cat Sanctuary at the end of February. It’s definitely on the pricey side for a night away, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but wow—what a fantastic couple of days!

The schedule for the two days was pretty structured, and when I first saw the timetable, I worried it might feel too regimented. But actually, the timing was spot on—nothing felt rushed, and nothing dragged on too long.

We started with a welcome and were shown to our lodge, which was really nice. It wasn’t just a bedroom—there was a separate lounge with a sofa, smart TV, and tea/coffee-making facilities, plus fresh orange juice and milk in the fridge. The bedroom was cosy, and the shower was big and powerful, which is always a plus.

After settling in, we headed to the restaurant for a proper afternoon tea. The best part? The restaurant overlooks the Asiatic lion enclosure, and we were lucky enough to have a lion napping right up against the window—literally a foot away from us while we ate!

Next up was the first tour. There were about eight of us in the group, and we were taken around half of the sanctuary with one of the guides. Unfortunately, some areas were off-limits because they were building a huge new enclosure, but we still got to see all the big cats. The real highlight of the first day was getting to feed a white tiger, which was a pretty special experience!

The guide was brilliant—super knowledgeable about both the species and individual cats. We learned how they train the big cats for feeding and medical care, which was really interesting, and the guide answered every question we threw at them. The tour lasted about an hour and a half and was all on flat ground (though very muddy at this time of year—definitely take wellies!). After that, we headed back for a hot chocolate and a bit of downtime in the lodge.

Dinner was a three-course meal back at the restaurant. They send the menu out a couple of weeks in advance so you can choose what you want, and the first 'welcome' drink is on the house. The bar stayed open until about 9:30 PM, so we had a few drinks before heading back to the lodge.

The next morning, we got a serious wake-up call at about 5 AM—the lions were roaring just 30 feet from our bedroom window! Better than any alarm clock! After breakfast, we went on another tour, this time around the other half of the sanctuary. We also got to pick a big cat to hand-feed—both of us chose the lion that had woken us up!

Overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience. The staff, guides, and restaurant team were all fantastic, and everything was really well organised. If you’re into big cats or just fancy a unique getaway, it’s well worth it. We’d go again in...

August 2024 As avid animal enthusiasts, we've always sought out experiences that allow us to connect with nature in meaningful ways. The Big Cat Sanctuary's Overnight Experience in Smarden not only met but exceeded our wildest expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a sense of wonder and VIP luxury that continued throughout our stay.

The sanctuary's passionate care for the animals is evident in every aspect of their habitat and well-being. It's clear that the team has thought of everything to ensure both the comfort of the guests and the health of the majestic felines. The accommodations provided a cozy retreat after a day filled with excitement and education.

Speaking of education, the experience was as informative as it was thrilling. We had the opportunity to visit the vet room and educational centre, gaining insights into the meticulous work that goes into the conservation and care of these beautiful creatures. It was a privilege to witness the dedication of the staff firsthand.

The highlight, of course, was the chance to get up close and personal with the big cats. Hand-feeding these awe-inspiring animals was a moment we'll treasure forever, creating a unique memory that we'll recount for years to come. The food provided to us was of excellent quality, with generous portions that left us satisfied and ready for the next day's adventures.

Our guide, Simon, deserves a special mention. His engaging personality, combined with his passion and knowledge about the big cats, made our experience all the more enjoyable. His humor and care for the animals shone through, making us feel like part of the sanctuary's family.

In conclusion, The Big Cat Sanctuary's Overnight Experience is a must-do for anyone who cherishes wildlife and seeks to make a difference. The exceptional service, educational opportunities, and intimate encounters with the cats are unparalleled. It's not just an overnight stay; it's an impactful journey that educates, delights, and inspires. A heartfelt thank you to all at the site in Smarden for making our visit truly remarkable.

We wish all at the BCS our very best wishes in achieving the successful rehoming of lions from Ukraine, we will be watching social media for updates and planning another visit in the future to see them in their...