Go behind the scenes at Wildlife Aid’s annual Open Weekend this summer

Zoe Gater

From behind-the-scenes wildlife hospital tours to arts, crafts, activities and food stalls, Wildlife Aid’s popular Open Weekend returns this July, raising vital funds for the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of wild animals.

Wildlife lovers can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s busiest rescue charities when Wildlife Aid opens its doors for its much-loved Open Weekend on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.

Taking place from 10am to 5pm on both days, the event is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to raise vital funds to support the treatment and rehabilitation of thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals.

Visitors can discover more about the charity’s work caring for species including hedgehogs, foxes, birds of prey and pigeons, while enjoying a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment, activities and stalls.

There will be plenty to explore across the site, with local arts and crafts, wildlife photography, handmade gifts and artwork available to browse and buy.

Guests can also get hands-on with activities such as bird feeder making, while learning more about the wildlife that lives on their doorstep.

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Food and drink will be available throughout the weekend, with popular local favourite Gosia’s Table returning alongside a bar and ice cream stall for those looking to make a day of it.

One of the event’s standout attractions is the opportunity to take a guided tour of the wildlife hospital. Offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes, the tours give visitors the chance to learn more about the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals carried out by the charity’s dedicated team.

While Open Weekend admission tickets can be purchased on the day, hospital tour tickets must be booked in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours cost £3 per person, with free admission for children under five.

The event remains a vital source of funding for the charity, with supporters raising an impressive £20,644.70 during the 2025 Open Weekend alone.

Entry to the Open Weekend is £5 per person, per day, with under-fives attending free of charge.

Free parking will be available in the field on Springfield Drive next to the hospital, courtesy of KBR Leatherhead, while the venue is also within easy walking distance of Leatherhead town centre and railway station.

For more information, visit wildlifeaid.org.uk/open-weekend.

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