Day-trip destination on Royal Deeside: Wildlife, horses, visitor centre and cafe

World Horse Welfare

World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm is a little-known gem that’s guaranteed to have horse-lovers trotting to its door for an endearing mix of cuppas, cakes and equine friends.

Situated just off the A93 near Aboyne, this charity rescues, rehomes and rehabilitates horses and ponies (and even the occasional donkey), and has up to 65 animals at a time in its rescue centre.

With it costing on average £7,000 per animal to take a horse from rescue back to health and onto a happy rehoming, they desperately need help from visitors to keep delivering this vital service.

Whether you live in lovely Royal Deeside or want to build a trip from elsewhere in Scotland, you won’t regret adding this horse Rescue Centre onto your itinerary.

World Horse Welfare

Why visit Belwade?

The farm is in a breath-taking spot … from your first warm welcome at the visitor centre to tranquil sign-posted walks through wildlife-packed woodlands down to the Dee, and through the paddocks to see the horses in their natural environment, it’s worth the visit for the location alone.

With scenic walks from 1km routes to longer, you may be lucky enough to spot red squirrels, roe deer, or otters down by the river.

Keep your eyes skywards and you may spot kites, buzzards and migratory birds throughout the year.

Pixie dust and paws

For younger visitors there is also a special Fairy Wood to explore. Belwade is an ideal location to walk your dogs and they are welcome in the visitor centre and café too.

This is a day-out taken at a slower pace where the sound of birdsong guides you on your way, and is the perfect place to keep energy-filled youngsters entertained as they learn about animal welfare.

World Horse Welfare

Served with a slice

After that you will be ready for a well-earned cuppa or light lunch in the on-site café. Why not indulge yourself with the newest offering, a treat-packed afternoon tea (must be pre booked at least 24 hours in advance), or enjoy the range of fresh coffee, wines or beers.

With floor to ceiling glass doors giving a spectacular view down the farm to the river, this is a little piece of heaven on earth. And if the weather plays ball, eat al fresco on the sunny terrace.

See behind the scenes

At the Meet the Ponies session which is on at 1pm every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, you can get up close to these delightful creatures in the working barn, chat to the Belwade team and find out just how much love, time and energy it takes to turn an animal’s life around.

Accessible access for all

You will also find ponies in paddocks closer to the visitor centre for the less mobile. The team at Belwade Farm has worked with Access Able to complete an accessibility report – find more information on their website or give them a call to discuss any special requirements.

Summer of fun

Ready for the schools breaking up, Belwade Farm has a range of special activities and experiences for the whole family from hobby horses and walks to quizzes and events, and of course a trail through the Fairy Wood – check out the socials or contact them [email protected] to find out what’s on during you visit.

They are open to the public three days a week, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.

Find out more on the website here, or follow them on Facebook here.

About World Horse Welfare

This is an international charity whose values are grounded in pragmatism and compassion that strives to support and improve the horse-human relationship in all of its guises.

World Horse Welfare's vision is a world where every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding.

There are four centres in the UK, one of which is in Scotland.