The Donkey Sanctuary
Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
The Donkey Sanctuary has locations across the UK, and their Sidmouth sanctuary is the biggest and best for a free family day out. The main thing to do on your visit is take the tree-lined walking routes around the sanctuary to see the different donkey enclosures and learn educational facts about donkeys from display boards along the way.
Things to do at The Donkey Sanctuary
You could technically walk around the grounds in under an hour, but it is worth stopping to spend time at each enclosure and watch the different groups of donkeys eating and playing in the fields. You aren’t allowed to feed the donkeys, but you can interact with them and stroke them if they come over to the fencing. Shelter 1 is the best for that, as it houses the adoption donkeys who are the friendliest and love to say hello! There’s also a main courtyard area with barns, where you can get up close with them.
Conservation is also a big thing for The Donkey Sanctuary, and you can take one of their nature trails and learn about the conservation work to improve their grounds. It’s a dog-friendly day out, and dogs are welcome in all of the outdoor spaces.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a charity, and the hundreds of donkeys in their fields have been rescued from around the work to live a better life in Devon. Inside their Welcome Zone, you can learn about the plight of donkeys and the great work that they do at their sanctuaries. It is also a working farm so walking around the grounds you are likely to see feeding time, grooming, and shelters being cleaned.
There is a small outdoor play area and a maze for children which is quite popular. Indoors there is a really nice big gift shop full of donkey-themed homeware, clothing, gifts and toys, and the opportunity to adopt one of the donkeys you have met on your visit.
Important Information The Donkey Sanctuary
Is there food and drink available?
The Kitchen café offers a wide menu of excellent hot and cold food, with indoor and outdoor tables overlooking the paddocks. There are also two picnic areas if you bring your own food.
What are the main things to do?
Tree-lined walking routes around fields of donkeys that you can stroke if they want to be stroked. There is a small outdoor play area and a maze. There are toilets and a cafe.
What are the ticket prices?
Free. They are a registered charity so you can adopt and/or donate.
Is there parking?
There is free, parking.
When are they open?
The Donkey Sanctuary is open all year round but the facilities are closed on Christmas Day. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on a lead, although only guide dogs are allowed in the cafe.
Are they accessible?
This is a Guest Post with thanks to Jen from English Rose From Manchester.
