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No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary.
There’s a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth that hundreds of donkeys call home, and they’re all waiting to meet you.
This free-to-visit, award-wining attraction has something special to offer, whether you're looking for quality time with the kids or somewhere calming to kick back with coffee and cake.
Explore everything the sanctuary has to offer - all year round, whatever the weather. With activities, trails, talks and demonstrations, there’s so much to explore with your own herd. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome too!
Take sanctuary in the Taste of the West award-winning restaurant and enjoy fresh, local, seasonal produce while soaking in the unparalleled coast and country views. Luscious lunches and tempting afternoon treats are dished up daily - best served with friends, family and fabulous views.
You can even adopt your own donkey in the Gift Shop, where you’ll also find quality donkey design products on every shelf. What’s more, every penny of profit goes towards helping millions of donkeys and mules around the world.
Make the day your own, but above all else, fall in love with the herds of donkeys.
From humble beginnings as a UK rescue mission over 50 years ago, The Donkey Sanctuary has grown into one of the world's largest equine welfare charities.
The sanctuary is open 7 days a week, from 9am to 4pm. Admission and parking is free, though donations are welcome to help many more donkeys with troubled pasts live a life of total sanctuary.
Open | Closed | |
---|---|---|
1 Nov 2023 - 9 Feb 2024 | 9am | 4pm |
10 Feb - 31 Oct 2024 | 9am | 5pm |
Open 365 days a year*
*The Visitor Centre, Gift Shop and The Kitchen Restaurant are closed on Christmas Day, but the rest of the sanctuary remains open.
Admission | FREE |
Parking | FREE |
The Donkey Sanctuary
Slade House Farm
Sidmouth
East Devon
EX10 0NU
Telephone: 01395 578222
Email: enquiries@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Web: http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
Adventures! Embark on a special donkey quest to uncover the golden treasure hidden away in the heart of the sanctuary. This summer, follow the map to each spot for a chance to collect each of the orange carrots. But watch out for wrong answers, because they might lead you to a not-so-pleasant surprise! Find as many as you can before collecting a golden carrot to be redeemed for a prize.
On your quest to find the treasure, you’ll get to meet some of the hundreds of friendly donkeys who are cared for at the sanctuary, including the gentle giant Poitous, the lovable adoption donkeys and the adorable minis.
Combine family fun, exercise and brainpower for just £5 per trail, including a prize when you complete the trail. Head to the Gift Shop or The Shed to pick up a trail sheet and you’re ready to explore the sanctuary for those carrots!