Discover a haven of happiness at The Donkey Sanctuary

Combine a fantastic family day out and support an amazing animal welfare charity when you visit The Donkey Sanctuary in east Devon.

With its mission to improve the lives of donkeys every day, the sanctuary near Sidmouth is one of six public facing sanctuaries run by the organisation nationwide. It now caters for more than 4,300 donkeys, many of which are rescued from neglect.

As well as improving the health and happiness of donkeys, the animals have also been involved in improving human mental health and development through a programme of Donkey Assisted Activities run by the sanctuary for adults and children.

But the sanctuary is also a bray-lliant (sorry, terrible pun!) day out for holidaymakers too. Just a ten minute drive from The Old Bakehouse and open all year with free entry, this delightful escape includes scenic walks, award-winning gardens and hundreds of lovely donkeys to meet and pet!

This spring sees the launch of the new Drizzle’s Green Guardians Spring Trail (daily until March 18) as well as the Bat Beacon, an information centre for visitors to learn more about the bats which live around the sanctuary and help reduce the number of insects which can prey on the donkeys!

There’s also a large cafe with gift shop (we loved the Donkey Sanctuary Monopoly board games on sale!) and an indoor donkey sanctuary history exhibition which has a wealth of detail about the founding of the sanctuary more than 50 years ago.

For example, did you know the sanctuary was established by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE in 1969, when she adopted her first donkey, called Naughty Face, while running a hotel in Ottery St Mary? The donkey lived in the hotel grounds for a while before moving to Slade House Farm, Sidmouth. Since then the sanctuary has grown and housed more than 20,000 donkeys over the years, becoming one of the world’s largest equine welfare charities. Visitors can see Dr Svendsen’s hut, the headquarters from where she masterminded the charity in its early days.

The charity, which also has sanctuaries in Spain, continues to fund raise through donations and legacy schemes. People are also encouraged to adopt a donkey from just £3 a day. You can find out more at thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/adopt

The sanctuary at Sidmouth is open from 9am to 5pm every day. For details and directions, visit: thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk