The Donkey Sanctuary is a large animal rescue centre located near Sidmouth in East Devon. It is dedicated to the care and protection of donkeys and is open to visitors throughout the year. The site combines farmland, visitor facilities and walking areas, and is widely visited for its accessibility, animal welfare focus and open setting.
About The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary was established as a charity to provide care for donkeys in need, both in the UK and internationally. The main site near Sidmouth houses a large number of rescued animals in a managed rural environment.
The layout includes fields, barns and indoor areas where donkeys are kept and cared for. Visitors can walk around the site using marked paths, with opportunities to observe the animals in both indoor and outdoor settings.
The sanctuary also includes educational displays and information about its work, alongside visitor facilities such as a cafe and shop. The emphasis is on animal welfare rather than traditional attraction features.
What to See
The Donkey Sanctuary includes several features across a large but accessible site.
Rescued donkeys – Animals housed in open fields and barns, with opportunities to observe them at close range.
Indoor barns – Covered areas where donkeys can be seen regardless of weather conditions.
Walking paths – Routes through the site connecting different areas and viewpoints.
Countryside setting – Open farmland and surrounding landscape providing a rural environment.
Visitor centre – Facilities and displays explaining the work of the sanctuary.
Practical Information
The Donkey Sanctuary is located near Sidmouth and is accessed by road, with free parking available on site. Entry to the sanctuary is free, though donations are encouraged.
Facilities include a cafe, shop and visitor information areas. The site is well maintained, with clear paths suitable for most visitors.
Due to its size, visitors can choose between shorter visits or longer walks around the site.
When to Visit
The sanctuary is open year-round, with consistent access across all seasons. Spring and summer provide the most favourable conditions for walking and viewing animals outdoors.
Autumn and winter visits are quieter, with indoor areas ensuring that donkeys can still be seen in poor weather.
Summary
The Donkey Sanctuary is a large and accessible attraction in East Devon, focused on animal welfare and open countryside. Its free entry, simple layout and combination of indoor and outdoor areas make it suitable for a wide range of visitors and easy to include as part of a visit to the Sidmouth area.