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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
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Tel: 01395 578222
Planning a visit over the Christmas holidays?
In order to safely manage visitor flow over the Christmas holidays, all visitors planning to visit between 19 December 2020 and 4 January 2021 (excluding Christmas Day), will need to pre-book in advance. Book your free tickets here.
The Donkey Sanctuary have adjusted their opening hours to weekends and Devon school holidays only, until March 2021.
Bring out the best in your herd
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, tours, 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.
Since its humble origins as a charity in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a UK organisation rescuing donkeys from neglect and abuse, into an international animal welfare advocate, transforming the lives of these hardworking animals and the people who depend on them for their livelihood.
Open from 9.30am at weekends and during Devon school holidays until March 2021; admission and parking is free, though donations are welcome to help many more donkeys with troubled pasts live a life of total sanctuary.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult - Donations Welcome | Free |
| Child - Donations Welcome | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
The sanctuary is situated just 30 minutes from the M5 Junction 30 on the A3052 between Sidford and Seaton. On leaving Sidford follow the brown tourist sign at the top of the hill.
By bus Bus stops are located within easy walking distance for the 899 Axe Valley Mini Travel and 9A Stagecoach (Exeter - Seaton).
By train Honition is the nearest station, located 10 miles from the sanctuary.
By bike Cyclist will find the sanctuary on Route 2 of the National Cycle Network.
By foot From the South West Coast Path, take a short detour to the sanctuary at Weston Mouth.
| Open Christmas |
|---|
| Open New Year |
|---|
| The Donkey Sanctuary (5 Dec 2020 - 31 Mar 2021) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Friday | Closed* | |
| Saturday - Sunday | 09:30 | - 16:00* |
* Weekends and Devon school holidays 09:30 - 16:00*
9.30am - The Kitchen and Gift Shop
10.00am - Outdoor areas open
4.00pm - The Donkey Sanctuary closes
*The Donkey Sanctuary is closed Christmas Day.
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2019
Visit Devon Awards - Silver 2019
Visit Devon Awards – Gold – 2018 2018
South West Tourism Excellence Award 2018- 2019 – Bronze 2019
Devon's Top Attractions Quality Stamp 2019 2019
Muddy Stilettos – Winner – 2019 2019
Primary Times Family (Half Day) Attraction Winner – Devon – 2019 2019
TripAdvisor Certification of Excellence – Hall of Fame – 2019 2019
Taste of the West – Gold – 2019/2020 2019
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