Name: The Donkey Sanctuary
Rating: 5.0

The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary, Weston, Sidmouth, UK

1-99 Years

1139
0
0

Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Sidmouth brings families straight to The Donkey Sanctuary, a renowned 100-acre charitable animal attraction located in East Devon. This popular family visitor destination allows children to discover hundreds of rescued donkeys and mules through peaceful walking trails, award-winning gardens, and interactive indoor exhibits.

Admission and parking are entirely free, welcoming visitors to support the charity through voluntary donations. Visitors can spend hours exploring the extensive countryside grounds, meeting friendly herds, and enjoying scenic coastal path views.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines tranquil nature walks with a heartwarming animal rescue experience, this Devon attraction offers top value. Its famous refuge fields, outdoor play areas, and scenic coastal outlooks make it a prime choice for a memorable family weekend trip.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Open-Air Donkey Paddocks: Expansive countryside enclosures housing hundreds of rescued donkeys and mules enjoying life in a safe habitat.
Interactive Educational Exhibits: Engaging displays and visitor centres providing an educational day out for kids.
Award-Winning Gardens: Beautifully landscaped sensory gardens and quiet seating areas to explore.
Coastal Walking Routes: Scenic trails linking the sanctuary directly to the South West Coast Path.

Top 5 Highlights

Main Visitor Centre: An informative indoor hub where families can learn about global donkey welfare, watch rescue stories, and pick up trail maps.
The Open Barns and Field Shelters: Friendly interaction zones where visitors can get close to inquisitive groups of resident donkeys resting or grazing outdoors.
The Rehoming and Display Paddocks: Expansive fields housing different herds, allowing children to spot individual characters and learn about the charity's rehabilitation work.
The Maze and Sensory Gardens: Tranquil award-winning garden zones featuring winding paths, fragrant plants, and interactive features designed for younger visitors.
The Kitchen Restaurant Terrace: An elevated dining area offering local food alongside sweeping views across the rolling East Devon countryside and coast.

Facilities

Toilets & Changing Facilities: Accessible public restrooms and baby-changing facilities located near the main visitor centre and restaurant.
Food Options: On-site award-winning restaurant serving hot meals, children's lunch options, cakes, and hot drinks, alongside designated picnic areas.
Buggy Parking: Designated pushchair parking spaces located outside the main restaurant and indoor exhibition buildings.

Pro-Tips:

Timing Your Visit: Arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening time lets families enjoy the quieter morning atmosphere before afternoon crowds arrive.
Footwear Choice: Sturdy walking shoes or trainers are recommended, as many of the wider farm pathways consist of grass and uneven terrain.
Dog Friendly Policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome across the sanctuary provided they remain on a lead at all times, including inside the restaurant seating areas.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, The Donkey Sanctuary is brilliant for toddlers because little ones can see gentle animals up close, explore wide open spaces, and enjoy safe buggy-friendly walking routes.
How long does a visit take? A typical visit to The Donkey Sanctuary takes between three and four hours, giving families plenty of time to explore the farm trails, gardens, and visitor centre.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the sanctuary's large, free on-site car park located right outside the main visitor entrance and reception area.
What are the best free sights to see? Visitors enjoy free access to highlight attractions like the open donkey barns, sensory gardens, coastal walking paths, and interactive visitor centre exhibits.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

South West Coast Path: Spectacular clifftop walking routes accessible directly from the sanctuary.
Sidmouth Beach and Town Centre: Traditional seaside resort amenities located just a few miles away.
The Jurassic Coast: World Heritage coastline offering fossil hunting and geological exploration.

What Visitors Love:

Parents frequently praise the completely free entry and parking, making it an affordable day out for large families.
Children love seeing the friendly donkeys up close, exploring the open fields, and completing seasonal walking trails.
The clean facilities, welcoming staff, and peaceful coastal setting receive strong positive feedback from visitors.
Visitors appreciate the relaxed pace, allowing families to explore without strict time slots or rushing.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Some reviewers note that parts of the expansive site involve sloping hills and grass paths that can become muddy after wet weather.
The main restaurant can experience busy queues during peak lunchtime hours in the summer school holidays.
Public transport options from regional railway stations require connecting local bus or taxi journeys.
Parking areas can get busy during major sunny weekend events.

Park Attractions and Exhibits:

Main Visitor Centre: Interactive displays and charity information hub.
The Open Barns: Sheltered areas to view resident donkey herds up close.
Wayside Trails: Network of accessible walking paths around the farm fields.
Sensory and Wildlife Gardens: Calm landscaped spaces featuring native plants.
The Gift Shop: On-site shop selling toys, books, and donkey-themed souvenirs.
The Kitchen Restaurant: Main indoor and outdoor family dining spot.
Picnic Areas: Designated dry seating spaces for family packed lunches.
Event Trail Route: Seasonal family walking quests and activity sheets.

New for 2026:

Curious Coastal Quest Summer Trail: An interactive seasonal family walking challenge featuring illustrated clues and prizes across the site.
Enhanced Step-Free Pathways: Newly resurfaced level walking loops connecting the main visitor facilities directly to primary paddock viewing zones.
Expanded Outdoor Picnic Terraces: Upgraded family seating areas positioned right next to the central green spaces.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Inquiries: For group bookings, private functions, or general event enquiries, contact the team via email at [email protected] or telephone at 01395 578222.

Sidmouth headquarters is open to the public every day from 9am - 5pm.

Address: The Donkey Sanctuary, Weston, Sidmouth, UK

Post Code: EX10 0NU

Council: East Devon

County: Devon

By Train: Honiton Railway Station is the nearest mainline stop, located about 10 miles away with connecting local bus or taxi services.
By Bus: Regular local bus services (such as the 9A Stagecoach and 899 Axe Valley Mini Travel) stop within walking distance of the sanctuary.
By Car: Located at Slade House Farm near Sidmouth (EX10 0NU), easily accessible via the M5 motorway and the A3052.
Car Parking: Large free on-site parking facilities, including disabled spaces and electric car charging points, are located directly outside the main visitor entrance.