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The Donkey Sanctuary

4.8
·8k reviews·Weston, United Kingdom

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for donkeys, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to support animal welfare.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Bank Holidays

Lively atmosphere, but manageable crowds

CrowdMedium
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Our friendly residents love to meet new people, so come and say hello!

The Donkey Sanctuary

Best Time

Weekends & Bank Holidays

Lively atmosphere, but manageable crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for donkeys, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to support animal welfare.

4.8
(8k reviews)

"A wonderful example of conservancy & protection of these gentle creatures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! The sanctuary is very dog-friendly, making it a great day out for the whole family 🐕 .

☕ Delicious Cafe Treats

Don't miss the cafe! Reviews highlight gorgeous coffee, cake, and massive burgers 🍔 .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 7,845 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Donkey Encounters

Donkey Encounters

Throughout the sanctuary

Observe and interact with numerous rescued donkeys living in spacious, natural environments. They are well-cared for and loved.

Informative Walking Trails

Informative Walking Trails

Designated paths

Explore signposted trails offering insights into donkey welfare and the sanctuary's conservation efforts.

The Sanctuary Cafe

The Sanctuary Cafe

Central cafe area

Enjoy delicious coffee, cake, and substantial lunches with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Donkey-Themed Gift Shop

Donkey-Themed Gift Shop

Near the entrance

Find unique gifts, toys, and souvenirs, knowing your purchase supports the sanctuary's mission.

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Planning Your Visit

Support a Noble Cause

Your visit directly supports the welfare of rescued donkeys. Consider making a donation or purchasing from the gift shop to aid their care. Many visitors rave about the positive impact of their spending.Reddit

Plan for a Leisurely Stroll

The sanctuary is quite large with extensive walking paths. Wear comfortable shoes :athletic_shoe: and allow ample time to explore the grounds and observe the donkeys in their natural habitats.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends & Bank Holidays
Why
Lively atmosphere, but manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter exploration time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#ron #ronnie #donkeysanctuary #donkey #foryoupage #foryou #fyo #foryourpage #foryou #jacobsridge #animalsoftiktok #jacobsridgeanimalsanctuary #ronniethedonkey #barrythedonkey #stevethedonkey #steve
@jacobs_ridge
524.3K likes • 4M views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! The sanctuary is very dog-friendly, making it a great day out for the whole family 🐕.Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Treats

Don't miss the cafe! Reviews highlight gorgeous coffee, cake, and massive burgers 🍔.Reddit

Everybody is happy, healthy, and protected. No need to express concern :). Meet the newest member of the Our Simple Homestead family🥰 #cashthedonkey #rescueanimals #donkeysanctuary #donkeyrescue
@oursimplehomestead
20.4K likes • 163.5K views
Teatime at the donkey sanctuary. 🫏 Donkeys really are the sweetest souls - gentle, curious, and full of quiet love. 🥰 #donkeysanctuary #noeledmonds
noeledmonds.world
3.1K likes • 39.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

The sanctuary is large, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds :athletic_shoe:.Reddit

💖 Support the Cause

Entry is free, but donations and gift shop purchases directly help the donkeys ❤️.Reddit

Little Rositas donkey-mother won’t accept her, so we have to give Rosita the milk and stimulation, she needs.
ogj2009
152.7K likes • 2.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! The sanctuary is very dog-friendly, making it a great day out for the whole family 🐕.Reddit

☕ Delicious Cafe Treats

Don't miss the cafe! Reviews highlight gorgeous coffee, cake, and massive burgers 🍔.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

The sanctuary is large, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the grounds :athletic_shoe:.Reddit

💖 Support the Cause

Entry is free, but donations and gift shop purchases directly help the donkeys ❤️.Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Maze

Discover a fun little maze on site, adding an extra element of enjoyment to your visit :seedling:.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Donkey Sanctuary for its excellent facilities, the evident care and love for the donkeys, and the beautiful, spacious surroundings. The cafe and gift shop are also popular, with many appreciating that their spending supports a worthy cause. It's described as a lovely, peaceful walk and a great day out for families and dog owners alike.

"Lovely place to visit anytime of year, free entry but please get some lunch or a gift from the shop as such a great cause.
Maze and play area are great for the children, cakes were very yummy and you get a large slice!
Gifts for everyone and the Donkeys are just wonderful!"

Vicki Flint

"Great place. Definitely recommend coming here. Free entry and you can donate to help out. Donkeys were lovely and funny when one started issues with another donkey for smelling poo. They do sound like they have sore throats from all the noises they make 😂. Beautiful place tho and good clean toilets"

Mel

"I just had to meet Walter! The donkey whom my husband had gifted an adoption from The Donkey Sanctuary. I was expecting an old fashioned set up but I was totally wrong. The entrance is modern, well kept and clean. It is all well organised and the lovely people who work and volunteer, are well informed and willing to answer questions. We sat through a lovely informative talk where we watched the donkeys like a heard of cattle go back into the main barn that had fresh hay. They are such gentle animals, well worth the visit. It caters for all ages and with plenty of car parking spaces too. Definitely would recommend"

Helen Noble

What People Like

Well-cared-for donkeys
Spacious and beautiful grounds
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can get busy on holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Donkey Sanctuary is accessible by car, with ample parking available.Reddit Specific directions can be found on their official website. Public transport options may vary by location, so it's best to check local routes.

Yes, there are several Donkey Sanctuary locations worldwide, including in the UK, Ireland, and Aruba.Instagram+1 It's important to confirm the specific location you plan to visit.

Yes, there is a well-known Donkey Sanctuary located near Sidmouth, UK, which is a popular destination for visitors in the area.Reddit

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Guelph, Ontario, is open to the public on Sundays from May to October.Instagram It's a magical place for animal lovers and families.

Opening hours can vary by location and season. It's recommended to check the official website for the specific Donkey Sanctuary you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on opening times.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to The Donkey Sanctuary is typically free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the care of the donkeys.Reddit Many visitors choose to donate or purchase items from the shop.

Generally, advance booking is not required for general visits to The Donkey Sanctuary, as entry is free. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to check their website.

Absolutely! Donations are vital for the sanctuary's work. You can donate on-site, online through their website, or by purchasing items from the gift shop.Reddit

The Donkey Sanctuary shop offers a range of merchandise, from toys to souvenirs. Purchases made here directly contribute to the welfare of the donkeys.TikTokReddit

Yes, The Donkey Sanctuary operates as a charity dedicated to the welfare of donkeys, ensuring they receive the best possible care and a safe haven.TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can observe numerous rescued donkeys in their natural habitats, walk along informative trails, enjoy the cafe, and browse the gift shop.Reddit It's a peaceful and heartwarming experience.

Yes, The Donkey Sanctuary is very dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their well-behaved canine companions along for the visit.Reddit

Definitely! Children will love seeing the donkeys up close, and the informative trails and maze add to the fun.Reddit It's a great educational and enjoyable outing for families.

While direct feeding might be restricted to specific times or areas to ensure the donkeys' health, visitors can often interact with them and learn about their dietary needs.Instagram

The sanctuary generally has relatively flat underfoot terrain, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with walking issues.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Donkey Sanctuary has a cafe that serves coffee, cake, and lunches. Reviews praise the fresh, tasty food, including massive burgers.Reddit

The cafe offers a range of options, including coffee, cake, and hearty lunches. The food is noted for being fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced.Reddit

While specific menu details can vary, many cafes at such establishments aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's best to check the menu on-site or contact the sanctuary directly.

Information on picnic facilities may vary. It's advisable to check the sanctuary's guidelines regarding outside food and designated picnic areas.

Reviews suggest that the food at the cafe is reasonably priced, especially considering the quality and the fact that proceeds support the sanctuary.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally welcomed at The Donkey Sanctuary, allowing you to capture memorable moments with the donkeys.TikTok

Anywhere you can get a clear view of the donkeys in their natural, peaceful surroundings will offer great photo opportunities. The walking trails provide scenic backdrops.

You can get quite close to the donkeys, especially in their pens, allowing for intimate and detailed shots. Always be respectful of their space.Reddit

While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and the animals' well-being. Avoid flash photography if it seems to disturb the donkeys.

Drone usage is typically restricted at animal sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check the sanctuary's specific policy on drone operation.

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