
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
A haven for rescued donkeys and ponies, offering a heartwarming experience with free entry and a chance to support animal welfare.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More volunteers and lively atmosphere

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Best Time
More volunteers and lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A haven for rescued donkeys and ponies, offering a heartwarming experience with free entry and a chance to support animal welfare.
"Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Highly recommend."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The sanctuary is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💖 Support the Cause
Entry is free, but donations are vital. Consider adopting a donkey or buying from the shop to help these animals.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Donkey Encounters
Get up close with rescued donkeys, learn their stories, and witness their unique personalities. Impossible not to fall in love!

Wildlife Meadows
Explore peaceful meadows and observe the donkeys and ponies in their natural, well-maintained environment.

Gift Shop & Cafe
Browse unique souvenirs and enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafe, with all profits supporting the sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Donation Welcome
Meet Over 100 Rescued Donkeys
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The sanctuary is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💖 Support the Cause
Entry is free, but donations are vital. Consider adopting a donkey or buying from the shop to help these animals.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the fields, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Moments
Donkeys are incredibly photogenic! Be ready to snap some adorable pictures of these gentle creatures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! The sanctuary is dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💖 Support the Cause
Entry is free, but donations are vital. Consider adopting a donkey or buying from the shop to help these animals.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the fields, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Moments
Donkeys are incredibly photogenic! Be ready to snap some adorable pictures of these gentle creatures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary as a heartwarming and stunning place, highlighting the exceptional care given to the rescued animals and the kindness of the volunteers. The free entry, coupled with the opportunity to learn about each donkey's unique story, makes for a deeply moving and enjoyable experience. It's a highly recommended, feel-good destination for all ages.
"Amazing stunning fabulous! It’s like finding my place on earth. The volunteers are so kind and welcoming and chatty! Donkeys are even better! Well looked after, many with very difficult past.
Please if you can do donate to keep this place going!"
Aleksandra Gruca
"Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Plenty of free parking, lovely little cafe and shop. It was great to see the donkeys being cared for so we'll. Plenty of opportunity to walk round and meet the donkeys, lots of benches to sit on and take in the views. Highly recommend."
Tracy Parchment
"Lovely! Came here a few years ago and had no hesitation coming back. Plenty of parking (even for our motorhome) and a lovely walk around all the fields to see the donkeys and ponies. Plenty of info and bios of all the donkeys. Well worth a visit. They don’t charge for entry so please donate what you can."
Kevin Fryer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located in Wroxall, Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight. Visitors can reach it by car, with free parking available. For those using public transport, local bus routes may serve the area, but it's advisable to check current timetables.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, including space for motorhomes.
The sanctuary is generally well-maintained with paths suitable for walking. While specific accessibility details for wheelchairs might vary, many visitors find it easy to navigate.
While a car offers the most flexibility, local bus services do operate on the Isle of Wight. It's recommended to check the latest bus routes and schedules to plan your journey.
The sanctuary is situated in Wroxall, Ventnor, on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The sanctuary is open seven days a week, making it easy to plan your visit. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours before you travel.
No, entry to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is free! However, they rely heavily on donations to care for the animals, so any contribution is greatly appreciated.
Yes, you can adopt a donkey from the sanctuary, either in person or online. This is a fantastic way to support their ongoing work and build a special connection.
No bookings are required to visit the sanctuary; you can simply pop in during their opening hours.
There is no admission price. The sanctuary operates on a donation basis, encouraging visitors to give what they can to support the welfare of the donkeys.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can meet and interact with over 100 rescued donkeys and ponies, explore the wildlife meadows, enjoy the cafe and gift shop, and learn about the animals' individual stories.
While primarily a donkey sanctuary, they also care for rescued ponies. The focus is on providing a safe haven for these equines.
Visitors are generally not permitted to feed the donkeys to ensure their specific dietary needs are met and to prevent any health issues. It's best to admire them from a distance and let the sanctuary staff manage their feeding.
Absolutely! It's a wonderful, free day out for families, offering a chance to see adorable animals and learn about animal welfare in a heartwarming environment.
The atmosphere is described as heart-warming, peaceful, and feel-good. Volunteers are kind and welcoming, contributing to a friendly and positive experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely little cafe on-site where you can enjoy refreshments and treats.
The cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and drinks. It's a great spot to relax after meeting the donkeys.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to utilize the on-site cafe facilities to support the sanctuary. Picnic areas might be available, but check with the sanctuary directly.
Cafes at such attractions often cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check the menu on arrival or contact the sanctuary beforehand if you have specific requirements.
The cafe is typically open during the sanctuary's operating hours. It's recommended to confirm seasonal opening times if you plan to visit outside of peak season.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can get a good view of the donkeys! Their enclosures, the meadows, and even the cafe area offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Capturing the charm of these rescued animals is a highlight for many visitors.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
Visitors love capturing close-ups of the donkeys' faces, their interactions with each other, and the serene landscape of the sanctuary.
The donkeys are often curious and approachable, making it easier to get engaging shots. Early morning or late afternoon light can also enhance your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a wonderful chance to teach children about animal welfare and the importance of rescue organizations. The free entry makes it an accessible option for families looking for budget-friendly activities on the island. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for little feet as there's plenty of space to roam.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Volunteers
If you're considering volunteering, the sanctuary relies on dedicated individuals to help with daily tasks. Even a short visit can be inspiring, and the chance to contribute to such a worthy cause is a significant draw for those passionate about animal welfare. The peaceful atmosphere allows for quiet observation and a deep appreciation of the animals' resilience.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Tourists
Located in Ventnor, it's accessible by car and offers a peaceful retreat. The chance to support a local charity while enjoying a pleasant outing makes it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting the island.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Sanctuary: Rescue and Care
Visitors can learn about the individual journeys of these animals through bios and information boards scattered around the sanctuary. This personal connection makes the experience deeply moving, as you witness firsthand the positive impact of the sanctuary's work. Seeing these animals thrive, happy and relaxed in their new home, is a testament to the dedication of the staff and volunteers. The sanctuary's commitment extends to educating the public about donkey welfare and responsible ownership, making each visit an opportunity to learn and contribute to a worthy cause.
The sanctuary's operations are largely funded by donations, adoptions, and sales from their gift shop and cafe. This community-driven model ensures that every penny goes directly towards the care and well-being of the resident animals. By visiting, you are directly contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of more animals in need, making your trip a meaningful act of support.
A Day at the Sanctuary: What to Expect
Beyond observing the animals, the sanctuary offers a pleasant cafe serving refreshments and a gift shop stocked with souvenirs. These facilities provide a comfortable way to spend a few hours, and purchasing items or enjoying a meal directly supports the sanctuary's mission. The environment is generally peaceful and welcoming, with friendly volunteers often on hand to answer questions and share insights about the donkeys. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and animal welfare.
For those looking to deepen their involvement, the sanctuary offers adoption programs, allowing you to symbolically support a specific donkey. This is a popular option for those who want to contribute more significantly to the animals' care. The overall experience is often described as feel-good and is highly recommended for anyone visiting the Isle of Wight, offering a unique blend of animal interaction and charitable support.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit