Free entry
Open on selected dates during Summer.
10am - 3pm
Situated near Buxton, our Derbyshire sanctuary covers almost 30 acres. Although not open to the general public, we hold limited open days during the Summer period.
2026 open days
- Sunday 7 June
- Sunday 5 July
- Sunday 2 August
All of our open days will be available to book on Monday 30 March at 9am. Please check back on that date for booking information.
Please note that we have a limited number of cars that we can accommodate on our farm, so pre-booking is required.
We welcome well behaved dogs on site, but they must be kept on a lead at all times.
Facilities
What can I expect from my visit?
Come and meet our staff and get ‘hands on’ with the donkeys. The donkeys enjoy all the extra fuss and attention and it’s a lovely day for all.
Our Derbyshire sanctuary covers almost 30 acres and provides permanent refuge to a small number of donkeys, some of whom are elderly and have long-term medical conditions. Fit and healthy donkeys that are relinquished into the Derbyshire Centre may be put forward for our Rehoming Scheme where they will be rehomed with one of our Guardian families.
Refreshments and catering will be available.
Getting here
You can find us by car, bus or bike.
Our Derbyshire sanctuary is open to the public on limited days during Summer.
Pre-booking is requried.
The Donkey Sanctuary Derbyshire is located along the A515. The turning is just passed the Bull in the Thorn campsite and cafe.
Local bus routes include the 58 and 441 bus services which will take you to the Bull in the Thorn bus stop.
National Cycle Network Route 68.
Frequently asked questions
Due to unpredictable weather in May and September, we have made the decision to not hold any open days during those months.
This decision has been made with the comfort and safety of our visitors and staff in mind, as our Derbyshire sanctuary has limited indoor facilities and is unable to offer the best possible visitor experience during periods of bad weather.
If you have questions relating to Harbin’s retirement, please do not contact the team at Derbyshire directly as staff are busy looking after the donkeys.
Please contact our supporter services team and we will pass your enquiry on to the relevant team.
For matters relating to our Derbyshire sanctuary please contact our Derbyshire team.
More information
Our Derbyshire sanctuary is open to the public on selected dates during Summer.
10am - 3pm
Contact
For further information please contact us by email.