Please note, our play park will be closed during the weekdays until further notice. It will be open at weekends only.

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Visit Us

An image of a dark brown donkey grazing in an outdoor paddock.

Visit Us

Come and visit the donkeys and mules in our care at our sanctuaries.

Visitor Information

Sidmouth

Our Sidmouth headquarters is open to the public every day from 9am - 5pm, with last entry to the car park at 4:30pm. From 3 November, our Sidmouth sanctuary opening hours will be 9am - 4pm. Entrance is free and requires no pre-booking.

For larger groups, we welcome pre-booked visits. Our pre-booked service includes free admission, on-site parking with dedicated coach lane for easy drop-off and a tailored menu in The Kitchen restaurant.

Belfast and Derbyshire

Our Belfast and Derbyshire sanctuaries are open at selected times. Entrance is free but pre-booked tickets are required.

Sidmouth

Our Devon headquarters is open to the public every day from 9am - 4pm, with last entry to the car park at 3:30pm.

Entrance is free and requires no pre-booking.

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An image of a mum holding her son whilst he stands on a wooden fence and strokes a donkeys head.

Belfast

Surrounded by stunning countryside, The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast is open to the public for pre-booked visits on selected dates.

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An image of grey and a brown donkey stood next to each other grazing in a field.

Buxton

Situated near Buxton, our Derbyshire sanctuary covers almost 30 acres. Closed to the public, with limited open days held in the Summer.

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An image of a grey and two brown donkeys resting their heads of a stone wall.

What's On

Discover our exciting activities and upcoming events.

Strawberry’s Hoofprint Trail

Sidmouth
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No booking required

Explore the sanctuary with adoption donkey Strawberry's help to find a prize!

Strawberry's Hoofprint Trail

Pancake Day at The Kitchen

Sidmouth
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No booking required

Join us at our award-winning restaurant and celebrate Pancake day for one day only.

stack of chocoalte pancaked with cream and cherries

A Forever Home Winter Trail

Sidmouth
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No booking required

Bundle up in warm clothes and wellies to explore our winter trail.

illustrated winter scene with Forever Home at The Donkey Sanctuary

Donkey Week 2026

Sidmouth
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Places available

International Donkey Week is a holiday with a difference - a chance for you to have close contact with The Donkey Sanctuary's resident donkeys in glorious settings.

An image of a grey donkey stood in a field with a group of donkeys in the background