The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, in east Devon, is a registered charity working around the world to help prevent the suffering of donkeys.

Its main site, Slade House Farm, provides permanent refuge to over 400 of its donkeys. Many have been neglected or unwanted, whilst others have come from loving homes for a secure future, perhaps due to health reasons, for companionship, or the owner's circumstances may have changed.

No charge is made for admission or car parking as the Sanctuary considers that, being a charity dependent on the support of the public, visitors should be able to see its work free of charge.

Visitors are therefore free to spend as much time as they wish meeting the donkeys and taking strolls along its unique field walks. Plenty of information about the work of the charity and gifts are available from the Visitors' Centre/shop and the Hayloft Restaurant offers a selection of hot and cold dishes, daily specials, sandwiches, cream teas, ice creams and picnic 'Nosebags'.

There is also a maze, video room, nature centre and four adorable donkeys to 'adopt', along with family picnic areas. Dogs on leads are welcome too.

The Sanctuary is open from 9am until dusk and further information is available from www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or by calling 01395 578222.

Opening Times

2008 - Opening 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008

* Open to Dusk

Grading

• VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

• Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Awaiting Grading 2007
• Visit Britain Code of Practice 2008

Tickets Information

Road Directions

The Sanctuary is situated just 30 minutes from the M5 Junction on the A3052 between Sidford and Seaton. On leaving Sidford follow the brown tourist sign at the top of the hill.

Public Transport Directions

Bus stops are located within easy walking distance for the following services: Axe Valley Mini Travel 899, Stagecoach 52a and the Coastlinx 53/54 Jurassic Coast. If you are on foot, access to the Sanctuary can be found via Weston Mouth on the South West Coast Path whilst cyclists will find us on National Cycle Network route 2.

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• In countryside
• Outdoor Attraction

Accessibility

• Free Entry
• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
• Guide Dogs Permitted - Guide dogs only inside the restaurant.
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

• Coach Parking
• On site parking
• Parking (free)

Catering

• On-Site café/restaurant - Restaurant seating 50 inside, 70 outside.
• Picnic Site

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Delta accepted
• Maestro accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Solo accepted
• Visa accepted

Establishment Features

• Dogs Accepted
• Toilets

Specialist Features

• Family Fun

Tours and Demonstrations

• Demonstrations Given
• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups - Prior Bookings