About
Get festive with the family at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon and discover what the adoption donkeys are getting in their Christmas stockings for a present of your own.
It wouldn't be Christmas if the donkeys didn't get a present (and a stocking to hide it in)! Follow the trail to find the nine stockings located around the sanctuary and reveal what each of the adoption donkeys has got in theirs – just like it's Christmas morning.
Each of the nine adoption donkeys has a different gift in their stocking, so use the stickers provided to match the donkey with their special gift. Get all nine right and claim your own present from the Gift Shop as well as a certificate from Father Christmas to say well done. This festive family trail combines fun, exercise and brainpower, and is just £3 per trail, including the present and certificate on completion.
As well as the adoption donkeys there are hundreds more cared for at the sanctuary just waiting to meet you, including the gentle giant Poitous and the adorable miniature donkeys. So wrap-up warm and get the family outdoors for a wintry walk along scenic farm trails, following them around the paddocks, through Hermitage Woods and even down to the sea.
Just make sure you've got appropriate footwear, and if you're venturing far – take replenishments!
Learn about the charity's worldwide work and why donkeys are so special through fun, interactive displays in their new indoor attractions or join one of the daily tours, talks or demonstrations to discover more about the furry residents and how they are working to transform their lives.
Take sanctuary in the Gold Taste of the West award-winning restaurant, The Kitchen, where you can enjoy fresh, local, seasonal produce while soaking in the unparalleled coast and country views. Hearty breakfasts, luscious lunches and tempting treats are dished up daily as well as the new Sunday Brunch menu – a weekend treat best served with friends, family and fabulous views.
For those unique Christmas gifts that keep on giving, head to the new Gift Shop where you'll find quality donkey-design items, adoption packs, local produce and hand-crafted goods as well as donkey experience vouchers. Browse the Gift Shop at your leisure in the knowledge that every purchase goes towards helping donkeys in need, not just at Christmas but all year round.
The Donkey Sanctuary celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, after being founded as a charity in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. It has many achievements to celebrate and a renewed vision for the future that will transform the welfare of donkeys and mules across the world.
Entry and parking at the sanctuary is FREE (donations welcome). Dogs on leads are welcome.
Further information
01395 578222 | enquiries@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
All proceeds help fund the work of The Donkey Sanctuary Worldwide.
Guide Prices
£3 per trail including a present and certificate. Entry and parking at the sanctuary are FREE.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Establishment Features
Map & Directions
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Road Directions
The sanctuary is situated just 30 minutes from M5 Junction 30 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 9A (Exeter - Seaton). 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.
