Spooktacular seasonal trail with the Devon donkeys

This October, there’s a party at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth and everyone’s invited.

As the golden colours of autumn fill the landscape, the Sidmouth sanctuary is the ideal family day out and the perfect way to explore the surrounding countryside and meet some of the sanctuary residents, including adoption donkey Drizzle who celebrates her birthday on 31 October.

Drizzle's Pumpkin Party Halloween Trail offers visitors the opportunity to help celebrate as they search for pumpkin-shaped clues around the sanctuary. The outdoor activity costs £5 per trail sheet, and includes a prize on completion too.

In keeping with the seasonal feel, the Taste of the West award-winning restaurant, The Kitchen, will be serving up some special autumnal treats too, including pumpkin spice latte croissants and pumpkin spice latte.

As the air gets a bit cooler The Kitchen is the perfect place to warm up and take sanctuary. Its extensive menu serves up fresh, local, seasonal produce, alongside unparalleled coast and country views, with every penny of profit helping donkeys and mules around the world.

This week The Kitchen also added to its tally of awards after they picked up a Gold in the 2025/26 Food Drink Devon Awards. The accolade, in the Hospitality Cafe Awards category, was presented at the annual ceremony on Monday evening (6 October), held at Sandy Park in Exeter.

As well as around 200 resident donkeys of all sizes, including the friendly herd of minis in their brand-new paddock, the sanctuary has a landscaped natural play area where younger visitors can let off steam, a maze which will be in all its autumnal glory, indoor exhibits, plus a Gift Shop where people can pick up a donkey-inspired souvenir of their day, or start some early festive shopping.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is open from 9am to 5pm. Entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome.

Drizzle's Pumpkin Party Halloween Trail runs until 3 November 2025. For more information, please visit https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth

Image: October trail at The Donkey Sanctuary. Photo: The Donkey Sanctuary.