Be inspired by new nature trail at The Donkey Sanctuary this spring

As the hedgerows and walkways start to fill with primroses The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon is bursting into spring, making it the perfect place for a family day out this Easter. 

Alongside the friendly resident donkeys, The Donkey Sanctuary is also home to a host of native wildlife, and on the new nature-inspired trail, visitors will learn how they benefit the sanctuary herds. 

The Wondrous Wildlife Trail gives people the opportunity to explore the sanctuary and collect six nature rubbings of wildlife that live at the sanctuary, where they will then find out how they benefit the herds of resident donkeys. There’s a prize for collecting all six too. 

Set in the heart of the East Devon countryside overlooking the sea, The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit and park and is dog friendly too. As well as hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, there’s also children’s play area, a maze, delightful gardens and miles of walkways. 

The multi-award-winning restaurant The Kitchen is the perfect place to take sanctuary, and dogs on leads are welcome too. Whether it’s just to enjoy a coffee on the sunny veranda or something heartier, the venue offers locally sourced, freshly prepared seasonal produce, with stunning countryside views to the sea. 

For a souvenir of the day, The Gift Shop is the ideal place to pick up a donkey-inspired item, such as the newly launched eco-friendly Donkey Sanctuary MONOPOLY board game, with every penny of profit helping donkeys and mules around the world.  

In 2025, The Donkey Sanctuary was also awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award after being placed in their top ten percent. The award recognises travellers' favourite businesses around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. 

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is open every day from 9am until 5pm. The Wonderous Wildlife Trail runs from Monday 30 March until Sunday 19 April. Trail sheets cost £5 each, which include a prize on completion. 

For more information, please visit: Sidmouth | Visit Our Sanctuary | The Donkey Sanctuary