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, with 13,600 being taken into care. 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.