At The Donkey Sanctuary, we strongly believe that supporters have the right to see how their donations are spent on caring for our large family of donkeys. Our main headquarters and intake centre at Slade House Farm is therefore open to the public.
There are no commercial attractions - just gently rolling countryside with walks around the fields where you can meet the donkeys, who adore the fuss and attention received from visitors. Donkeys of all ages are resident at Slade Farm but a large percentage are elderly and remain here in order to be close to the veterinary hospital.
Visitors are free to spend as much time as they wish meeting the donkeys in the Main Yard where they wander at will. These donkeys live in the main barn with the other residents, some of which are over 40 years of age. They need plenty of extra attention and are kept here to be close to the veterinary hospital. Please do stop by and spend some time with them as they adore fuss and attention in their old age.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a working farm and from time to time it is necessary for us to close certain areas to the public, where donkeys may be recovering from illness or other issues.
There are no current restrictions.
If you are coming to visit a specific donkey, do please contact us in advance so that we can advise of accessibility.
Calendar of Events
Find out what what's on at the Sanctuary as well as dates of training courses around the country for donkey owners.
Opening hours
The Sanctuary is open 365 days a year from 9.00 am to dusk with free admission and parking.
Restricted hours
At the beginning of each year the Hayloft is closed for the first two weeks of January for refurbishment.
Dog friendly
Dogs are very welcome.
We totally rely on the generosity of the public and contributions in one of our collecting boxes will be most gratefully received.
Cyclist friendly
We welcome cyclists to The Donkey Sanctuary. We are on National Cycle Route 2 as well as the Tour de Manche route and the Buzzard route.
Click here for more details about how to find us.
Cycle hire and cycle repair services are available at Soanes Cycles, Colyton and the Axe Valley Pedallers are an active local cycling club based in Seaton.
Directions
If you are interested in visiting, please see our how to find us page for directions.
Other links of interest