Easter 2025 at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

3 April 2025

Celebrate the change of the seasons at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We might be biased, but we think spring is a perfect time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary! As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than spending time with our wonderful donkeys in our rural island home.


We're open every day!
We are back to seven day a week opening from 10am to 4.30pm until the end of September. Our café is open too, serving delicious food and drinks until 4:30pm. Last hot food orders are at 4pm. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or lunch on the terrace we'd love to see you.

Plenty to see and do for the whole family
Spring at the sanctuary is all about getting outdoors and enjoying everything our beautiful space has to offer. There's lots to enjoy:

  • Free Guided Tours. Get a behind-the-scenes look at sanctuary life and learn more about our beloved donkeys with an exclusive guided tour. Booking available in the shop.
  • Springtime walks. Immerse yourself in nature with a relaxing stroll around our wildlife meadow. Bring a picnic and soak up the peaceful surroundings of Whiteley Bank.
  • Our unique Donkey Experience. Get up close and personal with our donkeys! Feed, groom, walk, and even help with a bit of poo picking! Book our Donkey Experience online.
  • Delicious café treats. After time with our donkeys, why not enjoy a tasty lunch in our café? Why not try our popular Afternoon Tea for a special Easter treat.
  • Free Easter Egg Trail, 18 to 21 April. Join in the fun with our Easter Egg Hunt! Follow the trail around the sanctuary and pick up a sweet treat in the café.
  • Easter Sunday Music in the Courtyard, 20 April. Enjoy live performances from Wag Duo and Chris Mezza.
  • Easter shopping. Our shop is packed with Easter treats, books, souvenirs, and our own range of IOW Donkey Sanctuary t-shirts.

And of course all our wonderful donkeys and ponies are looking forward to seeing you - don't forget we have some new residents for you to meet!


If you're looking for the perfect way to celebrate spring, come and visit us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. We can't wait to welcome you!


Recent Posts

by abigail.fox 28 May 2026
If you’re an HR professional looking to reconnect with the people side of your role, this is a wonderful opportunity to join our compassionate, values led team. At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary everything we do is guided by a clear purpose: providing refuge, new beginnings and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need. We’re looking for someone who values collaboration and who brings warmth and integrity to their work. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to combine your HR expertise with building meaningful relationships across the sanctuary. By supporting our team of staff and volunteers you’ll be making a lasting difference for both people and animals. What you’ll be doing Build positive relationships with staff and volunteers, providing a warm, approachable first point of contact for people-related support and guidance Support the recruitment and onboarding, helping create a welcoming and engaging experience for new team members and volunteers from first contact onwards Coordinate meaningful inductions, training, and development opportunities that help people feel confident, connected, and set up for success Help foster a positive, values-led culture by supporting wellbeing, performance conversations, and people experiences across the organisation Work collaboratively with managers to ensure people processes are delivered smoothly, fairly, and with integrity Key Skills & Experience Level 3 CIPD qualification (minimum) Experience in HR administration and recruitment for a similar size organisation Strong organisational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Knowledge of HR systems and employment compliance Ability to handle confidential information with discretion Why work with us? At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, every day is a chance to make a difference — for our animals, our visitors, and our community. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re helping someone settle into a new role, supporting colleagues, encouraging volunteer engagement, or building strong relationships across the organisation — your role will offer the chance to reconnect with the people side of HR while contributing to our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. If this role is for you please apply on Isle of Wight Jobs .
A donkey looking over a fence
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Thank you to you!
Two people looking at each other with a donkey on either side of them
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