Easter fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

4 March 2026

Visit us this spring

Spring is a perfect time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. The leaves are in bud, the sun is shining (fingers crossed!) and our donkeys are spending much more time in the paddocks. Over the winter we’ve been joined by Lucy and Tilly and Sunny Pony who would love to meet you. 


Despite the signs we are open! Here's more information about how to get to the sanctuary during the roadworks.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary opening times

We will be opening from 10am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week from Saturday 28 March. 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.

Easter activities for all ages

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

Free Easter Egg Trail, 28 March to 12 April

Our popular sanctuary Easter Egg Hunt is back! Pick up a trail card when you arrive and follow the route around the sanctuary, keeping an eye out for colourful Easter eggs. Find them all and head to the café to collect your sweet reward.

Decorate an egg competition

Can you decorate an egg to look like a donkey? We’d love to see your creations! Our favourite egg will win an adoption of the donkey of your choice. 
Using a boiled or blown egg (no uncooked eggs please) decorate your egg at home and bring it to our Welcome Hub when you arrive. We’ll take your details and contact you if you win! 

Free Easter colouring in the café

Enjoy free Easter colouring in the café for our younger visitors and their families.

Music in the Courtyard

Easter Sunday 5 April - Local musicians Chris Mezza and Ricky J will be joining us from 11am to 3pm in the courtyard.

Explore the sanctuary

Daily guided tour at 11.30am - free!

Go behind the scenes and learn more about sanctuary life on our exclusive guided tour.
Guarantee your place
by booking online. A limited number of spaces may be available on the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours last around 45 minutes.

Springtime walks

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring on the Isle of Wight with a relaxing stroll around our wildlife meadow. Pick up a picnic in the café or bring one with you and soak up our peaceful surroundings.

A special experience 

Our unique Donkey Experience 

Two hours in a small group (up to two people) with a member of our team - getting up close with our donkeys. Feed, groom, walk, and even help with a bit of poo picking! 
Book our 
Donkey Experience online.

Even more to enjoy at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary 

Treat yourself in our café

After visiting our donkeys, why not enjoy a tasty lunch in our café? Our popular and delicious Afternoon Tea makes a special Easter treat. 

Easter shopping

Our shop is packed with Easter treats, books, souvenirs and you can even buy a magnet of every animal we have…

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse

All our animals are available for adoption either at the Adoption hub in the café or online

As always, our wonderful team and animals are looking forward to seeing you.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Easter Egg Trail free?
Yes — our Easter Egg Trail is completely free and runs from 28 March to 12 April.

Do I need to book the Donkey Experience?
Yes, booking is essential as places are limited to small groups.

Are dogs allowed at the sanctuary?
Yes well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the sanctuary including in the shop and café.

Is the sanctuary suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes the sanctuary is mainly suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is more information
on our website

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
by abigail.fox 21 May 2026
Thank you to you!
Two people looking at each other with a donkey on either side of them
by abigail.fox 3 May 2026
Book a Donkey Experience for 2 this May and save £20!
A brown donkey with a white nose leaning it's head on a fence.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May
A donkey looks over a fence with his face resting on a 'do not feed the animals' sign
by abigail.fox 2 April 2026
It's so important that you don't feed them...
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