May half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

3 April 2026

Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May

With the weather warming up - fingers crossed - May half term, including the bank holiday weekend, is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the Island’s beautiful countryside. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around the sanctuary or a scenic walk across the fields from Godshill, we’re the perfect place for relaxed and affordable family time together. If you feel like a walk, it takes just 20–30 minutes from Godshill and offers lovely views along the way.


With free entry and free parking, the sanctuary is open seven days a week from 10am to 4.30pm.

While you’re here, be sure to visit our sanctuary café for homemade cakes, light lunches, drinks and ice creams. With scenic views from the terrace it’s the perfect spot for a little break. Don’t forget to browse our gift shop, full of donkey-themed treats, souvenirs, and goodies that help support the work we do.


We’re also very dog friendly, so well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome to join you while you visit.


Our unique Donkey Experience is the best way to spend quality time with our animals. Taking place in small groups of maximum two people, you'll discover how we care for our animals with plenty of donkey grooming and cuddles thrown in!
Take advantage of our spring offer and book a Donkey Experience for 2 in May and save 20%. 
Find out more and book on this page.


Free Activities This May Half Term

  • Tractor Trail

Young visitors can enjoy our free Tractor Trail, exploring the sanctuary while keeping an eye out for hidden tractors along the way. It’s completely free to take part, though donations are always greatly appreciated and help support the care of our donkeys.

  •  Free Guided Tours – Daily at 11.30am and 1.00pm

Join us every day at 11.30am and 1.00pm for a free guided tour, including some special behind‑the‑scenes access. You can book a tour online or simply turn up on the day (subject to availability).

  • Daily Yard Team Q&A – 2pm

At 2pm each afternoon, meet members of our yard team for a friendly Q&A session. Head to Busby’s Barn or Sunny’s Sandpark area and keep an eye out for the sign. It’s a great chance to learn more about the donkeys in our care and the work that goes into keeping them happy and healthy.


Whether you’re popping in for a peaceful wander, a family adventure, a dog walk, or just a slice of cake and a browse in the shop, we’d love see you this May half term.

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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 .
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