Summer fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary!

Join us for a summer filled with exciting activities at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary from July 27 to August 31 2024.

Whether you're a devoted donkey lover or just seeking a fun day out, we have something for everyone, every day of the week.

Our daily summer activities

Donkey Experiences:

Our favourite activity - a chance for you to get fully immersed at life at the donkey sanctuary for a couple of hours. This really is something special!
You'll be with a member of our dedicated and expert team for a unique behind-the-scenes experience of our sanctuary. Find out how we care for our animals, take care of a donkey yourself right down to mucking out or picking up poo!

Read a review from May 2024:

"I had a wonderful experience being hands on with feeding, mucking out, grooming and walking the donkeys. Sam was a superb mentor during my time there and I learned so much about the charity and the donkeys themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and would highly recommend it."   

The Isle of Wight Donkey Experience is available twice a day all year round at 11am and 1.30pm. Please book at least 72 hours in advance. We take reservations and check with our yard team before confirming your booking. Reserve your place online.

Meet Our Donkeys Tours:

Twice a day, at 11.30am and 1.30pm you can join our free tours to learn about our sanctuary and hear stories about our lovely donkeys and ponies. The tours are always very popular, please book your tour in advance on our website.

Extra summer activities

Pamper a Donkey:

Learn how we care for our donkeys and enjoy the chance to pamper them, cuddle them and get up close! This 50 minute session is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and 11am and 1.30pm plus an extra session at 2.30pm on a Monday only. Book your session online.

Pamper a Shetland Pony:

Discover how we care for our super Shetland ponies and get hands-on with pampering them, including their lovely long manes and forelocks! Available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1.30pm. Book your session online.

Donkey Grooming Sessions:

A brilliant opportunity to spend 15 minutes giving one of our donkeys a groom; help make them look their best while enjoying plenty of cuddles. Available on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Book your grooming session online.

Picnic Meadow Storytime:

Relax in our Picnic Meadow this summer and meet Rosie Button and Kangarillapig! They’ll be here  for 30 minutes of storytime, singing and dancing every Wednesday from July 31 to August 28 at 11am and 1pm.

Free activity - weather dependent.

Find out more about what's on and all our activities. Don't forget Music in the Courtyard most weekends.