Summer at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

17 June 2026

Feel good summer fun!

Looking for a wholesome, feel-good day out this summer? Come and visit us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. 



We’re open every day from 10am to 4:30pm, with free entry and plenty of free parking – so you can just turn up with family and friends. Don’t forget dogs are welcome too! 

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and spend some time outdoors. Wander along our peaceful walkways, enjoy our wildlife meadow and grab a seat and soak up the views. Or simply enjoy watching over 100 donkeys basking in the sunshine! Whether you’ve got a nice cup of tea or an ice cream in hand, there’s plenty of space to relax and unwind. 

What’s on this summer at our sanctuary 

 Free daily guided tours, 18 July to 31 August at 11:30am 

Join our behind-the-scenes tour to find out more about how we care for our donkeys and hear some of their stories. There are usually a few spaces available on the day, but it’s best to book online in advance to secure your spot. 


Yard team Q and A, every day, all year round at 2pm 

Have a chat with a member of our friendly yard team and ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about donkeys and equines!

 

Donkey Experience, every day at 11am and 1pm

Make your visit extra special with our unique Donkey Experience!
Spend two unforgettable hours getting to know our donkeys up close. Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access and spend plenty of time with your new donkey friends.
If you adopt with us, let us know and we’ll try and include your donkey in the experience.
Read more about the Donkey Experience.


Food, drink and relaxation 

Feeling peckish? Our converted barn café is the perfect pit stop. Enjoy delicious coffee, sweet treats or our popular £10 Donkey Deal for lunch. Relax on the terrace and enjoy views over the Wroxall Valley. 

For an extra treat, book a delicious Afternoon Tea with homemade sandwiches, cakes and a coffee or pot of tea. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Please book 48 hours in advance by calling the sanctuary on 01983 852693.
 

Shopping 

Before you head home, don’t forget to pop into our gift shop. Browse a range of lovely gifts, homeware and toys, plus Isle of Wight favourites like Mint and Wight Island Girl sweatshirts and our very own Hedgerow Gin

 

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse! 

Fallen in love with one of our animals?  It happens a lot! All our residents are available for adoption. Your adoption will help support their care and we’ll stay in touch with regular updates.  Simply visit our adoption hub on site or adopt online


Summer is the perfect time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. With so much to enjoy, we’d love to welcome you - and our donkeys would love to say hello too! 


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
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