What's on May and June at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

3 April 2026

There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.

All month long!
Treat yourself and a loved one to a Donkey Experience during May and save 20% - you can book your experience for any time in 2026! Book and get more information on this page.


World Donkey Day, Friday 8 May

We’re celebrating all week! Treat yourself to a coffee and donkey shaped biscuit deal in our café. Our bespoke hand iced donkey biscuits are made locally by Anne from Baked Bliss and they’re all unique!

Deal: Any coffee + donkey biscuit for £6.50 from the 4 to 10 May 2026.
 

Isle of Wight Walking Festival, 9 to 17 May

We’re delighted to be offering two lovely walks that start at the sanctuary during the festival. Plus we’re offering 10% off to all Isle of Wight Walking Festival walkers. More details available on our blog.
 
Rydabus weekend, 16 and 17 May

We’re a terminus for the popular Rydabus weekend. Park your car for free at the sanctuary, pop in and see our donkeys and enjoy the café before heading off round the Island.

Don’t forget we’ve got live music in the courtyard on Sunday 17 May with Double Take, Melodic Choir and Boogie Woogie Sisters.
 

May half term 23 to 31 May

May half term is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The sanctuary will of course be open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm with free parking and entry.

Find out more on our website.
 
Open Farm Sunday 6 and 7 June

We’re celebrating farm life as part of this year’s Open Farm Sunday campaign and we’re going big on machinery.

Come along and join the fun!

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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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Thank you to you!
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by abigail.fox 3 May 2026
Book a Donkey Experience for 2 this May and save £20!
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Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May
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