Winter Opening Times

7 October 2025

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary winter opening hours 2025/26 

We’re delighted to let you know that the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary will be open 7 days a week this winter.

From Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 27 March 2026, we will be open 10.30am to 3.00pm, with the last orders for hot food in the café at 2.30pm.

These slightly shorter winter hours will give us more time each day to focus on caring for our donkeys, ponies and mule, while still keeping the sanctuary open seven days a week to welcome visitors.

The sanctuary will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. However, on Christmas Day our café will be open from 10.00am to noon, serving complimentary tea, coffee, mince pies, and a friendly chat. Please note that walkways and barns will not be accessible to the public on that day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone this winter!

We will return to our regular opening hours of 10.00am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week, from Saturday 28 March 2026, ahead of the Easter holidays.

Recent Posts

25 August 2026
Pumpkin fun this half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
A woman holding a small, brown dog, and a man looking at a clipboard, outdoors at an event.
by abigail.fox • 13 August 2026
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Dog Show hosted by Wight Agility Group
by abigail.fox • 22 July 2026
Save the dates! Your guide to autumn (and Christmas) at the sanctuary
by abigail.fox • 21 July 2026
Our new Equine Treatment Centre
by abigail.fox • 9 July 2026
Take part in our social media competition!
by abigail.fox • 17 June 2026
Feel good summer fun!
Show More