May opening for The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth will reopen to visitors on Monday 17 May, with the launch of a new family activity trail.
The new trail, 'An Adorably Curious Adventure', gives visitors the chance to explore the sanctuary and discover the A-Z of fun donkey facts, while completing trail activities along the way.
John Crouch, Visitor Engagement Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "We have all been looking forward to this day for some time, welcoming back our loyal supporters and visitors. The sanctuary always comes alive when it's open, there is always such a nice atmosphere on site when people come together and enjoy their time with us and the donkeys.
"The sanctuary grounds and walkways are looking beautiful – it really is the perfect time to visit. The team can't wait to welcome you back!"
No visit to the sanctuary would be complete, without meeting some of the charity's resident donkeys, or visiting the on-site restaurant The Kitchen. The Gift Shop will also be open, offering a wide range of donkey-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
The Donkey Sanctuary's award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden is free to view at the Sidmouth sanctuary and recently picked up the Community Award in the 2021 Association of Professional Landscapers' awards. The 'Donkeys Matter' garden was designed to showcase the charity's international work and won the coveted 'BBC RHS People's Choice Award' in the Artisan Garden category at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The Donkey Sanctuary has a number of measures in place to keep visitors, staff and donkeys as safe as possible, including hand sanitisation points and a one-way route around the centre of the site to help minimise contact and encourage responsible social distancing.
The 'An Adorably Curious Adventure' trail runs daily until Thursday 30 September and costs £5 per trail sheet and includes a prize and a sticker on completion.
The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Entry to the sanctuary is free, as is parking, and dogs on leads are welcome. For further details, please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary's regional centres in Ivybridge, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Belfast remain closed to visitors for the time being.
