About

International Donkey Week is a holiday with a difference - a chance for you to have close contact with The Donkey Sanctuary's resident donkeys in glorious settings.

Every year The Donkey Sanctuary holds this unique week's holiday, relaxing down among the donkeys in Devon where there is plenty to do throughout the week.

Activities on offer during Donkey Week include guest speakers, social events, wildlife walks, demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to meet the donkeys throughout the week.

Daily trips are arranged to visit our outlying farms, which are not usually open to the public. Each farm has different qualities and at all farms, visitors can take tractor trailer rides to see the beautiful views or meet the donkeys enjoying the spring sunshine. For our fitter visitors there are some fantastic walks.

Members of staff will be at Exeter railway and coach stations ready to meet you. They will assist you with your luggage and direct you to one of our coaches, which will transport you to your accommodation.

What to expect

At each farm that we visit, you will meet the staff who will be on hand to answer any questions and introduce you to their four legged friends. There will be informative talks about a wide range of subjects and a chance to look behind the scenes of The Donkey Sanctuary and visit areas that are not usually open to the public.

We hope to visit the following farms on the following days:

Wednesday 8 May - Slade House Farm & Trow Farm

Thursday 9 May - Woods Farm

Friday 10 May - Brookfield Farm

Saturday 11 May - Paccombe Farm

Sunday 12 May - Town Barton Farm

Monday 13 May - Slade House Farm & Trow Farm

Please be aware that although we aim to stick to this schedule it may be subject to change at short notice.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation available in our Donkey Week scheme from hotels to guesthouses, which can be viewed in our accommodation brochure. 10% of a Donkey Weeker's accommodation bill is donated to The Donkey Sanctuary. Therefore, not only are you providing the donkeys with love and attention, but you are also contributing to their continued care.

A lifetime of friendship

Donkey lovers range in age from the very young up to those in their nineties. Many firm friendships are forged as everyone has a shared interest and our Donkey Week attendees come back year after year for a great reunion.

Want to join us?

Come and immerse yourself in all things donkey. You can spend a day with us, or enjoy a whole week of tours, events, insightful talks and lots of one to one time with our donkeys.

If you’re a returning Donkey Weeker or coming along for the first time, we’ll keep your details on file and issue the itinerary choices form nearer the event date.

If you’re new to Donkey Week the team will issue you with an information pack with everything you need to know about Donkey Week.

Whether you are a day visitor, coming for a few days or for the full week, booking is required.