The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
4.7
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Donkey Sanctuary - providing forever homes for any donkey in need. Carrying out educational work with schools and donkey therapy in residential settings.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
165 within 3 miles
Attractions
104 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.7
2,317 reviews
Excellent
1,783
Very good
427
Average
82
Poor
21
Terrible
4
Charlie842
38 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We visited today, 2 adults and 2 children plus dog. Perfect place to spend a few hours, in better weather we would have spent longer. We were greeted by a lovely volunteer who gave us some information and a map, they also had an Easter hunt which the children loved.
There is no admission fee but obviously donations welcome to help run the sanctuary, there is no hard sell to donate, just a casual if you have a great time and are able to donate it which be greatly appreciated. There is also the option when in the shop or cafe to round up what you have spent to the nearest pound as a donation which is a brilliant idea.
The cafe had a good selection of drinks, sandwiches and cakes and reasonably priced. There was even a station of dog bowls of water, treats and towels.
Gift shop had a good variety of gifts at reasonable prices in comparison with other attractions.
All of the staff and volunteers we met were very welcoming and chatty.
The whole site appears to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs from what we saw today, there was also lots of benches if you needed a rest on the way round.
We took our dog who was made very welcome by staff, and was allowed in the cafe.
Finally, the Donkeys, 111 I believe (though could be wrong) were beautiful, it was lovely to read about them on the way round and see them happy and thriving.
Would definitely recommend for all ages
There is no admission fee but obviously donations welcome to help run the sanctuary, there is no hard sell to donate, just a casual if you have a great time and are able to donate it which be greatly appreciated. There is also the option when in the shop or cafe to round up what you have spent to the nearest pound as a donation which is a brilliant idea.
The cafe had a good selection of drinks, sandwiches and cakes and reasonably priced. There was even a station of dog bowls of water, treats and towels.
Gift shop had a good variety of gifts at reasonable prices in comparison with other attractions.
All of the staff and volunteers we met were very welcoming and chatty.
The whole site appears to be accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs from what we saw today, there was also lots of benches if you needed a rest on the way round.
We took our dog who was made very welcome by staff, and was allowed in the cafe.
Finally, the Donkeys, 111 I believe (though could be wrong) were beautiful, it was lovely to read about them on the way round and see them happy and thriving.
Would definitely recommend for all ages
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Its so nice to hear that you felt so welcome and that you, your children and the pooch all enjoyed your day. Thank you for rounding up in our shop and café, all profits and donations go to the welfare of our equine friends.
Written 4 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jitty3
Barry, UK79 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Over all a good day out for all ages if you are very able bodied, as it is a lot of walking and not on a path as well. The donkeys looked well cared for and have lots of room to run about in. The cafe is well over priced just over £10 for 2 small coffees and one slice of cake. They don't charge a fee to go in or for parking so excellent if you have kids.
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is great to hear you took advantage of walking around our site, being a working farm this is a mixture of paved and rougher paths. Thank you for supporting us in our café, 100% of these profits go back into the care of our donkeys.
Written 16 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AIOflette
Reading68 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We visited whilst on holiday in Ventnor and it really is a lovely place. So clean and well kept and the donkeys appear really well cared for and happy. Along with this the surrounding grounds are really pretty too-we went for a walk around them. My daughter did the donkey grooming which she really enjoyed too-would absolutely recommend this.
Written 1 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is great to hear you enjoyed our beautiful meadow walks and your daughter enjoyed getting up close with a donkey grooming activity. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip.
Written 5 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MDHogmeister
Godshill, UK90 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
This is such a great place to visit to see the donkeys & ponies and to appreciate the great work the staff and volunteers do here. The Donkey Sanctuary is free to visit, although donations are gratefully appreciated, and there is a large free car park so no issues with parking. The improvements undertaken in the last 2 years or so make for a much improved visitor experience not least the new footpaths around the barns/stables. There is a lovely cafe there where you can get light lunches, a good selection of cakes and hot & cold beverages - don't forget to pick up a loyalty card if your a regular visitor. There is also a shop selling a lot of donkey related merchandise as well as other items. It is also dog friendly, as is the cafe, but make sure rhey are kept on their leads at all times. If you are in the neighbourhood make sure you drop by and support this amazing charity and the great work they do there. On my recent visit I noticed they no longer open 7 days a week and opening is now Saturday to Wednesday only so please note.
Written 5 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveBAmersham
Little Chalfont, UK1,365 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Visited on a warm day. Very well set out with great signage throughout and standard of maintenance of buildings excellent. All the donkeys kept in large pens giving plenty of room to roam. Staff with volunteers provided all the information required to allow us to appreciate the facilities of the sanctuary. Some of the donkeys had great characters. Watched a small donkey trying to get food from a container they moved around to release the food. The surrounding donkeys were larger than the small donkey , the larger donkeys approached trying to get food during which the small donkey kicked out trying to keep his bounty. He/she was victorious. Plenty of information on each donkey available. A great visit.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul h
22 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
My daughter & I took the afternoon donkey experience for 2 hours. We mixed up feeds to feed the donkeys, cleared up poo, dealt with the hay, met our adopted donkey, and groomed a docile donkey. It was quite hard work and shows how much the staff and volunteers have to do to care for the donkeys. A very enjoyable time.
Written 29 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sanyo12
Blackpool, UK89 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Easy to park. Lovely reception on arrival and fantastic cafe. Don’t forget to see the donkeys. Joking apart this is must see venue. It’s very easy to walk round and the staff and volunteers are really friendly. The welfare of the donkeys is clearly evident it’s not a petting zoo it’s a rest and rescue home. No entry fee but plenty of opportunities to give support to this deserving charity. Not to be missed
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica H
159 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Lovely atmosphere (even in the drizzle!) Lots of info available too. Approached on foot and could have done without so many stiles to grapple with. Also unsure about being 'somewhat pressed' about extra donations when paying for food/drinks in the otherwise excellent cafe. To be fair though - it's a deserving charity and 'if you don't ask, you don't get'.
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tweezersEngland
Felixstowe, UK29 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Lovely staff. Very knowledgeable. The whole experience was a joy. The nature trail was peaceful and well maintained. The paddocks were all signposted and easy to identify the donkeys. Cafe was bright and clean . Loads of parking space. A really nice trip out. Vectis bus no 3 stops right outside. Mature pass holders go free. Lots of benches scattered around to sit and ponder. Loved it
Written 27 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
magwii
Sandwich, UK3,113 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A lovely morning out. We went along with our dog who seems to love Donkeys and Horses! It is so dog friendly, the cafe, shop, picnic areas , all of it. It is so lovely reading the stories of how they have been rescued and are now so well cared for.
I am sure had the weather been better we could have spent the entire day here and it is FREE to get in but then the fact all this was free, we really felt we should sponsor a donkey! £36 for the year and a Donkey Sanctuary shopping bag and fridge magnet included in this. Highly recommend.
I am sure had the weather been better we could have spent the entire day here and it is FREE to get in but then the fact all this was free, we really felt we should sponsor a donkey! £36 for the year and a Donkey Sanctuary shopping bag and fridge magnet included in this. Highly recommend.
Written 7 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello I hope that you don't mind me contacting you but we are looking at visiting the donkey sanctuary in a few weeks as a surprise for my ill son. I was wondering how you got there (ferry??) and did you stay anywhere nice over night.
Written 28 December 2018
I am so sorry, I am new to trip advisor and didn't realise people asked questions. I thought you just reviewed peoples comments. We went by ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne. We can recommend the Premier Inn at Sandown. It is really close to everything on the island. Your son will love the donkey sanctuary. I hope your son feels better soon.
Written 17 March 2019
How long should I allow for a visit here? am doing an itinery for a day out and will have two grandchildren with me, eldest 11yrs.
Written 28 March 2018
You will probably be shown round (we were as a group) the tour took about an hour but it was wet so most of this time was spent inside the buildings. I believe that there is a small shop which I did not go into, you can probably get refreshments there. With your grandchildren you will need at least 2 to 3 hours. I’m sure the children will have a great time and take home lots of happy memories.
Written 28 March 2018
Looking forward to visiting the sanctuary, and supporting their efforts with a generous contribution.. I know it is a rescue operation, so.....can one avoid heartbreaking stories/photographs of neglect or abuse and just enjoy happy animals and be thankful they are being cared for?
Written 3 March 2017
Isle of Wight D
Wroxall, United Kingdom
Absolutely you can enjoy our animals ! We are a happy place and our animals are the lucky ones !
Written 3 March 2017
Isle of Wight D
Wroxall, United Kingdom
Only after a wet period . The site has a concrete driveway through the main areas ,and there are grass walkways through the paddocks .
Written 24 February 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing