There are some BIG personalities here at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – and visitors love them all the more for it. Free to park and enter, the visitor attraction is open 364 days of the year. It’s also dog-friendly, with well-behaved pooches on a lead welcome site-wide.

The Sanctuary is well loved by Islanders and visitors to the Isle of Wight. So much so, it was voted as Best Family Attraction in the 2023 Muddy Awards – a very worthy winner.

The charity continues a long history of donkeys on the Isle of Wight. In the past, donkeys here have done all kinds of jobs, like walking well workers, donkey taxis, rides, races and even milk and laundry deliveries.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary opened in 1987. It was set up local postman, Charlie set up some land on the outskirts of Newport. He and his wife, Cheryl, bought the piece of land and people left rescued and abandoned donkeys with them.

In 1994, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary relocated to its current site in Wroxall, to the south of the Island. Since then, it has been supported by dedicated staff, trustees, fundraisers and volunteers.

Today, there are around 100 donkeys and Shetland ponies here. As well as meeting and interacting with the animals, keen visitors might also get the chance to help with grooming, mucking out and walking.

After, coffees or lunch at Grazers Café is a must. Housed in a beautiful, converted barn looking over the paddocks, the café caters for veggies, vegans and gluten-free diets, with plenty of options. There’s also a themed gift shop. Pick up donkey pencils and stationary, cool hats and tees, homeware, children’s books and (of course) – irresistible cuddlies. Awww.

Donations are always welcome, whether as a regular or one-off gift, or the option to adopt a donkey.