The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has just been named one of the top 10% attractions worldwide on Tripadvisor for 2025. This highly coveted Travellers’ Choice Award is based purely on visitor reviews over a 12‑month period, including thousands of glowing comments from people of all ages. It marks the first time the sanctuary itself has earned this recognition (though its on‑site restaurant, The Kitchen, previously gained Tripadvisor attention in 2022).
Laura Drummond, Visitor Marketing Officer, expressed heartfelt appreciation:
“"We are thrilled to be recognised in Tripadvisor’s worldwide top 10 per cent and are so grateful to our wonderful visitors who took the time to leave a review – it means a lot to us all and is testament to the hard work of all our teams."
Attracting more than 400,000 guests annually, the Sidmouth sanctuary is not just a family-friendly destination but also a significant contributor to the local economy. The award now joins a growing collection of regional accolades, including honours from VisitEngland and Devon Tourism.
Visitor info at a glance:
- Entry and parking: Free every day from 9 am to 5 pm
- Pet‑friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome
- Facilities: Meet the donkeys, wander the beautiful grounds, and enjoy fresh local cuisine in the award‑winning restaurant, The Kitchen
Whether you’re after a tranquil family outing, a dog-friendly day trip, or just some time with adorable rescue donkeys, Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary continues to win hearts, and now global recognition.