The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has scooped a prestigious Gold Award in VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2025-2026.
The East Devon attraction, which welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, received the top accolade in the ‘Customer Experience Excellence’ category.
The VisitEngland annual accolades celebrate excellence across the visitor attraction sector. The Donkey Sanctuary was one of just two Devon attractions to receive the Gold Award.
In its assessment, VisitEngland praised the sanctuary for successfully combining its commitment to donkey welfare with an engaging, informative and enjoyable visitor experience.
The report highlighted its high-quality interpretation, opportunities for visitors to meet the donkeys, peaceful walks through fields and meadows, and excellent visitor facilities, all of which contribute to a meaningful and memorable day out.
Ben Winnard, Head of Commercial Activities at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “It is so special to be recognised on a national level by VisitEngland, and we’re very proud to be one of just two places in the county to represent Devon in this way.”
He added: “The award also recognises the hard work and effort of our staff and volunteers from across the sanctuary, many of whom work behind the scenes to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable day out with us.”
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes, explained: “England’s visitor attractions are first-class, and these accolades highlight why they deserve this recognition. The recipients of these awards provide an outstanding welcome, unparalleled food and drink and magical storytelling making them integral to the high-quality tourism offer provided to domestic and international visitors.
“These attractions provide outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to make visitor experiences extra special and spreading the economic benefits of tourism across communities in England.”
Located in the heart of the East Devon countryside just outside Sidmouth, The Donkey Sanctuary has more than 200 resident donkeys, as well as an award-winning restaurant, a gift shop, children’s play areas and much, much more.
The attraction welcomes dogs on leads and is free to visit and park and is open every day of the year.
The national VisitEngland award follows a recent regional Gold Award for the sanctuary’s onsite restaurant, The Kitchen, in Food Drink Devon’s annual hospitality awards.
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