Making Christmas sparkle at The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has it all wrapped this Christmas and is the perfect festive day out for all the family.

The popular Carols by Candlelight service kicked off the festive season on Friday evening. Thousands of candles illuminated the heart of the sanctuary, creating a truly magical atmosphere for visitors, as the service returned as a live event at its international headquarters in Sidmouth.

The freezing December temperatures didn’t deter several hundred people who joined The Exeter Railway Band and The Donkey Sanctuary choir, to sing a host of Christmas favourites in the comfort of the Donkey Assisted Activity centre in the heart of the sanctuary.

Hosted by celebrant Emma Britton, the service was a great opportunity to get everyone in the festive spirit, and for those who were unable to attend in person, it was broadcast live during the evening as part of the charity’s Sanctuary From Your Sofa. The event is available to watch on The Donkey Sanctuary’s website.

There is still plenty for visitors at the Sidmouth sanctuary throughout the festive season, and entry to the sanctuary and parking is also free.

For those looking to combine exercise and brainpower the ‘Stories of Sanctuary Spirit’ winter trail is a great place to start.

By following clues from their trail sheet, people will be able to uncover each spirit word and its matching donkey in the merry poems located around the sanctuary. Trail sheets cost £5 each and include a prize on completion.

There are also hundreds of adorable donkeys to meet, as well as daily talks, engaging exhibits, scenic walks, a new children’s playpark and a maze to explore.

To warm up, the onsite restaurant The Kitchen is the perfect place to take sanctuary from the winter chill. With unapparelled views of the East Devon countryside and coast beyond, the award-winning restaurant has an extensive menu, using fresh, local seasonal produce.

The Gift Shop next door to the restaurant contains a host of donkey inspired items, and the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping, safe in the knowledge that every purchase supports the work of the charity.

The Donkey Sanctuary is also dog-friendly, and dogs on leads are welcome. There are miles of walkways to explore, and people may bring them into The Kitchen when it’s time to warm up.

The Donkey Sanctuary is open every day from 9am – 4pm, except on Christmas Day, when the public footpaths across the sanctuary remain open, but the restaurant, and The Kitchen, Gift Shop and the Visitor Centre will be closed.

For more details, please visit: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/