The DonkeySanctuary

The world's largest donkey sanctuary spreads across the farms above Sidmouth, and entry is free — no ticket, no booking, donations doing the work instead. Slade House Farm carries the visitor centre and the Understanding Donkeys Zone, walkways run out through the protected East Devon countryside towards Trow Farm, and the residents — rescued, retired, convalescing — do the rest. It is an independent charity, not a council attraction, and it keeps farm hours: nine to five, every day of the year, free parking included.