1. Introduce yourself and tell us how you came about to be involved in the visitor attraction industry?
Emma Gill, PR Officer. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary
Hi, I’m Emma Gill and I work as a PR Officer at international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, spreading the word about how amazing donkeys are and encouraging people to come and visit. Before I was in this role I volunteered at weekends with the donkeys which was a great way to meet the four-legged, long-eared residents here at our headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon.
2. Tell us about your attraction and why it is a great day out?
The charity’s headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon, are set in beautiful rolling countryside near the world famous Jurassic Coast, and home to our 500 resident donkeys and mules. Open to the public from 9am until dusk 365 days of the year, The Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit to meet these lovely animals, enjoy miles of beautiful walks, grab a bite to eat in our restaurant and take part in our exciting programme of fun-packed events.
3. What sort of visitors does your attraction most appeal to?
Around 200,000 visitors come to our Sidmouth sanctuary each year to meet our fantastic donkeys and find out more about the work of the charity. Families love to visit us for a free day out in the fresh air, walkers and dog walkers enjoy the scenic routes around the sanctuary, and nature lovers enjoy the unspoilt surroundings that we are so lucky to occupy.
4. What makes your attraction different, sets it apart from others?
Donkeys! Our Sanctuary at Sidmouth is a working farm and home to 500 donkeys in need of care. Entry is free as we feel that visitors should be able to see our work free of charge. Have a sneak preview of all you can see and do here by visiting www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit.
5. What do you have planned for the future? Any new exciting exhibits / experiences for guests?
An ever-expanding programme of activities and events for all ages! As a taster, coming up before Christmas are craft fairs, children’s Halloween activities, donkey hunts, our touching annual Memorial Day and the stunning Carols by Candlelight event in December.
6. For a family of four how much would a day at your attraction cost, including entry and food purchased on site?
Visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary. Photo copyright of The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is open 365 days a year from 9am to dusk with free admission and parking, so it costs nothing to come and visit us! If you want to make a donation towards our ongoing work to protect donkeys and mules worldwide, why not enjoy a spot of lunch or a drink and snack in our Hayloft restaurant, take home a souvenir of your visit from our Visitors’ Centre and gift shop, pop your change in the collection box or join our family and give a regular donation to the charity.
Contact us:
Call: 01395 573156
Email: visitus@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Website: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
