Donkey Sanctuary

There's something oddly moving about watching a donkey that's been rescued from years of neglect finally relax in a proper field. The Donkey Sanctuary, just outside Sidmouth, is exactly what it says - a working refuge for abused and abandoned donkeys, spread across Devon countryside with genuinely good viewing areas for visitors.

You're not here for thrills. What you get instead is a chance to see donkeys being donkeys - some still skittish, others utterly bonkers, most just contentedly munching grass without a care. The sanctuary lets you wander through to observe them, and there's something real about it that beats any petting zoo. Kids find it compelling if they've got even mild interest in animals; younger children might lose steam after forty minutes or so.

Admission is free, which is decent of them, though donations are actively encouraged and genuinely needed. Check their website for opening times before you go - hours can be a bit variable depending on the season. Allow a good hour if you're serious about it, longer if the weather's nice and you fancy a proper walk around the grounds.

If you're based at Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park or any of the other sites dotted around Sidmouth, it's an easy morning visit that breaks up a beach-heavy holiday. It won't thrill everyone, but it's the sort of place that sticks with you - especially if you're the type who actually cares about animal welfare rather than just Instagram backdrops.