Families can meet hundreds of resident donkeys at the free Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary this summer.

The sanctuary is nestled in the heart of the East Devon countryside and holds a range of activities for all ages.

From the playpark and leafy maze to the bat beacon and Golden Carrot Trail, there's plenty to discover.

The Golden Carrot Trail gives visitors the opportunity to go on a hunt for hidden orange carrots, aiming to find the treasure chest with a golden carrot to win a prize for a £5 trail sheet.

The sanctuary, recognised for its award-winning gardens, offers daily talks and exhibits about the international animal welfare charity's work.

Accessibility is also catered for as the main centre is flat, making it suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

While the area is laden with scenic views and ample walkways for exploration, the sanctuary also allows dogs on leads.

Visitors can also benefit from the sanctuary's free parking.

After exploring the sanctuary, delicious locally sourced meals await at the award-winning on-site restaurant, The Kitchen.

They believe that good food goes down all the better knowing it’s doing good for donkeys too, as every penny of profit goes towards their work worldwide.

Visitors can take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and sparkling sea, offering a quiet retreat.

The Gift Shop offers the chance for a spot of retail therapy, supporting the charity with each purchase.

Open daily from 9am – 5pm, with the Golden Carrot Trail running until September 30, the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary presents the perfect summer day out for families.

Those interested can find more information on their website.

This is not the first time the sanctuary has run such events as last Easter, visitors were able to have a chance at winning an Easter egg as a part of a new spring trail.

Families will be treated to an entertaining and interactive playground, a maze, exhibits about the animal welfare charity and its international activities, engaging daily talks and a bat beacon to learn about these marvellous mammals and their supportive role in the sanctuary.

Last year, The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary welcomed 80 donkeys.

They were rescued during the Covid pandemic on a cold day in February 2021.

It was a sophisticated operation that involved multiple agencies, including the sanctuary, the RSPCA, the police, and a range of equine welfare charities like Redwings, World Horse Welfare, British Horse Society, and Bransby Horses.