Family Photographer visiting the Donkey Sanctuary Devon.
- Samantha Gilbert
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
The Donkey Sanctuary Devon Review – Family Day Out (Even in the Rain!) With Infinity Photography.

A day out at The Donkey Sanctuary with mummy, daddy, and A is always a special occasion. Every time we visit, it takes me back to when my grandparents would bring me here at A’s age—a place filled with cherished memories and happiness that’s been welcoming visitors since 1973. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued donkeys, helping to protect and care for these gentle animals.
As a family photographer, I love capturing these moments with my loved ones, whether it’s in a unique location like this or simply enjoying the outdoors. It’s amazing to think that the same sanctuary I visited as a child is now a place where A is making her own memories, and I’m honoured to capture them through my photography.
Visit Infinity Photography Family Photoshoots here - https://www.infinityphotography.co.uk/familyphotoshoot
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Website here - https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth
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Family Photographer visiting The Donkey Sanctuary Devon.

We spent the morning outside with the donkeys, who were so friendly despite the crisp February weather. It’s clear that The Donkey Sanctuary staff truly care for these wonderful animals; they are well-looked after and the sanctuary provides them with a safe, loving environment.
As a charity, they not only rescue donkeys but also educate visitors about their care and the importance of animal welfare. After being given a map, we were off exploring, discovering so much to see and do—from interacting with the donkeys to learning about their history and care.
As a family photographer, I always love capturing these beautiful moments—whether it’s a joyful interaction with the animals or the special memories made while exploring a unique place like The Donkey Sanctuary Devon.


It wouldn’t have been a proper family day out without daddy being silly—he started making donkey noises and before we knew it, all the donkeys were “talking” back!
We couldn’t stop laughing at how contagious his antics were and it made the day even more memorable.
As a family photographer visiting the Donkey Sanctuary Devon, moments like these are exactly what I love to capture—those spontaneous, joyful times that make every family outing unique.



One of the highlights of our visit was watching the donkeys being brought into the big barn for lunchtime. It was such a sight to see them all gather together, munching on their food in perfect harmony.
The kids were absolutely fascinated as they watched the donkeys interact, some sharing hay, others happily eating side by side. It was a peaceful and heartwarming moment, seeing how well they all got along and it made for some adorable photos too!






After a wonderful time with the donkeys, we headed to the beautiful, award-winning café on-site for a much-needed break. The café is known for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views over the sanctuary.
We treated ourselves to a delicious, hot cup of coffee and a perfectly roasted lunch that was full of flavour and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. But the highlight had to be the indulgent rainbow cake that followed—light, colourful and absolutely delicious!
It’s not just the food that’s amazing; the café is also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly practices to minimise its environmental impact.
As a family photographer, I also couldn’t resist capturing some sweet moments of A enjoying her cake with daddy and the beautiful scenery around us—sometimes the best memories are made over a simple meal, and it was a perfect spot to reflect on our day together.






On our way to the shop, a friendly staff member kindly gave A a sticker, which made her day even more special!
The staff at The Donkey Sanctuary Devon were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our visit. They took the time to answer any questions we had and made sure we felt comfortable, whether it was about the donkeys or the sanctuary itself.
It’s always such a pleasant experience when the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and it really added to the positive, family-friendly atmosphere of the day.

We finished our day by visiting the lovely shop at The Donkey Sanctuary, which was filled with fantastic toys, gifts, socks, magnets, and all sorts of lovely items to take home as mementos. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special while supporting a great cause. A loved picking out a little donkey puppet to remember our visit.
As a family photographer in Devon, I know how important it is to capture those little moments that make a day out memorable, and visiting places like this not only provides unforgettable memories but also wonderful photo opportunities for families to cherish forever.






Overall, our visit to The Donkey Sanctuary was an unforgettable family day out filled with laughter, learning, and heartwarming moments.
Whether it’s the friendly donkeys, the cozy café, or the wonderful staff, there’s so much to enjoy and discover at this beautiful sanctuary.
It’s a perfect destination for families, and as a family photographer in Devon, I know how important it is to capture those special memories, whether it's at a unique location like this or during a simple family outing.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to spend quality time with your loved ones, The Donkey Sanctuary is definitely worth the visit—creating memories that you can treasure forever.
If you're looking to capture similar joyful moments with your family, feel free to explore my family photography services in Devon -Click the link below. https://www.infinityphotography.co.uk/familyphotoshoot
If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, visit Sidmouth https://www.visitdevon.co.uk/sidmouth/ which is just a short drive away and offers lovely coastal views and family-friendly activities.
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