Eve shares her Tramper trip to The Donkey Sanctuary

Countryside Mobility member, Eve, has been using our Tramper hire service for six months now, and, with her family, have regularly updated us on all the wonderful sights and times they’ve shared together.

We’d like to share Eve’s story of her July visit to The Donkey Sanctuary, one of the biggest animal sanctuaries and charities in the South West, and how the Tramper helped make her visit extra special:

Eve’s story

“What began as a mystery outing soon became one of those days that I knew I would remember. My daughter and son-in-law organised a surprise trip to Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary. At the visitor reception we collected the all-terrain Tramper – a hire service recently introduced – then started our visit, going up the grassy route through the sanctuary. I found it very easy to use, and it meant I could enjoy far more of the grounds than would otherwise have been possible.

There’s always something special about seeing the donkeys in their own spaces, each with their own history and habits. First, we saw the mules Jenny and Mabel near one of the barns; dear Jenny had bandages on her front hooves from her treatment. We saw some familiar faces as well, including Drizzle, Maverick, Walter and Zena, munching fresh straw all contentedly. Then we came across three donkeys standing in one of the shelters; one seemed perfectly happy staying under the shade, and I can’t say I blame him in this weather!

We continued up a slight incline to the next barn where I got to properly meet the two donkeys up close opposite the railing. I was able to stroke one called Maggie, who had a beautiful cross marking along her back. There was also a viewing board where I was able to pick out Maggie’s name and find out how she came to the sanctuary.

Finally, we travelled slightly higher up, and I had to stop to take it all in. The whole day really seemed to open out then, with that view of the fields, the trees, the donkeys grazing, then the view of the sea beyond. It’s one of those moments that will stick with me for sure.

“The whole day really seemed to open out then, with that view of the fields, the trees, the donkeys grazing, then the view of the sea beyond. It’s one of those moments that will stick with me for sure.”

Eve

From there, we took in everything else at our own pace. We found a shaded spot back near the reception to have our picnic. We even took on the maze afterwards, which we hadn’t visited together before. I’ll be honest, neither me nor my daughter were very successful finding the centre, but it was all in good fun.

Then we visited the memorials throughout the sanctuary. We took our time looking through the avenue of memorial trees commemorating all the pets and people who had passed away or otherwise donated money to the sanctuary. The memorial garden as well was particularly beautiful, especially with that statue of Russell the donkey standing amidst all those lavender hedges. If you ever visit the sanctuary, it’s worth stopping for a moment to reflect on all the loving donkeys and generous souls who make up its history.

The Donkey Sanctuary gave us a day filled with kindness, humour, fresh air and gentle encounters. Thanks to the Tramper, it was also a day of freedom: the freedom to explore, to linger, and to feel fully included in a place that clearly cares for both its donkeys and its visitors.

For anyone who loves the countryside but finds walking difficult, access to equipment like this can transform a day out. It is not only about getting from one place to another; it is about being able to join in and come home with memories to share and treasure”.

More information about this location is available on our Countryside Mobility page for The Donkey Sanctuary, just one of over 60 outdoor attractions to explore.

To book the Tramper, contact The Donkey Sanctuary by calling 01395 578222 or fill out the booking form on The Donkey Sanctuary website.