Donkeys in Devon

If you fancy doing something a little different this winter, then why not take your group to one of the largest donkey sanctuaries in the world? Home to over 400 donkeys, and situated near Sidmouth in Devon, The Donkey Sanctuary is an enjoyable place to visit due to its unspoilt farmland and calming countryside. Such is the beauty of nature on offer, visitors return time and time again to meander among the donkeys and absorb the serene and relaxed surroundings. While there, spend as much time as you wish meeting the donkeys who adore fuss and attention, or perhaps take a leisurely stroll, pausing at the nature centre and conservation area on the way.

Since its founding in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary has taken in over 11,800 donkeys in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and also has major overseas projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and Spain.

Groups of any size are welcome, and it’s open 365 days a year from 9am until dusk, with admission free. If you pre-book your visit with the visitors’ centre you and your group can enjoy several benefits, including an introductory talk, discount vouchers at The Hayloft Restaurant, as well as free coach parking.

t    01395 578222

•             www.thedonkeysanctuary.

            org.uk

Playful times  

If leisurely walks in unspoilt countryside sound appealing to you, then venture further south to Cornwall and visit The Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre, where there’s over 19 acres of ground set in a tranquil atmosphere just waiting to be explored.

Take a trip down to the two waterfowl lakes where you’ll find a large variety of ducks and geese swimming around. Or perhaps a woodland walk is more to your taste, where you’ll come across delightful animals such as fallow, wallabies and Muntjac deer roaming freely among the trees.

The centre is run by the Otter Trust, and it’s the only place in the West Country to breed British and Asian short-clawed otters on a regular basis. The energetic animals are in enclosures that allow you to observe them at close quarters. Watch them slide, wrestle, belly flop and somersault, taking full advantage of any slippery slope for a bit of fun.  

After such an eventful day, take some time to relax in the tea room; whether it’s for lunch, afternoon tea or a coffee break, you’ll be made to feel very welcome indeed.

t            01566 785646

•             www.tamarotters.co.uk

Animal adventure

Another popular animal attraction for group visitors is The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens based in Burford, Oxfordshire. Here, you can discover the beautiful horticulture amidst charming landscaped parkland. Set in 160 acres of land around a listed Victorian manor house, Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world.

The real appeal of this park is that it aspires to inform people about the different types of wildlife they breed. Bird of prey demonstrations from expert zoo keepers are put on to promote a greater understanding of what’s special about each species, with each display lasting approximately one hour.

There are more than 250 different kinds of animals at the park, many of which are considered to be endangered or threatened in the wild.

As a member of EAZA (the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), the park shares and exchanges animals with other collections to further breeding programmes of conservation importance. So not only will your day be fun and informative, but you’ll also get the chance to help support an important cause.

To find out more about The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and their reduced rates for groups of 20 or more, call the number below or visit them on the web.

t            01993 823 006

•             www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Wild park life

Other exciting wildlife attractions with special group rates include Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, and Port Lympne WIld Animal Park and Gardens near Ashford in Kent. Both parks take pride in their scenic views and beautiful parkland, and are world leaders in the conservation of rare and endangered species.

While Howletts is home to the largest group of captive-bred Western Lowland gorillas in the world – and African elephants in the UK – Port Lympne breeds the largest herd of black rhinos outside Africa, as well as elephants, Siberian and Indian tigers, monkeys, Malayan tapirs, and Barbary lions. Both parks are open every day except Christmas from 10am to dusk. Last admission is 3pm in winter.

t            01303 264647