Upcoming Events

Durham Donkey Rescue is dedicated to providing care and a loving home to donkeys in need. As part of our efforts to raise funds and awareness for these gentle creatures, we organise several events throughout the year. Whether you’re a donkey enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, our events offer something for everyone. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the excitement, we have made it easy for you to secure your spot by booking online through our convenient calendar system.

Our regular events are:

Meeting, Walking and Hugging with Donkeys

This is a lovely one and a half hour event where two people walk with one of our donkeys, and we take a group walk through our scenic private land, enjoying the interaction with the donkeys and their friends as we skirt ancient woodlands and glimpse other donkeys as we walk. When we return to the rescue site, you then get to spend time grooming and hugging and simply enjoying the company and personality of “your” donkey. There are ample opportunities for selfies and photos with the donkeys.
Numbers are limited for these events to ensure you have maximum time with the donkeys, and they book up fast. Pre-booking is essential.

If the weather is wet and we are not able to walk around the fields we will revert to meeting and hugging with donkeys.
£60 per 2 people with one donkey (book one place at £60 for 2 people with one donkey)

PLEASE NOTE : Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult as the second person walking with the donkey

SORRY but there are no facilities for people to attend these events as spectators you must book a place to walk with a donkey.
The maximum number of people walking with a donkey is two which is necessary for safety reasons.

No refunds are given should you need to cancel for any reason. If you need to transfer dates please give us 28 days notice. Transfer will be dependent on availability (Please note we can only transfer your booking once).
 
Please wear sensible footwear as fields can get very muddy and can be uneven.

Open days

Open days are low-key, fun events to come and see what we do here, meet the donkeys and help support our work. Admission is by donation at the gate. If you sponsor one of our donkeys, you get free entry to meet your donkey and learn about how your sponsorship is helping them live the lives they are now accustomed to, here at the rescue. In addition to meeting the donkeys, seeing their scenic fields and even viewing the on-site accommodation, you’ll have the opportunity to support us even more by trying your luck on the tombola and other stalls and by buying our merchandise. 

NO DOGS allowed for safety reasons and to protect both dog and donkey welfare.

Please contact us by email to discuss wheelchair access.

Children MUST be closely supervised at all times. The rescue is not suitable for pushchairs and small children must be carried for safety reasons.

Please be aware that the fields and walking areas can be muddy and uneven and as such we recommend you wear SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR and clothing.

Open days do not require booking. Admission will be via a donation on the day and free to anyone already sponsoring a donkey

** NEW FOR 2026 **

 De-stress with Donkeys 

With the stresses of everyday life we often see people arrive at our events looking a bit frazzled. After seeing and spending time with our wonderful resident donkeys, it’s always great to see people decompress and leave with a smile on their faces.

This one and a half hour event allows you to meet and hug our donkeys and to find out a bit more about our residents and their stories.

The cost is £25 per person.

SORRY but there are no facilities for people to attend these events as spectators you must book a place to attend. Single spaces are available on this event.

PLEASE NOTE : This event is not suitable for UNDER 16s

No refunds are given should you need to cancel for any reason. If you need to transfer dates please give us 28 days notice. Transfer will be dependent on availability (Please note we can only transfer your booking once).