Devon park serves up a “bray and breakfast” option

Guests staying at a top East Devon holiday park can this year enjoy a VIP donkey experience – guaranteed to raise smiles, and much-needed funds for a local sanctuary. Oakdown Holiday Park in Weston, near Sidmouth, is offering holidaymakers a behind-the-scenes introduction to the world of Britain’s largest equine charity.

The Donkey Sanctuary, adjacent to the park, provides care for around 500 donkeys – many of which have been neglected, over-worked or abandoned. In conjunction with the park, small groups will spend a hands-on morning helping the sanctuary team with a variety of tasks including grooming, walking, feeding and petting. But it’s not all donkey work, for the VIP package also includes a slap-up farmhouse cooked breakfast with a special gift for younger donkey devotees.

Oakdown Holiday Park, owned by the Franks family for over 40 years, provides luxury caravan holiday homes to rent and buy, plus camping pods and touring pitches. In 2015, Oakdown beat more than 900 other UK parks to take the overall title of AA Campsite of the Year, based on votes cast by guests – and it also holds many other accolades. According to Alastair Franks, the new VIP donkey experience will provide a fascinating insight to a widely-celebrated charity dedicated to donkey welfare: “Donkeys and mules are hardworking animals, and can also be very affectionate – but sadly, they are sometimes the victims of neglect and cruelty,” he said.

“But these animals, as our visitors will see, are now leading happy and fulfilled lives in the care of dedicated volunteers who provide all the treatment and attention they need.

“For children especially, this will prove a real eye-opener of a morning!” added Alastair.

The £38.00 per person cost of the experience, additional to the holiday cost, will include a donation to the charity. For more information about the park, visit www.oakdown.co.uk