The Highlights

Groom a rescue donkey guided by friendly staff

Discover the basics of grooming, feeding & donkey wellbeing

45 minute experience

Bathing and conditioning in warmer months, or brushing and hoof pampering in cooler months

A thoughtful and unique gift idea for animal lovers

Every experience helps care for and support donkeys who’ve been lovingly re-homed

Exchangeable Experience Gift

1 Location

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Swadlincote

The Experience

This Donkey Grooming Experience is a gentle, hands-on day out that’s ideal for animal lovers aged 10 upwards. It’s the perfect way to get up close and personal with some truly lovely rescue donkeys who have found a safe and happy home at a peaceful countryside farm.

After a warm welcome and a short health and safety briefing, you’ll be paired up with one of the donkeys for a proper pamper session. With guidance from the friendly team, you’ll learn how to groom your donkey and get to grips with the practical side of donkey care – from brushing their coats to combing manes and tails.

In the warmer months (April to September), your donkey might enjoy a sponge bath and gentle hose-down, followed by a bit of hoof care and a conditioner to leave them looking and feeling fabulous. During the cooler months (October to March), it’s all about a cosy brush and some extra special hoof pampering, including a little polish!

This wholesome experience is a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, bond with animals, and learn something new. It's ideal for families, friends, or as a thoughtful gift for someone who loves animals but might prefer a shorter experience than a full donkey walk.

Every donkey here has been rescued and re-homed, and taking part in this experience helps support their ongoing care. You’re not just giving a gift, you’re helping provide love and support to some very deserving long-eared friends.

Whether it’s a birthday, a unique Christmas present, or a surprise just because, a Donkey Grooming Experience is a truly memorable gift with a big heart. Give someone the chance to meet, groom, and fall in love with these gentle creatures.

Important Information

This experience is weather dependent, see below for the different variations:

April - September
You'll start by giving your new buddy a good wash and rinse using a rough sponge and hose, followed by carefully scraping off any extra water. After that, enjoy a calming grooming session with a gentle brush to clear away dust and dirt, a softer brush for the legs and face, and a comb through their mane and tail. To finish, it’s a quick tidy-up of the hooves and a splash of chemical-free conditioner before bidding farewell to your freshly pampered pal!

October - March
You'll pamper your donkey with a calming groom, brushing away any dust and dirt, using a gentle brush for their legs and face, and combing through their mane and tail. Rather than a hose-down, the donkeys get a bit of a pedicure – complete with a little polish for their hooves! You'll also find out what goes into their diet and offer your new friend a small feed before saying farewell to your freshly pampered pal.

Available to book Saturdays and Sundays.

Exceptions to this are: During the winter months the experience will be held on Saturdays and Sundays only, with Thursday and Friday slots opening from Spring onwards.

Please arrive 30 minutes early to ensure you have plenty of time to check in before your experience starts. Latecomers will not be allowed to join the experience once it has started.
At check in, you'll receive a colour-coded wristband which must be worn throughout the experience.

Your voucher is valid for 12 Months from the date of issue.

Please note you must have booked and taken your experience before the expiry date.

Minimum age: 10 years old.
Ages 10-15: Ticket required. Must have an adult spectator to accompany them. Spectators will be able to take photos and must be on hand in case of an emergency, but will not be able to join in with the experience.
Ages 16-17: Ticket required. Responsible for self and cannot have responsibility for anyone under the age of 15.
Ages 18+: Ticket required. Can be responsible for anyone under the age of 16 in correct adult to child ratios.
This experience runs in all weathers unless deemed unsafe so please dress appropriately. Umbrellas cannot be used as they pose a health & safety risk to the animals.
This experience requires a minimum number of attendees. If this minimum number is not met, the experience provider reserves the right to reschedule your booking to the next available slot.

The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover. You will not be liable for accidental damage to equipment, except where damage has been caused as a result of recklessness or wilful negligence.

A cancellation indemnity, subject to terms, is included with every voucher.

Images are for illustrative purposes only. The experience may vary by location or availability. Please refer to the experience description for full details of what is included.