The Scottish Borders Donkey Sanctuary - Melrose

Carol Hemsley

Spaces for Blue Badge holders right by the entrance, with a disabled portaloo, of which I have never seen before. It is run by volunteers, it's a shame as they are desperate for more volunteers as at the moment they are pushing it fine to be able to open just one day a week. There was a lovely little gift shop that also sold tea and coffee at the till area. Beautiful grounds and with your entrance ticket you got a cup of Donkey food, you could also buy more if wanted. The Donkey's are all different characters some funny and some very vocal to get more feed, then the quiet ones that stay out of the way. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. Great day out had by all. The only disappointment of the day was that there was no information or name boards about the individual Donkey's, understandable though due to lack of volunteers, would love to of lived closer to the Sanctuary.

Lisa Brown

We Loved it here! The donkeys were so friendly and one particular one took a shine to our boy and gave lots of cuddles. It was a lovely walk around the sanctuary and there were also other animals to see on the other side. We didn't use the cafe or facilities but we did bump into the staff and they were lovely and friendly. This is a great day out for the family and suitable for children of all ages, who can resist petting/feeding a donkey!

Judith Grant

Had a wonderful afternoon here and fell in love with all the animals. Beautiful setting, friendly and helpful volunteers and staff and very well looked after donkeys. There will be many return visits!

Linda Jowett

Awesome place if you love donkeys! Not expensive to get in. Open 1-4 Saturdays. Check online to confirm.

Nicola Campbell

I enjoyed my visit and it was great to learn about the history of the place from the obviously enthusiastic staff and volunteers. However it was only because I found someone to ask about the donkeys, mules and ponies that I got the information. It would be good to have a couple of short talks available to attend and have question and answers.
When we checked in with our pre-bought tickets we were given a cup of food and a feeding pan and this is the part I think they should stop. The donkeys have a frenzied hour or two whilst competing with each other to get to the food from the visitors and I think it might be a better experience to visit them when they are calmer.
I hope the sanctuary is able to continue the wonderful work they do for the animals.

Fiona Smit (Feedidilydee)

I love this place. The grounds are beautiful for walking round, with benches to sit and the donkeys are just the best creatures.

The staff/volunteers are super knowledgeable and always up for a chat and give information on the animals.

Tina B.

A fantastic day out. The donkeys are so tame and it’s great that you get to feed them. It’s set in beautiful grounds with views of the river. It’s relaxing. All the hand sanitisers were empty on the day we visited so it’s best to take some wipes with you, especially if you’re planning a picnic. The Staff and Volunteers are nice and friendly. Would thoroughly recommend it.
You have to book it online.

Jenna Crossland

Loved it here and will be back very soon. The sanctuary is huge and there are lovely walkways down by the river tweed. Staff were great and the donkeys well cared for. We saw the donkeys, llamas and ponies on our visit (and Bramble the cat) but didn’t see any poultry or pigs but as I said the place is big so we may have missed a bit out. I think it would benefit from a cafe or snack van and some information about the donkeys also longer opening hours as we found 3 hours to be a bit too short.