Donkey Sanctuary wins Loo of the Year award

A 'cheeky' win

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has been named for the second time as the prestigious winner of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions 2021/22 - Loo of the Year Award’.  

The award first started in 2019 in order to further heighten quality and standards at member attractions, and it was decided to have an extra focal point on toilets by bringing in the ‘Devon’s Top Attractions Loo of the Year Award’. 

The award's objective is simple: to raise awareness and encourage the highest possible standards within an area that can sometimes be neglected, and yet it’s a place that nearly all visitors will pay a visit!

The ‘Loo of the Year’ inspections are done at the same time as Devon's Top Attractions members annual inspections and mystery shop visits, all of which cover numerous elements, including quality, facilities, cleanliness, décor, hygiene, maintenance, signage, and air quality. 

The Donkey Sanctuary's toilets came out top again with their outstanding facilities and cleanliness and sleek design. 

Donkey Sanctuary toilets  (courtesy: Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth)

John Crouch, the Visitor Engagement manager at the Donkey Sanctuary said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for the second time for our toilets! It’s especially gratifying to know we’re providing clean and safe comfort breaks during the pandemic. A comfort break should be just that, so all praise to our fabulous in-house cleaners.”

The other two finalists this year were Quince Honey Farm and Seaton Tramway, both of whom also have excellent toilet amenities and who also exceeded all of the tough inspection criteria.  

Not surprisingly, several of Devon’s Top Attractions have also just been announced as finalists in the 2021/22 Devon Tourism Awards. 

Seaton Tramway is a finalist in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Quince Honey Farm is a finalist in the Café/Tearoom of the Year Award, and Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is a finalist for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award. 

Crealy and Seaton Tramway are also both finalists and head-to-head in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category Award. 

All of the winners will be announced at the Devon Tourism Awards ceremony on the 10th March. 

Marketing Manager of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions Anne Blackham said: “We are delighted to have presented our ‘Loo of the Year Award’ for the second time to The Donkey Sanctuary who, once again, easily exceeded all of the criteria measures and quality standards we set. 

"In giving this award, we hope to have increased awareness of just how important the standard of public conveniences is for all Devon tourism businesses. 

"And, once more, we are pleased to see a good number of our members announced as finalists in the 2021/22 Devon Tourism Awards underscoring our commitment to quality experiences for our visitors.”

Devon’s Top Attractions are now getting ready for the February Half- Term break when some will reopen their doors for the first time in 2022. Those opening in February have a great selection of special days out and events planned.

More information can be found on the Devon's Top Attractions website http://www.devonstopattractions.co.uk