Donkey rides have been a staple of British seaside resorts going back a few hundred years and it would be commonplace to see a small herd of them, bedecked with saddles, bridles, and often their name on a nose strap, giving rides up and down the beach to children.

I think they are a little less commonplace now as greater emphasis on animal welfare has been introduced, and the owners of donkeys used for rides need to be licensed and inspected to ensure that the wellbeing of the animals is properly maintained. There has also probably been a change in public attitudes, with more people seeing the practice as cruel and it being challenged by animal welfare organisations.

I remember as a child seeing the donkey being led through the town centre to the beach where the rides could be had, their hooves making that familiar clip-clopping sound as they walked, but they are now brought in an animal transporter, though possibly because they are no longer stabled within walking distance.

Here are a couple disembarking before beginning their day’s work.

Yashica Mat 124G and Kodak Portra 400. Lab developed. Home scanned and converted with Negative Lab Pro.

Taken on 11 October 2025