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Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Visit one of Scotland's top attractions for an incredible family day out. Come and view giraffes, lions, elephant, tigers, and meerkats. Take your chances with the cheeky monkeys in the Park's famous Macaque Drive-thru, walk with free-roaming lemurs in Lemur Land, catch the popular bird of prey flying displays, and meet the dinosaurs - all included in the price of your entry ticket.

Safari Drive

There over 300 rare and exotic animals at Blair Drummond Safari Park. You can drive your own car through the animal reserves and get up close to camels, rhinos, deer, antelopes and a pride of lions. Keep an eye out for the troop of monkeys in the Safari Park's famous Macaque Drive-Thru. And don't forget to close your windows!

Adventure Play

Burn off some energy in the popular play park which is home to a giant play fort, a pirate ship, swings and a sandpit. Have a go on the pedal boats, astroglide, and go-karts - all of which are included in your entry price.

California Cove

Blair Drummond's sea lions are finally back and enjoying their brand new habitat, California Cove.   The indoor sea lion display won’t restart until later in the year, but you will be able to see them in their outdoor pool and find out more about their care in live training demonstrations, which take place twice a day.

Meerkat Mansions

Visitors can now view the meerkats in a new indoor habitat, with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing areas. This new indoor space is also fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy all the cheeky antics of the meerkats. And with much more room to play, dig and show off, there's plenty to see.

Meet the Dinosaurs

The dinosaur exhibit has over 20 life size dinosaurs, including velociraptors, triceratops, stegosaurus, flying pteranodon and an oviraptor with eggs. The largest dinosaur is a 21m diplodocus, and the most fearsome is the iconic T-Rex. ‘Dinosaurs at Blair Drummond’ is a permanent attraction which was opened in 2020. Entry is included in the price of admission.

A troop of free-roaming lemurs live at the Safari Park. You can walk with them through the trees, as they play above you. But watch out, lemurs are very curious creatures and like to say hello!

Bird of Prey Presentation

Catch one of the spectacular outdoor birds of prey flying demonstrations which take place three times a day.

Animal Talks

Want to find out more about your favourite animals?  Come and meet the education team at interactive animal talks throughout the day.

Accessibility

The Safari Park has excellent access for wheelchairs, prams and buggies. There are baby changing facilities, ample disabled parking spots and a 'Changing Places' toilet.

Online ticket sales only:  Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park 

Are you a social animal?  Follow the Safari Park on Facebook and keep up-to-date with the news, competitions and special offers.  

Blair Drummond Safari Park has received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Electric Car Charging
• Taxi rank nearby
• Coach Parking
• Public Parking Nearby
• No Pets Allowed
• Ramp to main entrance
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Level access to all public areas
• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Level access to main entrance
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Partial wheelchair access
• Level access to dining room, cafe or restaurant
• Level Access
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Level access to bar
• Level access from entrance to reception
• Accessible toilets
• Level access to leisure facilities
• Wet room or level entry shower
• Access guide

Dietary Options

• Vegan Meals Available
• Gluten Free
• Vegetarian Meals available
• Kosher Meals
• Halal Meals

Typical Prices

• Children's Menu Available
• Outdoor Play Area
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Breakfast Available
• Licensed Bar
• Catering Available
• Picnic Area
• Patio or Beer Garden
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• Credit Card

Awards & Schemes

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Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

Blair Drummond Safari Park Visitor Guide

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park in Stirlingshire is Scotland’s only safari park. This family-friendly attraction is home to over 350 animals, many of which are free to roam the 120-acre estate. Visitors can enjoy a drive through several enclosures before entering a large animal-themed adventure park that features a zoo, fun-fair rides, restaurants and cafes, and play parks.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, located near Stirling, is the only safari park in Scotland, and it’s also one of the country’s busiest tourist attractions. Covering more than 120 acres, the park contains several enclosures that are home to a variety of animals, mainly from Africa and Asia, along with a few inhabitants from closer to home.

Visitors can drive through each reserve in their car and get some great close-up views of the free-roaming animals before heading into the adventure park on foot. Once inside the park, there are lots of attractions to keep visitors entertained such as Lemur Land, Chimp Island, the bird of prey habitat, and Pets Farm, to name a few.

Other attractions include fairground rides and amusements, a pirate ship and adventure fort, as well as a boat safari, pedal boats, dodgems, a rollercoaster, and a carousel. Meanwhile, food and drink are catered for with a restaurant and several snack outlets.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park also has a more serious side as it’s involved with conservation initiatives like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation  and the AfriCat Foundation . In addition, the park’s education team regularly gives talks on the elephants, tigers, rhinos, and other animals they care for.

The Highlights

1: Drummond Safari Park provides a unique opportunity to see a wide range of animals in drive-through reserves and walk-around areas. Visitors can enjoy close-up views of exotic species like lions, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, all from the safety and comfort of their own vehicles.

2: The park isn’t just about animal viewing; it also offers adventure and play areas designed for children. These include outdoor playgrounds, a giant astraglide slide, pedal boats, and a flying fox zip wire.

1: The park participates in breeding programmes for endangered species and works with various conservation projects. Visitors can learn about these efforts and gain insight into the importance of preserving our natural world through educational talks and interactive displays.

Visiting Tips

1: Since many activities are outdoors, the weather can impact your experience. Dress appropriately and consider taking waterproof clothing or sunscreen, depending on the conditions.

2: To avoid lines and potentially save money, purchase your tickets online before your visit. This can also help you take advantage of online discounts or special offers.

3: The park can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Arriving early not only helps you beat the crowds but also gives you a full day to explore without feeling rushed.

Tourist Information

There are a huge number of activities for families to enjoy during their visit to Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, although the highlight has to be driving through the reserves to get up close and personal with the animals on display. There are four main reserves to drive through, and each one showcases animals from various parts of the world in habitats that have been designed to be as close as possible to their own natural environments.

The African reserve features non-carnivorous native African species like zebras and white rhinoceros, while the lion reserve is home to a pride of African lions. The lion reserve, in particular, is a great enclosure as it features a raised walkway that can be accessed on foot from inside the park, so you can get a different perspective on the lions once you’ve finished the drive-through safari.

The other two reserves are the Monkey Jungle, which houses a troop of Barbary macaques, and the Asian Reserve, which contains herbivores native to Asia such as deer and camels. All the reserves are well-maintained, and the animals appear to be very happy in their habitats, which is great to see.

Once you’ve finished the safari, it’s time to leave the car behind and set out on foot into the adventure park where you’ll discover various enclosures that are more like the ones you’d find in a zoo. In this area, visitors will see African elephants, rhinos, and giraffes alongside great apes on Chimp Island and ring-tailed lemurs in Lemur Land.

Next to Lemur Land is a lake that you can explore on a pedal boat, but if you prefer a more leisurely cruise you can take a ride on the boat safari which sails around Chimp Island. I highly recommend taking the boat trip as it’s a great way to see the park’s troop of chimpanzees foraging about in the undergrowth.

If you have children and they’re not too exhausted after seeing all the animals, you can take them to a couple of other areas to burn off their remaining energy. First is an enormous wooden fort that has a bird’s nest and slides, and second is a pirate ship that can be found inside a giant sandpit.

Both play parks have picnic benches and BBQ areas nearby, or you can use the on-site restaurant and cafe. There’s also an outside dining area that allows parents to keep watch while the kids are having fun.

Things to Do

Safari Drive-Thru : Embark on an exciting self-drive safari to see zebras, ostriches, bison, and monkeys roam free in the park. Don’t forget to make sure all your windows are closed as you drive, and if you have a convertible, make sure the roof is up before you enter the lion enclosure!

Keeper Talks : The team at Blair Drummond Safari Park holds daily talks about the most popular animals, including what they like to eat, where they come from, and how they manage to survive in the challenging conditions of the modern world. Conservation is a key aspect of the talks, but they’re also fun and engaging for children.

Sea Lion Show: Enjoy the clever California sea lions’ daily live training demonstrations as they display their agility skills. The keepers also provide insightful commentary about the natural behaviours of these animals in a show that’s easily one of the most popular in the entire park.

Bird of Prey Centre : See an incredible collection of eagles, hawks, and owls at the Bird of Prey Centre. The daily flying demonstrations are a must-see, as you can watch these magnificent creatures soar through the sky and learn about their crucial role in the ecosystem.

Adventure Playground : The park’s adventure playground is a fun-filled area with a fortress, pirate ship, and giant slides. Kids can burn off energy while parents relax in a nearby seating area with a coffee in hand, knowing their children are in a safe and secure environment. The playground is designed to be inclusive, so children of all abilities can enjoy it.

Things to Do Nearby

Doune Castle . Castle Hill, Doune, FK16 6EA. 10-minute drive. A mediaeval castle with one of the largest curtain walls in Scotland. Doune Castle is located near the River Teith in the historic village of Doune. It is famous for being the filming site for Monty Python, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.

Stirling Castle . Upper Castlehill, Stirling, FK8 1EN. 11-minute drive. One of the largest castles in Scotland and second only to Edinburgh Castle in importance, this 12th-century fortification was the original seat of power for the nation’s royalty. Today, it offers tourists permanent exhibitions, renovated rooms complete with period furniture and paintings, a café, and a shop.

Deanston Distillery . Teith Rd., Deanston, Doune, FK16 6AG. 6-minute drive. Located in a former cotton mill, this distillery on the banks of the River Teith offers guided whisky tours, tasting experiences, a shop, and a café.

Briarlands Farm . Blair Drummond, Stirling FK9 4UP. 2-minute drive. A farm-themed zoo is situated behind the safari park. This family-friendly attraction features a petting zoo, go-karting, a field maze, berry picking, play parks, and tractor rides.

River Teith . 10-minute drive. This picturesque river is the setting for lots of relaxing walks along its banks, which can be visited from almost any point along its length. The river is renowned both for its fishing and for the arched bridge that crosses it half a mile southwest of Doune village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to blair drummond safari park without a car.

Blair Drummond Safari Park features a drive-through safari that makes it very convenient for visitors with cars. However, it’s not strictly necessary to have a car to visit, as a large part of it can be walked around. The closest major town is Stirling, from which you can take a taxi or a local bus service. Note that some attractions within the park, like the drive-through safari, are designed only for motor vehicles.

How long does Blair Drummond Safari Park take?

The drive through the safari park takes around 30 minutes. The theme park area can take an hour to an entire day, depending on how much time is spent at each attraction and animal enclosure.

Do you need a car for Blair Drummond Safari Park?

A car is required for the safari park drive. Public transportation is available for accessing the theme park area on foot (buses #59, 160, and S60, X10A stop at the entrance).

Is Blair Drummond open all year?

Blair Drummond Safari Park is a seasonal attraction and is open from spring to autumn only, from mid-March onwards.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

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Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Stirling XP

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park Admission

Home to over 300 animals, Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure park offers an exciting experience getting up close to the animals. Choose from some of the more tailed animal experiences or enjoy a safari day out with the whole family.

Located on a beautiful 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is one of the area’s most popular visitor attractions and home to some of its most fascinating inhabitants.  There are over 300 animals at Blair Drummond, including giraffes, tigers, and chimpanzees, all cared for by an expert team of keepers and vets.

With activities to suit all ages, this is a full day out! You’ll get up close and personal with lions, rhinos, and monkeys in the drive-thru reserves, come face to face with lemurs in their walk-through enclosure, and learn about the safari park’s role in the conservation of endangered species at educational animal talks throughout the day.  You can even meet the dinosaurs in their prehistoric forest… if you’re brave enough!

Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at your favourite animals?  Book in for one of the thrilling animal experiences. Become a keeper for the day and create some memories that you’ll never forget!

Facilities include indoor restaurant, takeaway taco bar, wood-fired pizza hut, BBQ and picnic areas, viewing platforms and an AMAZING adventure play area.

Open seven days a week, from 10.00am until 5.30pm.

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Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Review Highlights

“ There's a good walkway bridge walk you can take to see the giraffes and other animals from up above. ” in 8 reviews

“ Shows are brilliant we caught the sea lion show and a trip on the boat to monkey island is a must. ” in 4 reviews

“ When I was visiting family in Scotland, I took my family to this safari park . ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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Blairdrummond

Stirling FK9 4UR

United Kingdom

Amenities and More

About the business.

Set in 120 acres of beautiful woodland, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park offers one of the best value family days out and is currently the only place in Scotland to see elephants and giraffes. A fun filled day for all ages. Go on a wild safari drive through the animal reserves, take a boat trip around Chimp Island or catch one of the famous sea lion presentations or bird of prey demonstrations, take a leisurely stroll around Lemur Land, get up close to the animals at Pets' Farm - there's something here to keep all the family amused. The kids will love the adventure playground with its pirate ship and buried treasure, wooden fort and swings and the pedal boats are great fun - all the aforementioned activities are included in the ticket price. There is also a small fun fair, restaurant & snack bars and a gift shop. …

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
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Overall rating

We went to Blair Drummond this Sunday, not for the first time, but for the first time in a while. We went without booking tickets, but ended up making an online booking standing in front of the gates. So, book! The weather was nice and that made sure we had a lovely day. The safari drive through was good, the individual displays nice. We finally saw the tiger (jumping down from a tree), the chimp viewpoint is a good addition and the lemar walkthrough always nice. We spent a very nice 4 hours.

I really want this to be a positive review but i felt a bit underwhelmed after my 1st time visiting yesterday. We booked our tickets online saving around £1 - better in my pocket than theirs. There was a wee bit of a wait to collect tickets which included a park map and free car sticker. Take note Edinburgh Zoo!! We drove around the safari drive and saw some deer, rhinos, monkeys and lions who were enjoying the sun. The drive round is controlled by electronic gates so there was a bit of a wait to get into the different enclosures. Once we had done that it was time to find a parking space. The place was mobbed witn cars everywhere. We ended up in an overflow car park but it wasnt too far from the main area. We were excited to see the sea lions but we were crammed into a big warehouse to see the show that lasted 10/15 mins at most. I was concerned that the sea lions enclosure was not very big at all compared to other places that I have seen these animals. We visited the meerkats, penguins, otters and tigers whose enclosures were all close together. There wasnt much walking involved which was good for me but i just felt that there could be so much more to this park. The area is covered in pebble stones which makes manovering a wheelchair so difficult and we did see so many people struggle. There are various food outlets dotted around and rides for children to play on which seem to operate on a token basis which you can purchase from booths on site. The gift shop is small but had a reasonable range of items. We didnt visit lemur island on the boat as tbe queues were just too long. There are lots of benches and picnic areas to sit at which was good for me as i needed to sit down at regular intervals. You can also hire out one of the BBQ stations prior to visiting. Overall it was a nice afternoon but I wouldn't be rushing back.

See all photos from Nicola H. for Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

A summer trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park on a Saturday afternoon during our drive up North turned out to be a rather short excursion. My boyfriend and I love nature and animals, so the opportunity to support their conservation and observe their very existence was one we didn't want to pass over. We booked our tickets online - saving a couple of pounds on admission costs and hopefully speeding up our entry to the park. We arrived just after lunchtime and pulled into the single-file queue - the sun was blazing down on the cars making the wait most uncomfortable. It took a good ten minutes before another colleague arrived to open the second payment lane - after which a further five minutes passed before we finally pulled up to the window to collect our tickets and park guide. Entering the park, we could see it was absolutely 'heaving' with guests. Cars lined the grass on either side, and he overspill car parks were overflowing too. Finding a space was going to be like mission impossible given that cars were taking up multiple spaces out of guests' sheer inconsideration for other visitors. I suppose it doesn't help that some of the parking spaces turned marshy after a torrential downpour - cue frustrated drivers stuck in the mud. It was a busy day, so we can forgive the lack of parking spaces... The park has the following facilities: - Restaurants/Cafés - Toilet Facilities - Gift Shops - Petting Zoo Scott and I ate lunch in the car - careful to avoid the abundance of flies in the area. I think I'd struggle to picnic or eat outdoors in this park, as the flies are relentless. The toilet facilities beside the boating pond were acceptable, though none of the sinks had hot water whatsoever and some taps didn't even function at all - not a great element when we consider health and hygiene in an animal environment! To begin we took a trip around the safari drive-through, seeing some of the following creatures: camels, lions, cattle, zebras and deer. Unfortunately the rhinos were not available for viewing in the drive-through and the monkey enclosure was not yet complete, which left us a little disappointed but not disheartened. The two camels were most gregarious during our first trip through the enclosure... Within minutes of our car arriving in their vicinity they were on the move, stopping on either side of the vehicle. They were huge! I can't fully describe the experience, It was terrifying and exciting at the same time! We then took a walk along to the giraffe and ostrich viewing tower. The giraffes at this park are beautiful - one in particular walked from one side of the enclosure to the area in which we were standing where it proceeded to 'pose' for photographs before being joined by the rest of its buddies. These animals are so majestic - if a little photogenic! We even had the chance to see an ostrich chick... At least I think it was a baby ostrich, otherwise it was an oversized seagull - your guess is as good as mine. Next stop was the rhino habitat; no sign of them in there either. How do you hide this giant of an animal that weighs more than a tonne? I jest of course; Animal welfare is - without a doubt - of greater importance than our wish to observe their activities. We moved on to the elephant enclosure - my favourite animals! This particular pair remained at the rear of their outdoor area, their sheer size visible over the trees and structures created within the enclosure. We decided to visit the gift shop at this end of the park to pick up a couple of souvenirs for our younger family. Upon entering we were met with the poorest example of customer service I have ever had to endure - I'd be forgiven for thinking I had done the colleague an injustice by wishing to purchase some goods during their shift. Thankfully his colleague had the courtesy and manners to thank me before we left the store! I think it's basic customer service to acknowledge and appreciate each customer as they enter and leave the store - make conversation with them and ensure they feel valued. We decided to leave after this incident. In terms of toilet facilities Thankfully, one of the park's senior team was on hand to take on board some feedback about our day; This very helpful colleague apologised profusely about our experience and invited my boyfriend and I back to Blair Drummond Safari Park so that we can complete our little adventure. Disregarding the poor customer service, the park has a lot to offer for individuals, couples, families and groups alike. Scott and I had a great time during our visit and particularly enjoyed the drive through reserves! I look forward to experiencing all that this park has to offer - particularly he new exhibits - and will update this review in due course!

See all photos from Alan A. for Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Booked online got a 10% discount Easy to book and once we got there easy to check in That's where it all went down hill The place was overly busy .... I know it has to make money however they had passed saturation levels on what their business could cope with There was a line up for everything and not just a small line..... 90 min wait to get on the boat to chimp island (I know your not guaranteed to see them however after 90 min you want more than the boat ride) Toilets queued Face paint ... Queued Every single place to buy food and drink ..... Long queues After one such long queue where I wanted to buy a drink ..... I went to pay by card and was told I couldn't use it as they required a minimum of £5 spend???? Eh what decade are we in here.... Having no cash on me .... And not wishing to leave a 20 min wait wasted .... I had to purchase things I didn't want or require just so I could get my drink Sea-lion ..... Old outdated 40 year old building .... Crammed in like sardines which was novel since that's what they fed the sea lions, poorly organised free for all to get out the exits, would it kill you to just empty the place a section at a time and allow the elderly and frail some time to get out without a stampede of 150 eager kids and parents pushing from behind, really felt sorry for a few folk trying to get out 30 min wait to get in, further 20 min inside for a 15 min show with one sea-lion Tiger walkway .... Overcrowding .... Couldn't get up Lemur island or whatever it's called .... Handful of lemurs and a lot of walking around empty looking enclosures Which frankly was 70% of the park..... Tonnes of space with nothing to see This was so obvious that the kids would rather hang around a swing park as the rest was "just empty places" as i heard some others saying The place needs to review how many people it can actually handle and cater for them on that day and do it well If you want more customers then increase your outlets, team, animals visible, amenities and walkways Even your parking isn't adequate with a tonne of cars being forced to park on verges along the side of the road..... This is visual proof you are letting in too many people I won't be returning personally but I feel for any future customers Visited August 2015

I love Blair Drummond Safari Park! It fills me with childish glee every time I go! It is less than an hour away from Glasgow and is definitely worth the short drive as the kids will love it and it's another activity to stick on the school "summer holidays fun time" list! They have genuinely fantastic animals, not just rubbish goats and stuff, but lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). Last winter one of the mummy rhinos gave birth to a baby rhino and it is too cute for words in a sort of ugly way. You know like baby birds are cute but disgusting looking? Well the baby rhino is cute in that kina way too. She is definitely worth visiting! There is a Birds of Prey Centre with demonstrations throughout the day which is good fun and you find out some really interesting facts. The sea lion show is great too. Kids will also love the other amusements Blair Drummond has to offer such as dodgems, pedal boats, a flying fox , a wooden castle and a petting zoo to name but a few. The park opens this year at the end of March and it is the 40th anniversary so I recommend checking out the website to see if there are going to be any special events on at some point during this year.

Photo from business website.

Our family loves visiting Blair Drummond. The whole day can be filled quite easily. As well as the animals (which are stunning) there is an excellent play park which is enormous and well laid out. There are also lots of opportunities to walk around and look at animals such as meercats at relatively close range. There is also a huge slide and a massive over-water flying fox which kids and adults can try out if they have the nerve! There's also a really lovely commentated boat ride to be taken, circling Monkey Island. These are all included in the admission price. There are the usual small food outlets, a bar and several snack kiosks to keep you going. There's also a lovely picnic area and a barbeque area too! Very, very impressed - one of our all time favourite days out!

My son constantly wants to visit this place and it is no wonder because for kids this place is great, I am not sure how many adults will share the kids enthusiasm however. There are all sorts of animals on view as you would expect and the drive through the lions enclosure is excellent, especially for a photographer like myself but it is all the fair ground rides and play park stuff that confuses me. Kids and adults alike should be coming to these places to see the animals I would have thought but once the kids get into th park area there is generally no getting them back out. The other problem with this palce is that it is set almost entirely on grass so if it is or has been raining then be prepared to get muddy! A great selection of animals but a place geared more at getting your kids to spend all your money rather than be about what a safari park should be about.

Oh my goodness, Blairdrummond rocks! It's an amazing day out for families and even if you're older, it's still good fun. I used to come here all the time with my parents when I was young, I used to always get my face painted as a lion, the giant shoot was also a highlight where you had to slide down on an old brown mat to avoid skid burns. My brother used to always go on the sliding fox, but I was always too scared, I prefer to keep both of my feet firmly on the ground. The animals are great, but I always feel sorry for them as they always look sad in their enclosures. This place has it all, petting farm, amusement rides, a pirate ship play ground and places to set up a picnic. If you're looking for a fun day out this summer then Blairdrummon is definitely worth a visit!

I always loved coming here as a child It was always different every time i visted it there are loads of things to do apart from just the animals

This is an excellent day out for all ages. If you download the free child coupon from their site then it makes it better value for money. You also don't have to be a driver to visit here, they have an excellent minibus service for people who don't drive. There is a local bus service that stops on the main road 5 minutes walk from the park. The minibus allows you to get closer to the animals as the minibus goes off the road where the cars go. When we went we got closer to the lions than we would have if we had been in a car. The driver tells you about the animals that are in each enclosure and each time we have been the driver has been pretty knowledgeable and very helpful. The food prices are pretty expensive but they have BBQ areas where you can cook your own food which is a fantastic idea. Also it is a great idea to take your own picnic and drinks as this is usually what most money will be spent on. The play area for the kids is great and the last time we were there in the sand area there was a treasure hunt - not organised - but there was things in the sand that the kids could find and keep. My son found a keyring watch which he was excited about finding. This gets my vote as a great family day out to be enjoyed by all members of the family.

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Scots safari park welcomes first chimpanzee in eight years

Peter the chimp was transferred from a zoo in Leicestershire.

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A safari park has welcomed a chimpanzee into its resident troop for the first time in eight years.

Visitors to Blair Drummond Safari Park can now see Peter, a 31-year-old male, who arrived in February.

He was transferred to Blair Drummond near Stirling from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on February 29.

He had been living alongside another male chimp, Tommy, before the move was recommended by the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, as it is hoped his relocation will allow Tommy to re-integrate with Twycross’s breeding troop.

For the past few weeks Peter has been settling into his new home and on April 4 he was introduced to Blair Drummond’s resident male, Chippie.

The park said this was carefully planned as introducing chimps can be a complex process requiring patience and strict safety protocols.

Chimpanzee team leader Alasdair Gillies said: “Introducing Peter and Chippie for the first time was naturally quite nerve-wracking.

“Thankfully, this went very well, and the two boys quickly engaged in playing behaviours. Chippie was born here 37 years ago and had never actually met another male chimp.

“However, he’s always been very playful, and we were hopeful that he would enjoy finally having a male friend to play with. Happily, this appears to be the case.

“Peter has also since been introduced to our female chimp, Gill, and the troop now have unrestricted contact with each other.

“We’re delighted that Peter has integrated so well and are certain he will enhance the dynamics of our troop.”

Mr Gillies described Peter as “really thoughtful and clever”.

He added: “He’s always watching everything around him and is quite talkative too. He’s not shy about telling us exactly what he wants. He’s a brilliant climber and a star in his daily training sessions.

“We’ve had to earn his trust but now he knows us better, he’s full of character.”

The safari park said all species of chimp are now considered to be endangered in the wild, due to a range of threats including habitat loss, disease and the illegal wildlife trade.

They are also still widely poached for their meat and at risk from warfare across the regions in which they live.

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Safari Park welcomes first chimpanzee in eight years

A safari park has welcomed a chimpanzee into its resident troop for the first time in eight years.

Visitors to Blair Drummond Safari Park can now see Peter, a 31-year-old male, who arrived in February.

He was transferred to Blair Drummond near Stirling from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on February 29.

He had been living alongside another male chimp, Tommy, before the move was recommended by the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, as it is hoped his relocation will allow Tommy to re-integrate with Twycross’s breeding troop.

The park said this was carefully planned as introducing chimps can be a complex process requiring patience and strict safety protocols.

Chimpanzee team leader Alasdair Gillies said: “Introducing Peter and Chippie for the first time was naturally quite nerve-wracking.

“Thankfully, this went very well, and the two boys quickly engaged in playing behaviours. Chippie was born here 37 years ago and had never actually met another male chimp.

“However, he’s always been very playful, and we were hopeful that he would enjoy finally having a male friend to play with. Happily, this appears to be the case.

“Peter has also since been introduced to our female chimp, Gill, and the troop now have unrestricted contact with each other.

“We’re delighted that Peter has integrated so well and are certain he will enhance the dynamics of our troop.”

She added: “He’s always watching everything around him and is quite talkative too. He’s not shy about telling us exactly what he wants.

“He’s a brilliant climber and a star in his daily training sessions. We’ve had to earn his trust but now he knows us better, he’s full of character.”

The safari park said all species of chimp are now considered to be endangered in the wild, due to a range of threats including habitat loss, disease and the illegal wildlife trade.

They are also still widely poached for their meat and at risk from warfare across the regions in which they live.

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UK Safari Park welcomes first chimpanzee in eight years

A safari park has welcomed a chimpanzee into its resident troop for the first time in eight years.

Visitors to Blair Drummond Safari Park can now see Peter, a 31-year-old male, who arrived in February.

He was transferred to Blair Drummond near Stirling from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on February 29.

He had been living alongside another male chimp, Tommy, before the move was recommended by the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, as it is hoped his relocation will allow Tommy to re-integrate with Twycross’s breeding troop.

For the past few weeks Peter has been settling into his new home and on April 4 he was introduced to Blair Drummond’s resident male, Chippie.

The park said this was carefully planned as introducing chimps can be a complex process requiring patience and strict safety protocols.

Chimpanzee team leader Alasdair Gillies said: “Introducing Peter and Chippie for the first time was naturally quite nerve-wracking.

“Thankfully, this went very well, and the two boys quickly engaged in playing behaviours. Chippie was born here 37 years ago and had never actually met another male chimp.

“However, he’s always been very playful, and we were hopeful that he would enjoy finally having a male friend to play with. Happily, this appears to be the case.

“Peter has also since been introduced to our female chimp, Gill, and the troop now have unrestricted contact with each other.

“We’re delighted that Peter has integrated so well and are certain he will enhance the dynamics of our troop.”

Mr Gillies described Peter as “really thoughtful and clever”.

He added: “He’s always watching everything around him and is quite talkative too. He’s not shy about telling us exactly what he wants. He’s a brilliant climber and a star in his daily training sessions.

“We’ve had to earn his trust but now he knows us better, he’s full of character.”

The safari park said all species of chimp are now considered to be endangered in the wild, due to a range of threats including habitat loss, disease and the illegal wildlife trade.

They are also still widely poached for their meat and at risk from warfare across the regions in which they live.

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Lower Volga Voyage

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• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
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Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
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• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
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• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
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• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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