
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom
1. Edinburgh Zoo
Home to over 1,000 animals, including the UK's only giant pandas. Offers educational talks and feeding shows.
- Giant Pandas: Rare opportunity to see these endangered species up close
- Educational Programs: Learn about the animals and their conservation efforts
- Variety of Species: A wide range of exotic and native species to explore
2. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve
A beautiful freshwater loch with a diverse range of wildlife, including ospreys and red squirrels.
- Osprey Watch: Observe the ospreys as they nest and fish
- Red Squirrel Spotting: Encounter these charming creatures in their natural habitat
- Nature Trails: Explore the loch and its surroundings on well-marked trails
3. Bass Rock
A large volcanic rock teeming with seabirds, particularly northern gannets.
- Seabird Colony: Witness the largest northern gannet colony in the world
- Boat Trips: Join a boat tour to get close to the rock and its inhabitants
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning images of the seabirds and the rugged coastline
4. Berwickshire Coast and Borders
A stretch of coastline rich in wildlife, with seals, dolphins, and rare birds such as peregrines.
- Seal Colonies: Observe seals basking on the beaches
- Dolphin Spotting: Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of rare birds, including peregrines and red-throated divers
5. St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve
A coastal reserve with cliffs, caves, and a diverse range of marine life.
- Marine Life: Discover an abundance of marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins
- Cliff Top Walks: Explore the cliffs and caves on well-marked trails
- Historic Buildings: Visit the remains of a medieval fishing village
6. Isle of May National Nature Reserve
An island rich in wildlife, including puffins, guillemots, and Arctic terns.
- Puffin Colony: Observe the iconic puffins during the breeding season
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the island's wildlife and history
- Seabird Watching: Enjoy watching various seabird species throughout the day
7. Ythan Estuary National Nature Reserve
A coastal wetland with a diverse range of birdlife, including avocets and redshanks.
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of wading birds in their natural habitat
- Walking Trails: Explore the reserve on easy-access trails
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and estuary
8. Sally's Caboose
A wildlife safari experience on a vintage train carriage in the Scottish Borders.
- Vintage Train Ride: Travel through beautiful countryside aboard a refurbished train carriage
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot deer, red squirrels, and a variety of birds
- Local Guides: Learn about the local wildlife and history from knowledgeable guides
9. Korthals Castle Wildlife Hide
A hide offering excellent views of red squirrels and birds in the Scottish Borders.
- Red Squirrel Spotting: Observe red squirrels up close from the comfort of the hide
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of birds, including siskins and crossbills
- Peaceful Setting: Relax in the tranquil surroundings of the Scottish Borders
10. Rantum Riggs Wildlife Hide
A hide overlooking a pond teeming with wildlife in the Scottish Borders.
- Wildlife Photography: Capture stunning images of the wildlife at the pond
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of birds, including herons and ducks
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Scottish Borders
11. Holtlea Wildlife Hide
A hide overlooking a loch with a variety of wildlife, including otters and ospreys.
- Otter Spotting: Keep an eye out for otters fishing in the loch
- Osprey Watching: Watch ospreys fishing from the comfort of the hide
- Peaceful Environment: Relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Scottish Borders
12. Loch Of Strathbeg National Nature Reserve
A wetland reserve with a variety of birdlife, including avocets and redshanks.
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of wading birds in their natural habitat
- Walking Trails: Explore the reserve on easy-access trails
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the estuary
13. Duns Mill Pond Wildlife Hide
A hide overlooking a pond with a variety of wildlife, including herons and ducks.
- Wildlife Photography: Capture stunning images of the wildlife at the pond
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of birds, including herons and ducks
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Scottish Borders
14. Grey Mare's Tail National Nature Reserve
A reserve with a waterfall and a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels and birds.
- Red Squirrel Spotting: Observe red squirrels up close in the forest
- Waterfall Viewing: Take in the stunning views of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall
- Walking Trails: Explore the reserve on well-marked trails
15. St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
A coastal reserve with a variety of wildlife, including seals and rare plants.
- Seal Colonies: Observe seals basking on the beach
- Rare Plant Species: Discover a variety of rare plant species in the dunes
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the North Sea