Blair Drummond Safari Park
A thrilling safari park and adventure destination in Scotland, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife and family-friendly attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thrilling safari park and adventure destination in Scotland, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife and family-friendly attractions.
"Blair Drummond Safari Park is hands down one of the most incredible days out I’ve ever had in Scotland."
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Keep windows up! Lions and other animals may try to bite. Stick to the 15mph speed limit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Bring comfortable shoes, and a buggy if you have young children.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari
Main park area
Get up close to lions, giraffes, zebras, and more as they roam freely in spacious enclosures. A truly immersive wildlife experience.
Chimpanzee Island
Walk-through area
Watch the intelligent chimps swing, climb, and interact naturally in their thoughtfully designed habitat.
Adventure Playground
Near main facilities
A huge, well-designed playground offering hours of fun for kids of all ages with slides and sandpits.
Dinosaur Enclosure
Walk-through area
An impressive walkthrough with moving, roaring dinosaurs that captivate younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Drive Through First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Keep windows up! Lions and other animals may try to bite. Stick to the 15mph speed limit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Bring comfortable shoes, and a buggy if you have young children.
🧺 Picnic & BBQ
Bring your own food for a picnic or use the BBQ facilities (book in advance). Saves money!
💰 Token for Rides
Funfair rides cost 1 token each (£10 for 5 tokens). Buy tokens at the gift shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Keep windows up! Lions and other animals may try to bite. Stick to the 15mph speed limit.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Bring comfortable shoes, and a buggy if you have young children.
🧺 Picnic & BBQ
Bring your own food for a picnic or use the BBQ facilities (book in advance). Saves money!
💰 Token for Rides
Funfair rides cost 1 token each (£10 for 5 tokens). Buy tokens at the gift shop.
☀️ Wasps Alert!
Be prepared for a lot of wasps, especially during warmer months. They can be quite numerous.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Blair Drummond Safari Park for its incredible animal encounters, especially the drive-thru safari and the well-maintained enclosures. The adventure playground and dinosaur exhibit are big hits with families. While some find it a bit pricey, the overall experience is described as a fantastic and memorable day out for all ages.
"We had such a fantastic day out! Went with our 4-year-old niece and we all had so much fun. It was the first day of the Halloween activities, and even though we arrived around 1:00 PM, it wasn’t too busy at all. We stayed right until closing because there was just so much to see and do!
Tip: start with the drive-thru part first, then park up and enjoy the rest of the day exploring. The food options were great, and there were plenty of benches if you prefer to bring your own picnic. The park is huge, so even with lots of people around, it never felt crowded."
Laura McPherson
"A fantastic day out!! It’s a bit hit and miss when you visit places like this in terms of how visible and active the animals are but today was perfect. We saw everything up close and wandering around from tigers to lions to giraffes and monkeys and penguins etc. The kids had an absolute ball!!!
The safari park is very accessible and an easy drive if you’re using the M80. Booking tickets in advance means you can just have your QR codes scanned from the car window and you’re straight in. I recommend driving straight along through the park (all signposted very well) to the drive-thru safari before parking up and entering the park properly. There are tons of places around the park itself but the main car park has tons of space and is the most suitable for the start and end of your day.
Beware the 15mph speed signs and the zebra crossings as there are families and kids all over the place and I know some of the visiting public really struggle to read, have a general impatience or simply have complete disregard for other people so please take care when driving through the park. There’s really no rush.
The funfair rides are 1 token each and usually if you have a toddler and you need to accompany them they’ll still just take 1 token instead of 2 which is a great attitude to have. Five tokens is £10.
The dinosaurs enclosure is quite impressive and might be a little scary for the young ones with the movements and noises but also very enjoyable for them.
There is some covered tables and you can even bring your own BBQ food for the really warm days (check website to book) but there are plenty of outlets open for your burgers, coffees, ice cream etc. and some that are not always open such as pizzas etc.
There is plenty to do for the kids such as the sand pits, chutes and play areas if they need a rest from wandering round the park.
A tremendous day out even with a little bit of drizzle at times it does not dampen the experience at all!"
David Sutherland
"Was pleasantly surprised at how lovely this place was. Very big so recommend nice comfortable walking shoes.. we took our sons buggy as well.
You can utlise the BBQ area and have a BBQ lots of grills with space and loads of tables to sit and use.. or can do a picnic!
They have a lovely gift shop and restaurant if you prefer to eat there as well as food vans.
We had burgers and chips.. chips were lovely but burger was okay.
A little pricey but that is expected at an outing like this so no surprise. They have an ice cream van too.
Lovely huge park for kids to enjoy of all ages and some rides which is paid extra.. you get a token in the gift shop..
Amazings experience seeing the dinosaur walkthrough area and the enjoyed viewing the animals and the drive through safari was amazing too!
Overall we had a fantastic day! I genuinely was so impressed at the safari park and how much it had to offer they is literally so much to see and do and we will be back with a bigger group this time fully experience it."
Philippa Viret
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blair Drummond Safari Park is easily accessible via the M80 motorway. It's well-signposted from the main roads. Many visitors drive, and the main car park is spacious.
While driving is the most common method, check local bus routes from Stirling or nearby towns. It's advisable to confirm schedules in advance.
The park has a large main car park that is generally spacious and convenient for accessing both the drive-thru and walk-through areas.
Yes, the park offers caravan and camping facilities. However, be aware of specific rules and potential issues, as one TikTok user reported a negative experience with staff regarding late-night driving to tents.
The park is generally accessible, with paved paths in many areas. The drive-thru safari is done from your vehicle. Consider bringing a buggy for younger children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and some visitors have noted it can be a bit pricey. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to potentially save time and ensure entry.
Yes, pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended. This allows for quick entry with QR codes scanned from your car, avoiding long queues.
The park is typically open from March to October. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and seasonal variations.
Look out for special offers or family passes, especially during holidays or for returning visitors. Checking the park's website or social media can provide details.
Generally, day tickets allow for re-entry on the same day, but it's always best to confirm the park's specific policy upon arrival or on their website.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, zebras, monkeys, lemurs, penguins, and more. +2
The drive-thru safari allows you to see animals like lions, giraffes, and zebras up close from your car. Remember to keep your windows closed!
Yes, the park often hosts bird of prey demonstrations and sea lion presentations, which are entertaining and educational.
There's a large adventure playground, sandpits, slides, and a dinosaur walkthrough. Pedal boats and amusement rides are also available for an extra token.
Crowds can be high, especially during school holidays and weekends. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours can offer a less crowded experience. +1
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
There are various food outlets selling burgers, chips, coffee, and ice cream. You can also bring your own picnic or use the BBQ facilities.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money, and there are designated picnic areas and BBQ spots available.
While specific options aren't detailed, most food outlets offer standard fare. It's advisable to check with individual vendors on the day for current offerings.
Yes, there is a restaurant available, along with food vans and a gift shop that also sells refreshments.
The park offers kids' meal options, though one reviewer found the bagged lunch to be quite basic.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru safari offers unique opportunities to photograph animals close to your car. The viewing platforms for giraffes and elephants are also great.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Just be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash if it might disturb them.
Drones are generally not permitted in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check the park's specific rules regarding drone usage.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and can be when animals are most active.
While general photography is fine, avoid intrusive behavior. Some areas might have specific signage regarding photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic or utilizing the BBQ facilities to keep costs down.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the free attractions like the drive-thru safari, animal enclosures, and the adventure playground. While rides cost extra, you can choose to skip them to manage expenses. Visiting on a weekday might also offer a slightly less crowded and potentially more relaxed experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography if it might disturb them. The park's varied enclosures and open spaces offer diverse backdrops for your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Drive-Thru Safari
This immersive drive allows for incredible photo opportunities and a unique perspective on wildlife. The well-marked route ensures you don't miss any of the featured animals. Remember that animal activity can vary, so patience and a keen eye are rewarded.
For those without a car, or who prefer not to drive their own vehicle through, the park's layout generally allows for viewing many of these animals from designated platforms or walk-through areas as well. However, the direct vehicle interaction is a key part of the drive-thru experience.
Family Fun Beyond the Animals
Beyond the playground, the park offers additional attractions like the dinosaur walkthrough, which is a hit with younger visitors due to its realistic animatronics and sounds.
With picnic areas and BBQ facilities, families can easily spend a full day here, combining animal viewing with play and relaxation. The park's design ensures there's always something to capture the attention of children, making it a well-rounded destination for a family trip.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
Educational elements are woven throughout the park, from signage about the animals to the informative presentations like the sea lion shows and bird of prey demonstrations.
While the park is a popular attraction, it strives to balance visitor experience with the well-being of its residents. The dedication of the staff to animal care is often praised, contributing to the overall positive impression of the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit