Auchingarrich Wildlife Park Review

Auchingarrich Wildlife Park
Comrie, Perthshire

www.auchingarrich.co.uk

Reviewed by Stella Young

I was watching the weather forecast all week, planning a day out for a treat for my twin girls 2^nd birthday, along with their 4 year old brother. I had moved my location on BBC to Comrie, which is close to where Auchingarrich Wildlife Park is situated. Amazingly for once, my wish came true and it was a lovely day, so we were excited to jump in the car, from our home in Dundee, and headed off to Auchingarrich for the day, a park we had heard so many good things about

The park is situated in a remote area of the Perthshire hills. So peaceful and tranquil. We went on a Friday, so the park wasn’t too busy. We were given maps at the reception/shop, and advised to start off in the hatchery. There was information in the hatchery regarding different incubation times for different birds, there were a lot of eggs waiting to hatch, but I persuaded my husband that waiting for a new chick to arrive was probably not the best way to spend our time, when there was so much to see. There was a variety of birds and animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles. We were asked by a member of staff if the children would like to hold a chick, they loved the feel of their soft feathers. We then met Clover, an imitation cow, with whom the kids could get hands on and have a go at milking, which entertained them no end.

The kids were then up for a bit of play time, so we made our way up to the top of the farm where there was an outdoor tractor circuit and two large play barns. The sun was beating down, so it was nice to be able to sit at picnic benches inside the play barn where the kids had some healthy snacks I brought with us, and naughty me had some Pringles from the machine in the barn. There was plenty to keep them entertained, slides, crazy golf, shooting game, but at least one kept making an escape to the tractor circuits outside at any time. One of the play barns was dedicated to under 7’s, with Little Tikes cars and soft play areas.

After a bit of play time, we headed back down to the Ark Park to see some more animals. We were keen to find some piglets for a feeding session. They were being bottle fed as their mother wasn’t rearing them. A member of staff assisted the children giving milk to the cute little piggies.

There was a wide variety of animals in the Ark Park, including marmoset monkeys, different breeds of goats and sheep, meerkats – not forgetting of course the very cocky peacock who struts confidently around the park looking absolutely magnificent.

After we’d done our rounds of the animals, it was time to explore the outdoor play area. This included slides, swings, a large sandpit, a zip slide and various climbing frames. It was actual bliss, having a seat in such a serene setting, watching my children happily playing. When it was time to go home, they had to be dragged literally kicking and screaming away, with us promising we would take them back another time.

There is also a café onsite, but as we’d spend most of the morning opening birthday presents, we’d run out of time as the café closes at 6, although we were told the park itself pretty much stays open till dusk.

We are definitely planning another visit, but will make sure we make a full day of it next time instead of only having the afternoon. The location of the park is easily accessible from different areas, only an hour or less away from Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

A definite 5/5 from us for a family day out.

Rating: 5/5 

For more information visit www.auchingarrich.co.uk.

Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2JE