Wildlife in Edinburgh and Lothians

There are plenty of bird watching opportunities in The Lothians especially with the Bass Rock being one of Scotland's major sea bird colonies. Edinburgh Zoo is a must-see attraction with its famous penguins and rare animals.

Aberlady Bird Reserve

Aberlady Bird Reserve. On the Firth of Forth. Britain's first Local Nature Reserve created in 1952. Coastal estuary site with many species of wildfowl and waders. Open all year.
John Muir Country Park. Dunbar. Covers some of East Lothian's most spectacular coastline - a haven for wildlife. Open all year.

Your Scotland's Best B&Bs hosts will know all the best places to see wildlife in their area....just ask them when you arrive

Scottish Seabird Centre

Scottish Seabird Centre - The Harbour, North Berwick. Open daily. Exhibitions, boat trips and cameras showing the birds on the Bass Rock which sits just offshore in the Firth of Forth.

The Bass Rock

The Bass Rock - The largest number of visitors to North Berwick fly in every year to set up home on the four islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Fidra. Around 100,000 sea birds nest on these islands with the largest colony on the Bass Rock, which has 80,000 occupied nest sites. This includes the largest gannet colony in the northern hemisphere. Boat trips available from either side of the Firth.

B&Bs nearby - Bayview Bed and Breakfast Fife

John Muir Wildlife Park

National Parks all over the world owe their very existence to famous Scottish naturalist John Muir. Born in Dunbar, Muir's family emigrated to America when he was 11, by which time he had already developed his love of nature. Muir would go on to establish the first National park in the world at Yosemite. You can visit Muir's birthplace in Dunbar and then explore the 8 mile stretch of countryside which so inspired him and has now been dedicated to his memory.

B&Bs near John Muir Wildlife Park - Arden House

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) which also operates the Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms. Discover all the animals and learn more about conservation. Open all year.

B&Bs near Edinburgh Zoo - Arden House

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

Scotland can boast lots of firsts, but who would have thought that whatever the weather, Scotland can also boast the world’s longest running indoor Butterfly house! This tropical rainforest is home to hundreds of butterflies, moths and other insects as well as all sorts of other beasties. If you are so inclined, there are daily animal handling sessions. Open all year round

B&Bs near Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect world - Arden House