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 pandas.

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 10am to 6pm summer, 10am to 4pm winter. 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 - Parkhead House, Hopetoun, The Town House, Edinburgh, 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,Parkhead House, Hopetoun

Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo

We would normally only focus on the ‘wild’ wildlife, but the Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo have made it onto our list as it is virtually impossible to see them anywhere in the wild. Since arriving in 2011, the two Giant Pandas have been the star attraction, fascinating visitors from home and abroad. They are so popular that It is essential that you pre book tickets to guarantee that you will see them.

B&Bs near Edinburgh Zoo - The Town House, Edinburgh, Arden House, Parkhead House, Hopetoun

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 - The Town House, Edinburgh, Arden House, Parkhead House, Hopetoun