WILD CAMPING AT AUCHINGARRICH

Ever fancied bedding down among a menagerie of meerkats, lemurs, goats, pigs, donkeys and a whole lot of other entertaining animals? Well, here’s your chance at Auchingarrich Wildlife Park.

Of course, you won’t be actually pitching up in the animal pens – there’s a lovely wild-camping-style paddock set aside for guests, with great views over the ponds and the surrounding Perthshire countryside. You will, however, be able to buy tickets giving you unlimited access to the main wildlife park during the day, so you can pop in and meet the animals whenever you wish, spend some time in the soft play barn or let off some steam at the outdoor play area, the mini golf or the ride-on tractors.

The wildlife park has a café that’s open during the day for mains, snacks, hot drinks and sweet treats (along with a kids’ menu and ice creams too), but guests are also welcome to use the campsite’s barbecue area for outdoor meals. Comrie and Crieff are both about 10 minutes’ drive away for supplies if you’re self catering.

There’s plenty of space at this site, so kids can run about and families can play games; dogs are welcome too, but will need to be kept under control and on a lead at all times. In keeping with the wild-style vibe you’ll have access to compost toilets but please note there are no showers. You can hire firepits if you’d like to have a campfire evening.