Auchingarrich Wildlife Park

The moment you drive through the gates at Auchingarrich, you're in proper wildlife territory - safari-style driving through enclosures where animals roam fairly freely rather than languishing behind barriers. It's set in working farmland near Crieff, which immediately sets it apart from your standard petting zoo affair.

You'll see everything from red deer and bison to more exotic creatures depending on the season and what's on show that day. The park is genuinely geared around letting animals behave naturally, so don't expect them to perform on demand - sometimes they're grazing at the far end of the field, sometimes they're dozing in the shade. Kids aged 5 to 12 will get the most out of it, though it's not one of those places where toddlers stay entertained for more than a couple of hours if you're honest.

Allow three to four hours if you're doing the full circuit, driving slowly and stopping at viewing points. Bring binoculars. The weather in Perthshire can turn quickly, so waterproofs aren't a luxury. It works brilliantly as part of a broader holiday - you're only 1.6 miles from Comrie Holiday Park and Twenty Shilling Wood (both cracking spots with top ratings), so you can combine it with walks in the Ochil Hills or a visit to Crieff town centre without much faffing about with travel.

Entry cost and exact opening hours do vary seasonally, so check ahead before you visit. It's the sort of place that rewards a relaxed pace rather than rushing through.