Popular Scots attraction among best in UK for family day out in summer

PARENTS have ranked the top 30 UK experiences for kids over the summer holidays and one Scots venue bagged second place.

All but three were English destinations, but a family favourite experience in Scotland was just a whisker away from top spot.

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A new survey – commissioned by Boundless – found that a large number of parents thought Edinburgh Zoo was one of the best attractions for kids in the UK.

Runner-up to London Zoo, the Edinburgh wildlife park was up against some fierce competitors including The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studios and Legoland- but the family favourite came out on top.

A whopping 42 per cent of the 2000 parents polled ranked Edinburgh Zoo as their number two attraction for children over the summer holidays.

The study also found that over two thirds of parents can’t go on as many family day trips as they’d like due to factors like the cost of entry and high travel costs.

And though Edinburgh Zoo’s ticket prices can be as high as £29.50 for an adult and £19 for children aged 3-15, the park have made efforts to keep the attraction as price-inclusive as possible.

With concessionary rates for students, senior citizens, blue badge holders and unemployed people, the zoo have also just recently slashed their summer ticket prices for low income families.

The venue is offering discounts of up to 70% off for adults and 55% for children who are eligible.

Edinburgh Zoo has reduced its ticket prices to just £7 per person for anyone receiving certain income-based benefits.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is granting discounted entry to anyone currently recieving Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support. 

The wildlife conservation charity, who also own Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, are slashing prices at both sites until Monday 30 September.

Families can buy up to six tickets per household and proof of receipt of any of the above benefits is required.

To be eligible, visitors must have received the income-based benefits in the last month and may have to show photo ID.

Darren Milton at Boundless, said: “It’s clear that families up and down the country appreciate the amazing array of things available to see, do and visit in the UK, whether it’s screaming on a rollercoaster, eating as much chocolate as you can or looking back at what life was like when the dinosaurs were roaming the land.

“However, it’s sad to see that high costs are stopping families from experiencing these fantastic places as much as they would like.

“For those concerned about the cost of entertaining the kids this summer, Boundless membership provides unlimited complimentary access to sites including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, as well as great discounts on attractions and many of the places listed in the best family experiences in the UK, like Edinburgh Zoo and Drayton Manor Resort via Kids Pass.”

Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie, known as Mrs Mummypenny, added: “The summer holidays always present extra costs for parents, which has only become more challenging in the cost-of-living crisis.

“Luckily there are ways to save on fun family days out – from making the most of voucher schemes and membership club discounts to visiting free museums or enjoying the great outdoors.”