Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Aberdeenshire brings families straight to Willows Animal Sanctuary, the largest ethically managed animal rescue centre in Scotland. This popular visitor attraction provides children and adults with the chance to see hundreds of rescued farm animals, horses, and domestic pets in a caring environment.
Standard admission prices start from £7.00 for adults, with child tickets priced at £6.00. Concession tickets are available for £4.00, while infants under the age of three enter the sanctuary completely free of charge. Visitors can pay for entry directly upon arrival at the sanctuary gate.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines outdoor walking with meaningful animal welfare support, this Aberdeenshire sanctuary offers wonderful value. Its peaceful nature trails, friendly resident cats, and welcoming vegan coffee shop make it an ideal weekend spot for animal lovers.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Strichen Village Heritage: Nearby historic village features offering local walks and traditional Scottish architecture.
- New Pitsligo Countryside: Scenic rural landscapes surrounding the sanctuary ideal for wider family road trips.
- Local Aberdeenshire Parks: Nearby open green spaces perfect for extending an outdoor afternoon trip.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by dedicated volunteers who clearly care deeply about animal welfare.
- Visitors love meeting the friendly resident cats that greet guests right as they arrive at the entrance.
- The quiet, uncommercialized setting provides a relaxed alternative to busy, expensive commercial theme parks.
- The on-site vegan coffee shop receives praise for offering tasty, comforting snacks and hot drinks in a cozy environment.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some visitors note that satnav directions can be tricky if you do not follow the sanctuary's specific written road guidelines.
- Opening times are restricted to specific days of the week rather than being open daily year-round.
- Weather conditions in rural Aberdeenshire can make outdoor paths muddy during colder months, requiring sensible footwear.
Attractions and Experiences:
- Equine Paddock Tour: Self-guided walks past fields housing rescued horses, ponies, and donkeys.
- Cat Sanctuary Zone: Special indoor and outdoor areas dedicated to long-term resident cats.
- Farm Animal Yards: Enclosures featuring rescued sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry.
- Mindfulness Area: Quiet seating zones set within the sanctuary grounds for peaceful reflection.
- Beastie House: Small animal housing area showcasing rescued rabbits and smaller creatures.
- Education Room: Informative displays highlighting animal rescue stories and welfare guidelines.
- Second-Hand Book Stalls: Extensive collections of pre-loved books available for visitors to purchase.
- Vegan Coffee Shop: On-site eatery serving warm soups, sandwiches, and cakes.
- Fair Trade Gift Shop: Retail stands selling ethical goods and souvenirs.
- Sponsorship Display Boards: Information points detailing individual animals available for adoption.
New for 2026:
- Updated 2026 Visitor Schedule: Sanctuary opening dates refreshed for Saturday visits starting April 4, 2026.
- Expanded Ethical Retail Range: New lines of fair-trade items and vegan cheeses added to the visitor shop.
- Refurbished Mindfulness Zones: Upgraded seating areas designed for quiet family rest stops along the walking trails.
44.44 miles
