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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Fife Scotland > The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park

The Scottish Deer Centre and Wildlife Park

Set in 55 acres of beautiful countryside, this park is far more than just a place to see deer. It’s a wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species that once roamed free in Scotland, as well as exotic animals from further afield. You’ll find it near Cupar, Fife (Postcode: KY15 4NQ).

What to Expect and Enjoy
The park has a wonderful, open feel and is designed to let you get as close to nature as possible. It has recently undergone a lot of improvements, making it a very well-rounded day out.

  • Deer Species: There are roughly 12 to 14 different species of deer here from all over the world. The highlight for many is the chance to buy a bag of feed at the entrance and hand-feed the deer as you walk around; they are very friendly and used to visitors.
  • The Big Carnivores: This is the only place in Fife where you can see a pack of European wolves. You can also spot European brown bears, lynx, and the elusive Scottish wildcat.
  • Raptor World: The on-site bird of prey centre is fantastic. They hold daily flying demonstrations where you can see owls, eagles, and falcons in action. Sometimes the birds fly incredibly low over the audience, which is a real thrill.
  • Otter Feeding: The Asian short-clawed otters are always a hit. Watching them during their feeding times is highly entertaining as they are very vocal and active.
  • Treetop Walk: There is a wooden walkway that takes you high into the canopy, giving you a great vantage point to see the larger animals like the moose and elk from above.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a brilliant all-rounder. It’s perfect for families with young kids because of the animals and play areas, but it also appeals to adults and seniors who enjoy nature walks and photography.

  • Duration: You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here. If you attend all the different ranger talks and let the kids loose in the play areas, you could easily make it a full day trip.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Play Areas: If the weather turns, there is a large indoor soft play area with a zip wire and climbing frames. Outside, there’s an adventure playground, a “sledging hill,” and a pedal kart track.
  • The “Pay as You Please” Offer: The park has recently introduced a very generous “pay what you can” entry system to make it accessible to everyone, though you can still pay a standard set price if you prefer.
  • Food and Drink: There is a courtyard café serving homemade soups, scones, and light lunches. It’s generally well-liked for its quality and fair pricing. There are also plenty of picnic benches dotted around the 55-acre site if you want to bring your own food.
  • Parking: There is a large car park on-site which is free for visitors.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

  • Cupar: The nearby town of Cupar is full of character and has several local independent shops and cafes.
  • Cairnie Fruit Farm: It’s only about a 10-minute drive away and is a perfect partner for a full “outdoorsy” day if you have the energy.

More Places Nearby

3 Day ‘Best of Fife’ trip Aberdour Castle Adventure Golf Island – Dunfermline Anstruther Pleasure Boat Trips Beach & Coastal Fun Best for a Rainy Day Broughty Castle Museum Burntisland Cairnie Fruit Farm and Maize Maze Cambo Gardens Cluny Activities (Clunys Clays) Craigluscar Activities Craigtoun Country Park Culross Deep Sea World – North Queensferry Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail Dunfermline Palace and Abbey East Sands Leisure Centre – St Andrews Falkland Palace and Garden Fife Coastal Path Hill of Tarvit Mansion History & Photography Gems Inchcolm Island Boat Trips Isle of May Kellie Castle and Garden Lochore Meadows Country Park Lomond Hills Regional Park Pittencrieff Park Ravenscraig Castle Relaxed & Scenic Outings Scotland’s Secret Nuclear Bunker St Andrews Aquarium St Andrews Castle Ruins St Andrews Old Course St Bridget’s Kirk Tenpin (formerly Bowlplex) – Dunfermline The “Active & High Energy” Day The Forth Bridge Walking, Cycling, and Riding in Fife West Sands Beach
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