Scottish Seabird Centre
BEST FOR
Ages 4+
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
North Berwick
What it’s like
Live camera feeds of seabird islands, daily talks and boat trips to Bass Rock, with rockpooling on the shore below.
The big draw here is watching birds you'd never get near in real life, up close on screen, thanks to cameras trained on the offshore islands. There are interactive exhibits and mechanical displays to poke about with inside, daily live talks from the team, and if you fancy actually getting out on the water there are wildlife boat trips out to Bass Rock. Outside, the rocky shore is there for rockpooling when the tide allows, which is the sort of thing that'll eat an hour without anyone noticing.
It's pitched at four and up, and that feels about right, the exhibits and talks need a bit of attention span. One rule worth knowing before you go: every under-16 has to be with an adult at all times, no popping off to the gift shop while the kids explore alone.
The Seabird Café doesn't need a ticket to get into, so if you just want lunch with a sea view you can do that without paying for the exhibition. Fish and chips is £15.50, kids' meals are £6.50 to £7, and hot food stops 45 minutes before closing. There's a picnic area outside too if you'd rather bring your own.
Parking is the one that stings a bit in summer. It's pay and display, up to £10 for the day, though it's free from October through February. There's a free car park on Dunbar Road about fifteen minutes' walk if you don't fancy paying, and the whole place is wheelchair accessible with a lift between floors, so a buggy won't struggle either. Boat trips are the exception, they're not suitable if mobility's limited.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 4 and up; under-16s need an adult with them throughout
- Last entry
- 1 hour before closing time
- Parking
- Pay & display 9am-6pm (1 hour £3.50, 2 hours £6, 3 hours £8, all day £10)
- Food
- Seabird Café with seafood (fish and chips £15.50, battered cod goujons £15.50, fresh breaded haddock £15.95), burgers, pasta
- Picnics
- Outdoor picnic area available
- Pushchairs
- Pushchair access available. Accessible throughout with lift access
- Wheelchairs
- Available to borrow (book in advance)
- Dogs
- Well-behaved dogs welcome in all areas
- Under-16s must be with an adult aged 18 or over throughout the visit
- Sensory bags and ear defenders can be hired with a returnable deposit for anyone who needs them
- The Discovery Experience closes for maintenance for a few days in early September
- Blue Peter badge holders aged 5-15 get in free with a paying adult
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Prices for entry aren't given here, but the café and shop are free to access without a ticket. Concessions apply for over-60s, students, disabled visitors and YoungScot cardholders.
Do we need to book?
There's no booking link listed. Boat trips and wheelchair loans are worth arranging ahead though.
What age is it suitable for?
Four and up is the guide. Under-16s must have an adult with them at all times, so it's not one for dropping older kids off at.
Is there parking?
Pay and display right by the centre, £3.50 for an hour up to £10 all day, but free from October to the end of February. The Recreation Park car park on Dunbar Road is free all year, about a 15 minute walk.
What food is available?
The Seabird Café does fish and chips, burgers, pasta and kids' meals, with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options. Hot food stops serving 45 minutes before closing.
Is it OK for a toddler?
It's listed from age four, so a toddler might find the exhibits a bit much, though the café and outdoor picnic area are open to anyone.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout, on leads at all times.
Is it wheelchair and buggy friendly?
Level access with a lift between floors and a ramp at the harbour. Wheelchairs can be borrowed if you let them know in advance.
How long do people stay?
Last entry is an hour before closing, and with the exhibits, talks and a look at the rockpools it's easy to fill a good chunk of a day.
What about wet weather?
The Discovery Experience itself is indoors, so a rainy day won't ruin things, though rockpooling and the boat trips depend on conditions.
Can boat trips accommodate wheelchair users?
The boat trips aren't suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility.
Is there a membership option?
Members get free entry to the Discovery Experience plus 10% off boat trips and the shop and café.
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