Alpacas Brucklay Park

You'll find yourself face to face with some genuinely charming alpacas at Brucklay Park, just outside Mintlaw in Aberdeenshire. It's a small, straightforward setup where you can get close to the animals - much more interactive than your typical zoo visit. The alpacas are the main draw here, and they're friendly enough if you've got treats or just want to stand and watch them doing alpaca things, which is honestly more entertaining than it sounds.

This works best for families with younger kids who'll be delighted by the novelty of hand-feeding these long-necked characters. If you're after a full day's activity, it's probably a two-hour stop rather than an all-day commitment. Older teenagers might find it a bit thin on content unless they're genuinely keen on animals.

The park sits well within reach of several caravan sites - Aden Caravan & Camping is just over four miles away, making it an easy afternoon outing if you're based locally. East Balthangie, another solid option, sits five miles down the road. Check ahead for opening hours and admission fees, as these can vary seasonally.

If alpacas aren't quite enough to justify the trip alone, pair it with exploring nearby villages or make it part of a broader Aberdeenshire countryside loop. It's the sort of place that works as a pleasant diversion rather than a destination in itself.