Kelly's Cats

Kelly's Cats sits quietly on Aberdeen's outskirts - a peculiar piece of local history that catches most visitors off guard. This former big cat sanctuary housed rescued felines in what was effectively a private zoo, and while the animals have long since moved on, the site remains a curious footnote in the city's past.

What you're actually visiting is more about the story than the spectacle. The remnants tell you something about how attitudes toward animal welfare have shifted, and there's a certain melancholy to walking the grounds knowing what once prowled here. It's not a working attraction in any conventional sense - more a historical curiosity for those with a specific interest in quirky local heritage or animal sanctuary history.

Historians and anyone fascinated by forgotten venues will find it worth a detour, though families expecting interactive exhibits or live animals will be disappointed. You'll need to check locally in Aberdeen for current access details, as information is sparse online. Allow perhaps 30 minutes if you do manage to visit, though honestly, combine it with proper time at Seaview Caravan Park's coastal walks rather than making it your main event. The caravan park itself, just under five miles away, offers far better value for a family day out with its seaside setting and facilities.

It's one for the 'I've been there' collectors rather than essential Aberdeen tourism.