Edinburgh and the Lothians have world class attractions that draw visitors from across the country. If you are lucky enough to have one on your doorstep, it could be worth investing in an annual membership to give you and your family amazing value and year round pleasure. Nothing is worse than spending a fortune on a day ticket to have your child run through the whole thing in less than an hour and want to go home. With a membership, the pressure is off. You can see and do what you like at your own pace and as often as you like.
Here are three memberships that are well worth having.
1 - Edinburgh Zoo
Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Annual Membership Price Adult = £70.00,
2 Adults (Joint) = £110.00. Child 3-15yrs = £35.00
(Take off 10% direct debit) (Compared to day tickets Adult = £19.95, Child = £11.35)
There are five Nubian giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo - Ronnie, Arrow, Gerald, Fennessy and Gilbert.
Benefits: As an RZSS member, unlimited access to both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, and 12 other zoos in the UK and Europe, including Chester Zoo.
25% discount for up to 6 guests
Discount in the shop and eateries at both Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.
Free subscription to LifeLinks Magazine and updates on animal news view newsletters
Free or discounted RXX events
Discounted pre-paid parking pass at Edinburgh Zoo. (£2 instead of £4)
We love that... You can just turn up to see the penguin parade then leave or visit the play park and have a coffee if that’s all you want to do. You start to know the animals, likes, dislikes and personalities. There is the option of indoors enclosures if the weather turns.
2 - Dynamic Earth
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
Annual Membership Price
Adult = £29.00
Child 4-15yrs = £18.00. (Compared to day tickets Adult = £15.95, Child = £9.95)
Benefits: • Free Entry into Dynamic Earth for 1 year. • Discounts on children’s birthday parties.
• Priority Queuing. • E-newsletters throughout the year
• 15% off Natural Selection Gift Shop in store and online. • 10% off Food Chain Cafe. • Exclusive invites to evening events.
We love that... As an indoor activity it’s perfect for bad weather days. Under 4’s are free and it’s a highly sensory experience with lights, sounds, things to touch and see from the ice age to the rainforest. There is so much to learn that you and your child could keep renewing this membership for years to come.
3 - Dalkeith Country Park
Fort Douglas Adventure Play Park, EH22 2NA
Annual Membership Price
Adult aged 13yrs+= £12
Child 2-4yrs = £26
Child 5-12yrs = £30
(Compared to day tickets - Adult = £2-£3, Child = £4.50 - £7.50)
Benefits: • Membership allows access to either a morning or afternoon session any day of the week. It is valid from purchase until the end of the year, 31st December. But hurry – they have a limited number and they are snapped up faster than your kids can run across the Sky Maze bridge! • You can also sign up for the loyalty programme and earn points from other areas in the park such as Restoration Yard, The Kitchen, Coffee Bar, The Larder with further discounts and special offers not available to the general public. • A monthly parking pass could be a worthwhile investment too.
We love that... Fort Douglas has two play zones: one that’s perfect for toddler play with a MINI MAZE and another for children aged five plus. What’s more, adults can go on all the equipment so the whole family can play together.
Other Annual Memberships:
Blair Drummond Safari Park: Adult = £55, Child 3-15yrs = £45 - compared to day ticket £16.50 & £13.50 respectively. Deep Sea World: Adult = £48.60, Child = 3-15yrs £34.50 - compared to day ticket £16.20 & £11.50 respectively. Most Soft Plays have a monthly membership that can be good value if you visit often. For example Edinburgh Leisure has a membership that gives you unlimited access to three soft play venues for £16.70 a month for one child and discounts for multiple children.