Edinburgh Zoo
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Book your tickets here to Edinburgh Zoo for one of the best family days out in the UK
Edinburgh Zoo is set in 82 acres of sloping parkland and is situated just ten minutes to Edinburgh city centre. It is home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals!
Watch and observe the many majestic and inspiring animals, with seasonal events, keeper talks, and hands-on animal encounters; there’s something for everyone!
There's so many things to do at Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is a gateway to the natural world where you can experience inspiring nature on an unforgettable family day out. Here's what to expect:
- Meet over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world.
- All your favourite animals are waiting for you at the zoo – from charming penguins to majestic giraffes!
- Daily events at the zoo to celebrate different animals and occasions
- Daily talks to give you and your little ones all the knowledge you can imagine on the Zoo's amazing creatures
- Let your little ones run wild in the fantastic several play areas around the zoo
- Grab a bite! Edinburgh Zoo has two restaurants, one café and several kiosks - or bring your own picnic!
At the zoo they offer an exciting programme of discovery ranger talks throughout the day, a range of eating experiences, play areas to explore and a fantastic gift shop!
One of the best days out in Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
Thomas Gillespie was the founder RZSS and a true visionary. A lawyer with a passion for zoology, Thomas opened Edinburgh Zoo in 1913 with support from the city council, four years after our wildlife conservation charity was formed.
- Book tickets now to Edinburgh Zoo, or check out the other RZSS site at Highland Wildlife Park!
Midlothian EH12 6TS
How to Find Us
By car:
Use postcode EH12 6TS to find the Zoo on your navigation device. As this is a city zoo, the parking spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
The car park can fill up early in the day, especially during busier periods such as school holidays. There are two electric car charging points in dedicated parking bays.
All car park users will need to take a ticket and have this validated to exit the car park. Parking is £3 for visitors and free for RZSS members.
During the day, some parking can also be found within the vicinity of the zoo but please note this space is also limited due to the residential nature of the location.
By Bus:
Edinburgh Zoo can be easily accessed via public transport with high frequency bus services from Edinburgh city centre.
There are two bus stops outside the front entrance. Lothian 12, 26 and, 31 services all stop outside and can be picked up near both Haymarket and Waverley Station or in the city centre.
The 100 Airlink Service also stops regularly outside the front entrance and operates between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre.
The following Lothian services pass the zoo every few minutes:
- Service 12: Portobello – Newington – Tollcross – Haymarket – Zoo – Gyle Centre
- Service 26: Seton Sands/Tranent – Portobello – City Centre – Zoo – Clerwood
- Service 31: Bonnyrigg – City Centre – Zoo – East Craigs
- Café/Restaurant
- Toilets
- Picnic Areas
- Lockers
- Gift Shop
- Paid Parking
Edinburgh Zoo's disabled access:
- Many of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair. Due to the hilly nature of the location, some routes involve steps or steep slopes which are unsuitable for wheelchairs.
- A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for free hire from the main entrance. A £10 deposit is required, which is fully refundable on the return of the wheelchair. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are disinfected after use.
- Their free mobility vehicle service runs year-round for visitors with accessibility requirements. The vehicle has space for one wheelchair or pushchair and four other passengers.
- From April to October, Edinburgh Zoo have an additional vehicle running which can carry one of their mobility scooters alongside other passengers.
- Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price.
- Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.
Yes! As always, you are welcome to bring a picnic with your own food and non-alcoholic drink.
Most would recommend around 4 hours for a great visit!
Edinburgh Zoo is on a steep hill and there will be plenty of walking around, so wear comfortable and sturdy shoes or boots. Prepare for the weather – bring a hat and suntan lotion on sunny days, and layers and waterproofs if it's looking rainy.
Yes! There are lockers available on site.
The Wee Waddle at Edinburgh Zoo is included in your Edinburgh Zoo ticket and takes place on Thursdays to Sundays at 2:15pm.