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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo

Set on a steep hillside just outside the city centre, this is one of Europe’s leading parks for conservation. It is located in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, with the postcode EH12 6TS.

What to Expect and Enjoy
The zoo is famous for its varied animals and its beautiful parkland setting.

  • The Penguin Parade: This is the zoo’s most famous event. Usually in the afternoon, the penguins may choose to leave their enclosure and walk around a designated route with their keepers. It’s not a show—the penguins only do it if they feel like it!
  • Chimpanzee Eden: A really impressive enclosure where you can watch the chimps through large glass windows. It’s great fun to see them interacting and playing.
  • Giraffes and Tigers: The zoo has a huge range of animals, from tiny sun bears to massive giraffes. The enclosures are designed to feel as natural as possible.

Best For and Time Spent
Perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages.

  • Duration: Most people spend 4 to 5 hours here. Be prepared for a workout; the zoo is built on a very steep hill.
  • Top Tip: There is a hilltop safari bus that can take you to the top so you can walk back down, which is much easier on the legs!

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: There is a car park on-site, but it is quite small and charges a fee. The zoo is very well-served by buses from the city centre, which drop you right at the entrance.
  • Food & Drink: There are several cafes and kiosks. Prices are typical for a major attraction, but there are plenty of lovely spots for a picnic if the weather is nice.
  • Savings: Booking online beforehand usually saves you money compared to the gate price. Members of other UK zoos (like Chester or London) can sometimes get free entry through a reciprocal scheme, so check your membership details if you have one.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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