Edinburgh Zoo
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions, home to 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.
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Observe elusive species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos in custom-built habitats created to match their native ecosystems and behaviours.
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Take part in special events including keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.
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Join ongoing efforts to protect wildlife as the zoo works to recover 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.
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With easy 10-min access from the city centre, you can visit the zoo at your ease, stay as long as you like and explore at your own speed!
More details
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Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions, home to 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.
-
Observe elusive species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos in custom-built habitats created to match their native ecosystems and behaviours.
-
Take part in special events including keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.
-
Join ongoing efforts to protect wildlife as the zoo works to recover 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.
-
With easy 10-min access from the city centre, you can visit the zoo at your ease, stay as long as you like and explore at your own speed!
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Visit both Edinburgh Zoo and Dungeon, sitting 6 km apart from each other. Explore each at your own pace, same day or separate days!
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Explore 86 hectares featuring giant pandas, penguins, and red pandas, plus enjoy keeper talks revealing wildlife stories and vital conservation efforts.
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Meet Edinburgh’s notorious characters like Burke & Hare & the Witch Pricker during 11 live shows and finish with the adrenaline-pumping Drop Ride to Doom.
More details
-
Visit both Edinburgh Zoo and Dungeon, sitting 6 km apart from each other. Explore each at your own pace, same day or separate days!
-
Explore 86 hectares featuring giant pandas, penguins, and red pandas, plus enjoy keeper talks revealing wildlife stories and vital conservation efforts.
-
Meet Edinburgh’s notorious characters like Burke & Hare & the Witch Pricker during 11 live shows and finish with the adrenaline-pumping Drop Ride to Doom.
5% off
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Book this combo ticket to seamlessly access the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse (The King's official Scottish residence) and the Edinburgh Zoo.
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Maximise your Edinburgh visit by combining 500 years of Scottish royal history with an educational day out at the UK's only Royal Zoological Society of Scotland zoo.
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Save money compared to buying separate entry tickets, and save time by securing access to two major sites (history and wildlife) with one simple booking.
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Explore the Palace's tumultuous past, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, enhanced by your multilingual audioguide.
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At the Zoo, meet over 2,500 animals, including unique residents like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos, supporting the Zoo's vital conservation work.
More details
-
Book this combo ticket to seamlessly access the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse (The King's official Scottish residence) and the Edinburgh Zoo.
-
Maximise your Edinburgh visit by combining 500 years of Scottish royal history with an educational day out at the UK's only Royal Zoological Society of Scotland zoo.
-
Save money compared to buying separate entry tickets, and save time by securing access to two major sites (history and wildlife) with one simple booking.
-
Explore the Palace's tumultuous past, including the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, a site of murder and intrigue, enhanced by your multilingual audioguide.
-
At the Zoo, meet over 2,500 animals, including unique residents like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos, supporting the Zoo's vital conservation work.
5% off
-
Hop between city landmarks and then spend hours with giant pandas and penguins. One ticket, two standout Edinburgh experiences you can enjoy your way.
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Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions with diverse species like Amur tigers, sun bears, and penguins in spacious, custom-designed enclosures.
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Ride open-top buses across three themed routes with commentary in 9+ languages, live guides, headphones, and discounts at top Edinburgh landmarks.
More details
-
Hop between city landmarks and then spend hours with giant pandas and penguins. One ticket, two standout Edinburgh experiences you can enjoy your way.
-
Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions with diverse species like Amur tigers, sun bears, and penguins in spacious, custom-designed enclosures.
-
Ride open-top buses across three themed routes with commentary in 9+ languages, live guides, headphones, and discounts at top Edinburgh landmarks.
5% off
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Similar things to do in Edinburgh
About Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is a highlight of any wildlife adventure in the UK, offering visitors the chance to see exotic species, enjoy hands-on educational experiences, and participate in beloved traditions like the Penguin Parade. Its blend of conservation, history, and fun makes it a standout in Headout’s collection of top zoos and aquariums.
Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins, starting its famous Penguin Parade tradition in the 1950s.
One king penguin was adopted by the Norwegian King’s Guard in 1972 and later knighted as honorary colonel Sir Nils Olav III, with parades at the zoo still honouring the lineage.
From 2011 to 2023, Edinburgh Zoo hosted the UK’s only giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, drawing global attention.
The zoo’s hillside location features a 150-year-old apple tree and Victorian greenhouses, blending history with wildlife.
A brown bear called Wojtek, famed for carrying artillery shells with Polish soldiers during WWII, later retired to the zoo, where his playful military salutes delighted visitors.
Why visit Edinburgh Zoo?
Plan your visit
Main entrance
Located at 134 Corstorphine Road, the Main Entrance is the primary gateway for all visitors. It sits directly opposite the main Lothian Bus stop and is easily visible from the street. The entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, wide automatic doors, and accessible ticket counters. Staff are on hand to assist with mobility needs, and accessible toilets are available just inside the gate.
Members' gate
Situated adjacent to the main car park, the Members' Gate offers fast-track entry for RZSS members and their guests. This entrance is also step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. On busy days, members can bypass general queues for a quicker start to their visit.
- Regular hours (from March to October): Open daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm).
- Summer hours: Extended to 6pm (last entry at 5pm) during peak summer months (April to September).
- Winter hours: Closing time may be earlier (typically 4pm, last entry at 3pm) from November to February.
- Special closures: Closed on Christmas Day (25 December).
- Events: The Giant Lanterns event (Nov–Feb) operates on selected evenings with separate ticketed entry after regular zoo hours.
- Note: Keeper talks and animal experiences run at set times, so check the daily schedule on arrival. All tickets allow unlimited re-entry on the same day.
A large souvenir shop is located near the main entrance, offering a wide range of gifts, toys, and memorabilia.
Multiple kids' play areas are available throughout the zoo, including adventure playgrounds and picnic lawns.
Dining outlets include cafes, snack bars, and kiosks serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks. All outlets operate cashless (card/contactless only).
Toilets, including accessible and baby-changing facilities, are located at several points throughout the zoo.
Paid parking is available on-site. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly on busy days. RZSS members park for free.
A first aid room is available near the main entrance. Staff are trained to assist with minor injuries and emergencies.
Baby nursing and changing rooms are available in main toilet blocks for families with infants.
A free hilltop safari bus operates continuously to help guests travel between the lower entrance and the summit of the zoo.
An information desk is located at the entrance for visitor assistance, maps, and lost property.
Lost and found services are available at the information desk near the entrance.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the information desk (subject to availability; ID required).
Most of the zoo is wheelchair accessible, with designated accessible routes and ramps. Some steep paths may be challenging without assistance.
Strollers are allowed throughout the zoo. Paths are mostly paved but can be steep in places.
A free hilltop safari bus (buggy) is available to help guests, including those with mobility needs, navigate the steep terrain.
Registered assistance dogs are allowed under strict guidelines. Some animal houses and walkthroughs are restricted for assistance dogs.
Mobility scooters are permitted. The terrain is hilly, so users should take care and may wish to use the hilltop safari bus for steeper sections.
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