Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo opened in 1913 and is 3 miles west of Edinburgh city centre. They have over 1000 rare and endangered animals, and the zoo provides a fantastic day out for the old and young alike. The zoo has strong ties to conservation and is one of the leading centres of conservation, education and research in Europe.
The Zoo is almost as popular a visitor attraction as Edinburgh Castle, and when you visit as part of your break in Edinburgh, you'll see exactly why!
The Zoo has scheduled talks daily, and the famous penguin parade is a great opportunity to meet Edinburgh Zoo's most revered residents as they take a stroll around the zoo, just outside their enclosure. Very popular with young children who love to see these majestic birds up close, as they parade around.
Popular animal attractions are the Penguins, with their impressive underwater viewing area, the Koala Bears, Britain's only Polar Bear and big cats including Lions, Tigers and Jaguars. With the wide variety of animals at the zoo, there will be something for everyone.
The Zoo also has a number of play parks for children, and a maze - so there is plenty to keep your little monkeys occupied, and enough to keep everyone happy all day long at the Zoo.
Things to see and do at Edinburgh Zoo
Hilltop Safari - The Hilltop Safari wends up to the top of the Zoo, with the driver/guide providing interesting animal facts all the way. The Safari is free, runs all day, and allows you to take it easy without missing anything.
The Penguin Parade - Edinburgh's Zoo is world famous for its penguins, and was the first place penguins were seen in the UK. The Penguin Parade at 14:15 each afternoon is worth the entry fee alone! The penguins are allowed to choose if they wish to go outside their enclosure and stroll down the paths outside lined either side by eager children. Not to be missed.
NEW! Budongo Trail - One of Edinburgh Zoo's newest additions, the Budongo Trail, a world-class chimpanzee enclosure. Budongo is a naturalistic environment, so you can see the chimps in an environment that closely matches their environment in the wild. The Trail is named after the Budongo Conservation Field Station in Uganda, which the Zoo has strong links with.
Daily Animal Talks - Every day there are talks on different animals by their keepers, you will receive a list of the day's talks, and other events on at the Zoo that day, when you buy your tickets at the gate.
Mansion House - Relax and have a drink and a snack in the pleasant surroundings of the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh Zoo is a fun day out for all the family, and is recommended for every family break in Edinburgh - you will not be disappointed.
Hotels near Edinburgh Zoo
The Zoo is situated 3 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, but is an easy taxi or bus ride from all of our central accommodation, and if you plan to visit more than the Zoo when you come to Edinburgh, then we recommend that you stay in city centre and experience Edinburgh properly. Our Edinburgh hotels are perfect for a stay that includes a trip to the Zoo.
