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Edinburgh Zoo

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Edinburgh Zoo

Corstorphine, Edinburgh (EH12 6TS) • Lothian

star4.5(24,100)
Lothian
🐧 The Famous Daily Penguin Parade 🐨 UK's Only Koalas 🦒 Wee MacGregor the Giraffe ⛰️ Sprawling Hillside Layout
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scheduleDaily: 10:00 – 18:00 (Closes at 16:00 from November to March). Last entry is 1 hour before closing.

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OFFICIAL bolt Tiqets

Edinburgh Zoo: Advance Entry Ticket

Don't risk waiting in the massive walk-up queues on a sunny Scottish morning. Secure your advance entry ticket to guarantee your timeslot and get straight into the park.

Standard £26.00
£26.00/ person
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Getting Here

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Location Address

Corstorphine, Edinburgh (EH12 6TS)

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Public Bus Services

Local bus lines operate frequent daily services directly to stops adjacent to the attraction entrance.

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Regional Transit Links

Connections
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Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)

Lothian Buses (12, 26, or 31)

20 min
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Haymarket Station

ScotRail / Bus

10 min (bus)

About Edinburgh Zoo

Set upon 82 acres of sloping parkland on Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh Zoo is a world-class conservation park managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. It is globally renowned for its pioneering penguin enclosure and is the only zoo in the UK where you can see Queensland Koalas. Visitors can also marvel at the Giraffe House, spot Sumatran tigers, and watch the famous daily Penguin Parade—all while enjoying sweeping views across the city to the Pentland Hills.

Quick Facts

  • 🐧The Famous Daily Penguin Parade
  • 🐨UK's Only Koalas
  • 🦒Wee MacGregor the Giraffe
  • ⛰️Sprawling Hillside Layout
  • scheduleDaily: 10:00 – 18:00 (Closes at 16:00 from November to March). Last entry is 1 hour before closing.
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Insider Tips

  • check_circleThe Hill Hack (Crucial): Edinburgh Zoo is incredibly steep. Do not walk up it! Wait near the entrance for the free 'Zoo Mobility Vehicle' (a small shuttle bus). Take it all the way to the top of the hill, and then enjoy a leisurely, downhill walk back through the enclosures.
  • check_circleThe Penguin Parade isn't guaranteed: The famous parade happens daily at 2:15 PM, but it is entirely voluntary for the birds. If the penguins don't want to leave their enclosure that day, the parade is canceled.
  • check_circleBook your parking in advance: If you are driving, the zoo car park (costing £10) fills up incredibly fast. You must pre-book your parking space online when you buy your tickets.
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What to Expect

1. Penguins Rock

Immediately upon entering, you will find Europe's largest outdoor penguin pool, home to King, Gentoo, and Northern Rockhopper penguins.

2. Koala Territory

Head into the specialized indoor habitat to see the UK's only Queensland Koalas munching on eucalyptus.

3. The Sloth Terrarium

Step into the immersive, humid environment of the Sloth Terrarium to spot these slow-moving creatures hanging directly above the pathways.

4. The Giraffe House

At the very top of the hill, you will find the Giraffe House. Enjoy incredible views of the Nubian giraffes with the city of Edinburgh spread out behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Giant Pandas still at Edinburgh Zoo? expand_more

No. The famous Giant Pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, left Edinburgh Zoo and returned to China in December 2023 at the end of their 12-year loan agreement. There are currently no Giant Pandas in the UK.

Is Edinburgh Zoo wheelchair and buggy accessible? expand_more

Yes, all paths are paved and accessible. However, the zoo is built on a very steep hill, which makes pushing a heavy wheelchair or double-buggy exhausting. A free mobility vehicle runs throughout the day to help visitors reach the top of the hill.

What time is the Edinburgh Zoo Penguin Parade? expand_more

The world-famous Penguin Parade takes place every day at 2:15 PM, subject to the penguins' willingness to participate.

Explore the Area

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium Tour

Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium Tour

Scottish Gas Murrayfield is the largest stadium in Scotland and the proud, iconic home of the Scottish national rugby team. Led by passionate, highly knowledgeable guides, the stadium tour offers unparalleled insight into the history of the sport. Fans are taken through the vast stadium, exploring the Bill McLaren Press Gallery, the VIP Royal Box, the home dressing room, and taking the famous spine-tingling walk down the tunnel to pitch-side.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Opened in 2021 inside a massive former department store, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a staggering, high-budget visitor attraction that redefines the whisky tour. Rather than a dry history lesson, the flagship 'Journey of Flavour' tour is a highly personalized, theatrical experience. Upon arrival, you take a flavor quiz that dictates the customized highball cocktails you are served as actors guide you through incredible, high-tech projection rooms. The building is capped off by the stunning 1820 Rooftop Bar, offering phenomenal views of Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Perched dramatically on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the most besieged place in Great Britain and the undisputed crown jewel of the Scottish capital. It has served as a royal residence, a military garrison, and a prison of war. Today, visitors flock here to view the Honours of Scotland (the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain), the legendary Stone of Destiny, the magnificent Great Hall, and St Margaret's Chapel—the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.

Top Rated Hotels Nearby

Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo

Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo

0.0 miles away•
★★★★★
(100+)
From £110 / night
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield

Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield

0.8 miles away•
★★★★★
(100+)
From £95 / night

Local Car Rentals

Explore the beauty of Lothian at your own pace. Hire a car from trusted agencies nearby.

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VW Polo or similar (Economy)

Manual • 5 seats • Hertz

£35/day
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Nissan Qashqai or similar (SUV)

Automatic • 5 seats • Enterprise

£68/day
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