Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is owned by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The Society was founded in March 1909, and the Zoo opened in July 1913.

About Edinburgh Zoo

	134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh West EH12 6TS
	01313349171
	Edinburgh Zoo Website
	Follow EdinburghZoo on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow edinburghzoo on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Nature Reserves / Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - Visitor Centres

Set in 82 acres of sloping parkland, the Zoo is situated three miles to the west of Edinburgh city centre.

Apart from getting close to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, there are many different ways to enjoy your day out.

You can experience a busy programme of educational events and activities - ranging from keeper talks through to hands-on animal encounters - and a wide-range of eating experiences, several play areas and a fantastic gift shop.

Opening Hours:
9.00am to 6.00pm April - September
9.00am to 5.00pm October & March
9.00am to 4.30pm November - February

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Edinburgh Zoo are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Edinburgh Zoo

Workshops

Nature Photography Workshop

Selected dates between 26th June 2025 - 2nd September 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Join renowned professional photographer Laurie Campbell for these Nature Photography Workshops at Edinburgh Zoo!

Family and Kids

Summer CAT

30th June 2025 - 25th July 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Summer CAT is based out of Edinburgh Zoo’s Wildlife Garden where children spend all day outside getting mucky and getting hands on with conservation!

Family and Kids

RZSS Summer School

30th June 2025 - 25th July 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Discover amazing animals and cultures from around the world and connect with nature at the RZSS Summer School at Edinburgh Zoo!

Days Out

Tea and Talks

Selected dates between 17th July 2025 - 9th September 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

These tea and talk sessions deliver a series of small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.

Workshops

Creep Calm Workshops

Selected dates between 7th September 2025 - 28th September 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Based on our previous ‘Spiders: Fight Your Phobia’ workshop, the RZSS have refreshed and re-worked this interactive session to help you get you closer to overcoming your spider fear.

Family and Kids

Autumn Explorers

14th October 2025 - 16th October 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Edinburgh Zoo's Autumn Explorer programme returns in 2025. It's a great opportunity to introduce your children to the wonderful world of wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo!

Family and Kids

Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns

14th November 2025 - 22nd February 2026

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!

Family and Kids

Lanterns Grotto

6th December 2025 - 24th December 2025

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh West

Make your little one's evening at Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns extra special this festive season and meet Santa Claus at our Christmas Grotto, which will be inside our Budongo Trail building!

Nature Reserves

Scottish Seabird Centre

Scottish Seabird Centre The Harbour, North Berwick EH39 4SS

The Scottish Seabird Centre is situated at North Berwick harbour, East Lothian, with stunning views across the Firth of Forth and the iconic Bass Rock.

Nature Reserves

Scottish Owl Centre

Scottish Owl Centre Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn EH47 0AD

The Scottish Owl Centre is the home to Scotland's largest collection of owls. Located in Polkemmet County Park, it is both a fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Nature Reserves

The Hermitage of Braid & Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve

69A Braid Road, Edinburgh South EH10 6JF

The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve is an area of natural beauty in Edinburgh, Scotland, managed by City of Edinburgh Forestry and Natural Heritage.

Nature Reserves