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The Three Best Zoos in Scotland
Visiting zoos is one of the best ways to spend time with your kids when you’re in Scotland. They can see various species, learn more about them and even get a chance to feed these adorable creatures during your visit.
Get a closer look at the best zoos in Scotland by browsing through our list here.
1. Edinburgh Zoo
Website: https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/
Facebook: Edinburgh Zoo
Address: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, UK
Contact details: +44 131 334 9171
Operating hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
Price:
- Adult – £24.25 (without donation); £26.70 (with donation)
- Child (ages 3 to 15 years old) – £15.25 (without donation); £16.80 (with donation)
- Child (under 3 years old) – Free
- Concession – £22 (without donation); £24.25 (with donation)
Edinburgh Zoo, the home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), is open daily to visitors. It’s the biggest zoo in the country with over 1,000 rare species like sun bears, Indian Rhinos, koalas, giant pandas and more.
This 82-acre piece of land is found on top of a hill, around three miles west of the heart of Edinburgh. Apart from seeing the animals, you can also visit different shops, restaurants and play areas when you’re here.
Pro tips:
If you want cheaper entrance fees, buy your tickets online around three days before your chosen date. You can save around £1-£2 per person.
Plus, you’ll avoid long queues since the zoo’s usually packed on weekends.
By the way, if you’re planning to have a little picnic or break from walking, there’s a small park past the tigers which is usually not crowded before you go to your next stop.
You can bring your food and snacks to lessen the cost and refrain from having to find restaurants if your kids are tired.
2. Five Sisters Zoo
Website: https://fivesisterszoo.co.uk/
Facebook: Five Sisters Zoo
Address: Gavieside, West Calder, EH55 8PT, UK
Contact details: +44 150 687 0000
Operating hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
Price:
- Adult (16 years old and above) – £17.95
- Child (3 to 15 years old) – £12.95
- Child (under 3 years old) – Free
- Concession – £15.95
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £52
Established in 2005, Five Sisters Zoo has a collection of more than 165 different species like bears, lemurs, snow leopards and more. It’s a family-run site that provides a safe home for various mammals, reptiles and birds.
It’s one of the most family-friendly zoos in West Lothian where visitors can enjoy not only animal encounters but also a large play and picnic area. Another fun activity for kids is animal feeding for donkeys and goats.
Pro tips:
Get there as early as you can since the parking area is often full by lunchtime.
Also, don’t forget to get a map at reception to avoid getting lost around the large zoo, especially if it’s your first time.
3. Fife Zoo
Website: https://fifezoo.co.uk/
Facebook: Fife Zoo
Address: Birnie Field, Ladybank, Cupar, KY15 7UT, UK
Contact details: +44 133 725 8214
Operating hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Price:
- Adult – £5
- Child (ages 1 to 12 years old) – £3.50
- Concession – £4.50
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £15
Although small compared to others, Fife Zoo is a good place to visit for the family with 15 different animal species for you to see such as lemurs and meerkats. They also have animal encounters and keeper talks that you can enjoy during your visit.
Aside from being suitable for kids, the zoo is also suitable for people on wheelchairs since the paths are even and easily accessible.
Pro tip:
There are usually vegan options in the cafe so there are not many meat or cheese dishes. Also, dogs are allowed in the cafe so you can have them stay in the dog bed while you eat.
