Edinburgh Zoo (Edinburgh)

Edinburgh’s famous zoo is the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland after Edinburgh Castle, and a delightful day out for the family. It is set in over 80 acres of parkland, containing over 1,000 animals in spacious enclosures. It is most famous for its penguin population, providing an enchanting time for young kids on cheap city breaks in Edinburgh. It has the largest penguin enclosure in the world and the first ever place to successfully breed penguins in captivity. The now daily ‘Penguin Parade’ is a tradition dating back to 1950 and definitely the highlight of any visit to the zoo.

 

Edinburgh Zoo is the national centre for research into primate behaviour and has a huge natural enclosure called the Budongo Trail containing over 60 chimpanzees, complete with observation platforms and a lecture theatre. Other significant species on show at the zoo include Sun Bears, Indian Rhinoceroses, Asiatic lions, extremely rare Giant Cloud Rats and jaguars. On short breaks in Edinburgh, you will also have the opportunity to see the only koala bears in the UK. There is also a fabulously colourful walk in aviary filled with exotic Rainbow Lorikeets and various other weird and wonderful birdlife such as the unforgettable Cassowarys.

 

The focus of the zoo is at the stately 200 year old mansion house which is home to a souvenir shop, cafe and lecture hall and educational centre. You will also find interactive ‘touch tables’ dotted around the park, allowing you to get a feel for the texture and size of various animals. On Edinburgh weekend breaks, you can enjoy a regular program of special family orientated events during the holiday season, which includes hilltop safari rides, Royal Zoological Society discussions for kids, Christmas pantomimes and ’treats and eats’ with the animals.