Planning Your Visit

We are open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9am until:

Find out what's happening
at the Zoo in 2009.

Events include owl flights,
wildlife lectures, quiz nights and
a wine tasting.

Buses should park in the main Zoo Car Park, behind the Holiday Inn. This is free of charge and the driver is allowed free entry to the Zoo.
Please take the path from the Car Park Ticket Kiosk to the main entrance
There are no vehicles allowed in the Zoo, but arrangements can be made for special schools and nursery classes to use the Members’ Gate at the top of the Car Park during the high season or an alternative during the winter season, by phoning the administrative assistant. One teacher will still be required to go to the main entrance to pay.
Normally, the whole class will report to the information desk at the main entrance.
Please allow adequate time (approx 10min) for the walk up to the Education Centre in order to arrive in good time for your lesson. As bookings are often full, please note that classes cannot be extended beyond the allocated time.
Please ensure that you collect a copy of the free zoo guide and map and the events leaflet on arrival at the main entrance. These will give you detailed information on the events and activities available on the day.

On arrival at the Education Centre, the pupils should remain in the area at the bottom of the ramp. Only the teacher in charge should report to the Education Centre reception desk.
The appropriate education officer will collect classes as soon as the allocated teaching area is free.
Cloakroom space is available in each classroom for coats and the storage of packed lunches for the duration of the lesson.
Your lesson time will be between one and two hours, depending on the year level and topic and, for most lessons, half this time will be spent outside in the Zoo Park itself. As this is an integral part of the lesson, an education officer will accompany classes during this time.

Please ensure the pupils wear suitable clothing and that a quiet, orderly approach to viewing the animals is essential.
Toilets are located throughout the park - immediately within the Main Entrance, directly behind, and uphill from, the Education Centre and near the Members’ Gate.
Packed lunches can be eaten in the indoor areas provided. Please ask for directions on arrival at the Information Desk. Please be aware that seating space indoors is limited, especially at busy times of the year. Unfortunately we can not guarantee availability or pre-book spaces for this area. Any of the picnic areas around the Zoo can also be used – please refer to your map.
'Meal Deals' can be arranged in advance by phoning the Catering on 0131 314 0348.
Remember, the educational charge allows you to remain in the Zoo for as long as you wish.

Edinburgh Zoo