Edinburgh Corstorphine Zoo

Edinburgh, Scotland's compact and characterful capital, rewards visitors with a mix of wild nature, cultural depth, and genuine surprises. Catching a FlixBus to Edinburgh makes getting here straightforward from cities across Great Britain. Sitting on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill in the city's west end, Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland's most-visited attractions, and the sheer range of things to do in Edinburgh Corstorphine Zoo means a single day rarely feels like enough.

Zoo animals & exhibits

Giant Panda Enclosure is home to one of the rarest sights in any European zoo. Edinburgh is one of only a handful of places on the continent where you can see giant pandas in person, which makes this enclosure a genuine draw for visitors travelling from far afield. The indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to mimic the pandas' native Sichuan habitat, with plenty of enrichment to keep them active. Arrive early in the morning when the animals tend to be most alert and moving around their environment.

Penguin Rock & the Famous Penguin Parade is arguably the zoo's most iconic experience. Edinburgh Zoo has had a deep connection with penguins since 1914, and the daily parade (which began in 1951 after a keeper accidentally left the gate open and the birds simply followed him) has continued ever since. Watching a column of penguins stroll past at their own unhurried pace is genuinely charming, and the rock itself houses one of the largest penguin colonies in any zoo outside Antarctica.

Budongo Trail (Chimpanzee Exhibit) gives you a close-up look at one of our closest relatives in a thoughtfully designed space. The trail follows the contours of the hillside and incorporates indoor viewing areas with large glass panels, so you can observe chimpanzee social behaviour (grooming, play, dispute resolution) without barriers getting in the way. The exhibit is named after the Budongo Forest in Uganda, a key research site for chimpanzee studies.

Koala Territory brings a little of Australia to the Scottish hillside. Koalas are notoriously difficult to keep outside their native range, which makes Edinburgh Zoo's programme all the more remarkable. The enclosure is designed to keep the animals comfortable in Scotland's cooler climate, with carefully managed temperature and humidity. Check the daily schedule for keeper talks, which explain the conservation challenges facing koalas in the wild.

Tiger Tracks (Amur Tiger Enclosure) focuses on the Amur tiger, the world's largest wild cat and one of the most endangered. The enclosure gives the tigers generous space to roam across a landscape of grass, rock, and water features. Amur tigers are native to the Russian Far East rather than tropical Asia, so they're well suited to Edinburgh's climate. You'll often find them active even on grey, drizzly days.

Giraffe House & African Plains transports you to the savannah without leaving Corstorphine. The indoor giraffe house allows close-up views from a raised walkway, putting you roughly at eye level with the animals. The adjoining African Plains area brings together several species in a shared outdoor habitat, giving a sense of the open landscapes they'd occupy in the wild.

Culture & learning

Brilliant Beasts (Biodiversity Centre) is the zoo's dedicated space for exploring the science of life on Earth. Exhibits cover everything from insect colonies to the mechanics of evolution, pitched accessibly for visitors of all ages. It's a good place to spend time if the weather turns (which, in Edinburgh, it occasionally does), and the content adds real context to the animals you've already seen elsewhere in the zoo.

Magic Forest (Children's Play & Discovery Zone) gives younger visitors a space that's entirely their own. Climbing structures, interactive discovery points, and themed play areas are woven through a woodland setting on the zoo's grounds. It's designed to encourage curiosity about the natural world rather than just burning off energy, though it does an excellent job of both.

Mansion House & Zoo Main Entrance sets the tone for the whole visit. The building dates to 1793 and was remodelled in the Scots Baronial style in 1891 for the MacMillan family of Melrose Tea fame. When the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland acquired the Corstorphine Hill site in 1913, the Mansion House became the zoo's administrative heart. Today it frames the main entrance and serves as a handsome reminder that the zoo's story stretches back well over a century.

Corstorphine Hill Viewpoint sits at the top of the zoo's sloping grounds and offers a panoramic look across Edinburgh towards the Firth of Forth and, on a clear day, the hills of Fife beyond. It's a short but rewarding walk up from the main exhibits, and the view gives you a real sense of how Edinburgh sits within its wider landscape. Bring a layer. The wind picks up considerably at the top.

If you're planning a day trip or building the zoo into a longer stay in the capital, the Edinburgh bus network and FlixBus connections make it easy to arrive, explore at your own pace, and head onward refreshed. Book your bus to Edinburgh and see what's waiting on the hill.

Looking for bus tickets from or to Edinburgh Corstophine Zoo?

Look no further, we’ve got all the details you need to plan your bus trip from or to Edinburgh Corstophine Zoo! There are 2 bus stops in Edinburgh Corstophine Zoo.You can catch the FlixBus at Corstorphine - Edinburgh Zoo South, Corstorphine Edinburgh Zoo North (Stop 2). Departing from or traveling to Edinburgh Corstophine Zoo can cost as little as 5,98 €. You have various options to organize your bus trip as Edinburgh Corstophine Zoo is connected to 8 destinations with FlixBus. When you travel with FlixBus you're guaranteed a comfortable seat and complimentary access to our Wi-Fi throughout your journey. Stay connected and entertained while we take you to your destination!