Holiday cottages near Edinburgh Zoo to rent

Holiday cottages near Edinburgh Zoo

Home to an incredible array of rare and exotic animals and world-class attractions, there’s plenty at Edinburgh Zoo for all the family to enjoy. Come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers and beam at giant pandas. Watch the penguins play in Europe's largest outdoor penguin pool and laugh at the chimpanzees monkeying around in the world's most innovative chimpanzee enclosure.

Located on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, this incredible zoo covers a vast 82-acres of parkland. Due to the hilltop location, you’ll also be able to catch stunning views of the city from here - so make sure you pack your camera!

With a wealth of historic buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and cosy countryside cottages, you’re sure to find the ideal holiday home for you in the magical city of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. With an array of holiday rentals and self-catering accommodation, you’ll be able to find a spot which is as luxurious, characterful and spacious as you need.

Looking for a swish apartment in the city centre, featuring plenty of living space, king-sized beds and private parking? Or else a luxurious country house, complete with landscaped grounds and your very own hot tub? Whatever your tastes and budgets, you’re sure to find the perfect cottage in southern Scotland, guaranteed to make your family holiday truly special.

Getting to Edinburgh Zoo

You can find Edinburgh Zoo at the following address: The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS.

Travelling by car to Edinburgh Zoo

Those travelling to Edinburgh Zoo by car will find the zoo located in Corstorphine, a suburb in the city of Edinburgh. It’s worth noting that it costs £4 (cash) to park at the zoo and that the car parking spaces are limited. At peak times, i.e. in school holidays, it might be better to park somewhere in the city and then catch a bus to the zoo.

Travelling by train to Edinburgh Zoo

Those travelling to Edinburgh Zoo by train will be pleased to hear that there are plenty of services connecting Edinburgh to the rest of Britain. The city is home to two major train stations, Edinburgh Waverley Station and Edinburgh Haymarket Station. Direct services to Edinburgh run from London, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Travelling by bus to Edinburgh Zoo

It’s easy to reach Edinburgh Zoo by bus, with National Express running plenty of coach services from across the UK. Once you arrive in the city, you can hop on one of the local bus services, such as Lothian’s 12, 26, 31 or the 100 Airlink Service, which run directly to the zoo from the town centre.

Towns to stay near Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh

If you’re visiting Edinburgh Zoo, then the city of Edinburgh is an obvious place to base yourself. Packed with beautiful architecture, cosy pubs and interesting spots, Scotland’s capital is a wonderful city to spend a weekend in.

Roslin

Just seven miles south of Edinburgh, you’ll find the charming village of Roslin. Home to the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and a beautiful 15th-century chapel, this is the ideal spot for history buffs and those who want peace and quiet.

Peebles

Set on the banks of the River Tweed, the pretty little town of Peebles is just a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh. Cocooned in the rolling Border Hills, this is the perfect base for nature lovers and keen hikers alike.

Anstruther

The charming fishing town of Anstruther is the perfect holiday spot for those who do like to be beside the sea. Just an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh, you’ll be able to enjoy the best parts of both the city and the coast during your stay.

Things to do near Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh City Centre

You really can’t visit Edinburgh Zoo without taking some time to explore the city itself. With its stunning Medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is jam-packed with unique character and interesting architecture.

Edinburgh Castle

Towering upon the skyline of Edinburgh, a trip to Edinburgh Castle is a must for anyone visiting Scotland’s magical capital. The most besieged place in the whole of Europe, this famous castle has hosted a variety of kings and queens over the years, as well as acting as a prison, garrison and fortress at times.

Royal Botanic Gardens

One for the keen gardeners, the world-famous Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh makes for a marvellous day out. Nearly 350 years old, this incredible horticultural collection exhibits a variety of plants from all around the world. Spend a relaxing day wandering through the various Glasshouses and Palmhouses, before exploring the Rock Garden, Alpine Houses, Woodland Carden and Rhododendron Collection.

Arthur’s Seat

If you fancy getting out and stretching your legs, as well as seeing some epic views of the city to boot, then climb up Arthur’s Seat. An extinct volcano, this towering rocky summit offers panoramic views over Edinburgh. It’s only 251 metres high and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The views make it well worth the climb so don’t miss out on it!

Pentland Hills

Those who want to do a bit more walking should head out to Pentland Hills, just to the south of the city. Stretching on for 20 miles, there’s plenty to explore in this stunning mountain range. Turn things up a notch and embark on a ridge walk along Carnethy Hill, Scald Law and the Kips. The fresh mountain air and stunning views will be out of this world.