Wildlife and a substantial outdoor visit / NEAR LIVINGSTON

Five Sisters Zoo

Make a separate trip to Five Sisters Zoo at Gavieside near West Calder for animal habitats, keeper information and the indoor reptile house. The wider visit is mainly outdoors, so allow time and weather-appropriate clothing rather than treating the sheltered areas as a complete rainy-day plan.

Before you go

Soft play and children’s rides are separate extras, not automatically included in zoo admission. Check current prices and any special experience booking before promising an activity to children.

The practical details

Where to find it: Gavieside, near Polbeth and West Calder EH55 8PT
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Ordinary daytime admission currently does not require advance booking, but special events and animal experiences do. Opening and last-entry times shorten by season. Check the current programme and total cost, including optional extras.
Access and getting around: The published zoo map describes wheelchair-friendly facilities, but confirm current surfaces, gradients and any specific habitat or experience access with the operator. Public-transport approaches include road sections without pavement; arrange a suitable final transfer if necessary.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Choose a few habitats to spend time at and follow handwashing and animal-contact instructions. Paid encounters have their own age and access rules. Soft play is separately charged even when you hold a zoo ticket.

Practical information checked 16 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 3–5 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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