Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park and Zoo — A Great Family Day Out Near Glasgow

Just 25 minutes from Glasgow in East Kilbride, Calderglen Country Park and Zoo is one of Scotland's best kept family secrets. With free entry to the park, free parking and a small zoo from just £2.30 for children, it offers incredible value for a full family day out.

Set along a stunning wooded glen carved out by the Rotten Calder River, a tributary of the River Clyde the park stretches over 5km with beautiful waterfalls, parks for the kids, nature trails and so much to explore.

Calderglen Zoo and Tropical Conservatory

Calderglen Zoo has been welcoming families since 1982 and is home to over 50 different species, there is plenty to discover.

The Tropical Conservatory sits alongside the zoo and houses an impressive collection of exotic plants including coffee, tea and rubber plants, giving visitors a truly unique experience.

Animal experiences are available for those wanting to get closer to the animals. You can feed guinea pigs, coatis and meerkats, handle a snake and even help clean out animal enclosures as part of the little zookeeper experience.

The zoo is of a smaller scale and is reflected in the entry price, it is great value if visiting the park.

What Else is There to Do at Calderglen?

Calderglen has something for every member of the family:

• Nature Trails and Walks — over 5km of beautiful woodland paths following the Rotten Calder River with stunning waterfalls and impressive geological features along the way
• Adventure Play Area — a brilliant outdoor play area perfect for older children
• Toddlers Play Area — a dedicated safe play space for younger children
• 18 Hole Golf Course — a well maintained course set within the beautiful parkland
• Ornamental Gardens — beautifully kept gardens perfect for a relaxed stroll
• Courtyard Café — serving hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day. Dogs are welcome inside and outside the café
• Gift Shop — pick up a souvenir from your day out

Is Calderglen Country Park Free?

Yes — entry to the park itself is completely free. Parking is also free. The only charge is for entry to the Zoo and Tropical Conservatory which is incredible value at:

2026 Pricing:

• Adults — £4.50
• Children — £2.30
• Under 3s — FREE
• ACE Members — FREE

Opening Times

• April - August — 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm)
• September - Mid October — 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
• Mid October - March — 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)

How to Get to Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park is located on Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, G75 0QZ. Just 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre by car, it is easily accessible from across central Scotland. Free parking is available on site.

Facilities at Calderglen

• Free parking throughout the park
• Disabled parking available and signposted
• Accessible toilets throughout
• Courtyard café open daily
• Gift shop
• Assistance dogs welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Calderglen Country Park free to enter?

Yes, entry to the park is completely free and parking is also free. The only charge is for entry to the Zoo and Tropical Conservatory.

How far is Calderglen from Glasgow?

Calderglen Country Park is approximately 25 minutes (12 miles) from Glasgow by car, located in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.

What animals are at Calderglen Zoo?

Calderglen Zoo is home to over 50 species including meerkats, wallabies and many more.

Is Calderglen dog friendly?

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the park. The courtyard café is also dog friendly inside and outside.

Is there parking at Calderglen Country Park?

Yes, parking at Calderglen is completely free with plenty of spaces available. The main car park is beside the zoo, with an over flow car park at the entrance when you turn off the main road.

How long do you need at Calderglen?

A full day gives you plenty of time to explore the zoo, nature trails, play areas and gardens. Most families spend around 2 to 4 hours at the park.

Is Calderglen suitable for toddlers? Absolutely, a dedicated toddlers play area and the zoo is perfect for young children. Under 3s also get free entry to the zoo.