Map
Open this stop on the map.
Open this stop on the map
East Kilbride · Adventure
Calderglen Country Park and Zoo
Calderglen’s wooded glen gives you room for a short walk and a picnic close to East Kilbride. For now, make the walk your main plan: the main children’s play area is closed during pump-track works, and zoo availability needs checking before you set off.
- Best for
- Mixed ages who enjoy walks
- Cost
- Free park; zoo separate
- Weather
- Mostly outdoors
- Time to allow
- 1–2 hours for a short visit
Our family take
Go for a woodland outing you can keep as short as your children need. It is a better fit for families happy with a walk and a picnic than for children counting on animals or the main play area.
- Zoo access. Confirm zoo and conservatory access with reception before planning an animal visit.
- Prams and wheelchairs. The glen is steep in places. Choose your route carefully if you need an easier surface.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Main play area
- Closed during pump-track works. A temporary reopening is planned for 10–18 October 2026; check the project update before travelling.
- Zoo and conservatory
- Zoo and conservatory access is uncertain. Call reception on 01355 236644 before planning an animal visit.
- Cost
- The park and trails are free. Zoo and conservatory admission is separate when open.
- Arrival
- Strathaven Road (A726), East Kilbride G75 0QZ. Parking is provided; follow current signs on arrival.
ParkingCafé or restaurantToiletsPacked lunch spaceNature Trails
6 October 2026
Check visitor information and zoo access (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
Play-area works and the October holiday
Pump-track work began on 31 August 2026. The council expects completion before Christmas, depending on weather and progress, so avoid treating that as a fixed reopening date. The main play area is closed to allow construction access.
The planned holiday reopening runs from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October. It is for the main play area. The separate toddler play area is beside the main car park; check with reception whether it is available during the works, and confirm zoo access separately.
Play-area project update · Checked 6 October 2026
Choose a walk that fits small legs
The blue-marked South Trail, also listed as South Bridge, is a circular walk of about a mile through the wooded glen. Start from the Information Point at the top of the main drive and allow extra time for children’s stops.
The Calderwood and Langlands trails are about 2.5 miles each way. They are longer commitments than the South Trail, and the glen is steep in places. For a buggy or wheelchair, ask reception which route is suitable for your needs before committing to a woodland loop.
Official trail guide · Checked 6 October 2026
Lunch, toilets and wet weather
Bring a picnic for a flexible stop, or use the Courtyard café for hot and cold food and home baking. Check its hours if your plan depends on eating there. A short walk and lunch can fill around one to two hours; longer trails need more time.
Most of the day is outside, and the conservatory is not a dependable rainy-day fallback while access is uncertain. Choose another outing if you need reliable indoor cover. The park has toilets and accessible parking. Ask reception about any facilities you depend on, especially baby changing.
Visitor information and reception contact · Checked 6 October 2026
Plan the rest of your day
Save this stop
Add it to your trip plan or save it for later.