Calderglen Country Park and Zoo - Glasgow

Kirsti Boyd

We went as a family of 4, 2 adults & 13yr old and 6yr. Got there for doors opening to the zoo at 10am - tickets were a total of £12 all together!
Kids enjoyed seeing the animals and areas are clean, staff are friendly.
Cafe is reasonably priced - we however brought a picnic
Kids played for ages in the park before we went on one of the trails.
Would definitely go again and would recommend for a cheap family day out!

Christine Lewis

Fab place! Park is free. Forest walks. Great play area of children of all ages.
Wheelchair ♿️ Friendly good for buggies. Large open space for dogs and picnics. Small zoo £2 for children £4 for adults. Cafe on site. Wonderful place. Restrooms on site.

Bill P. W

Amazing, with something for everyone of every age and ability.

What was really great was a disabled car park with a paved pathway suitable for wheelchairs down to the stream and the waterfall.

The children's park was very busy, and there was plenty of space for several group games. We had some twenty children in our group and entertained themselves from about noon till just before seven pm. Children are unlikely to get bored here.

It seemed that four footed visitors brought to the park were just as reluctant to leave the park as the children.

One had a choice of a challenging walk from the waterfall or a more sedate route. All in all the walking trails were a delight, allowing one to leave a main group for peace and solitude screened by ample mixed vegetation of trees and bushes and yet quickly rejoin your group.

Zain Arshad

### Calderglen Country Park Review

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Calderglen Country Park, located in East Kilbride near Glasgow, is a delightful escape into nature, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Here's a breakdown of what makes this park a must-visit:

Scenic Beauty: ★★★★☆

The park is a visual treat with its sprawling woodlands, picturesque Calderglen gorge, and the serene River Calder flowing through. The well-maintained gardens and the beautiful nature trails are perfect for leisurely walks and photography enthusiasts.

Wildlife & Nature: ★★★★☆

A highlight of Calderglen is its zoo, which, though small, houses a diverse collection of animals and birds, including meerkats, owls, and exotic reptiles. The zoo provides an educational experience for children and adults alike, promoting awareness of various species.

Facilities: ★★★★☆

The park boasts excellent facilities, including a children’s play area that is well-equipped and safe. The Conservatory, with its tropical plants and fishponds, is a tranquil spot to explore. There’s also a well-stocked gift shop and a charming café offering a range of refreshments and light bites.

Activities: ★★★★☆

For the more active visitors, Calderglen offers a range of activities. There are well-marked walking and cycling paths, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts. The park also features a golf course and plenty of open spaces for picnics and games.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

While the park is generally accessible, some of the trails can be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, there are paved paths and accessible facilities available in certain areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the park’s main attractions.

Events & Community: ★★★★☆

Calderglen regularly hosts events and activities, particularly during holidays and weekends. From guided nature walks to family-friendly workshops, there’s always something happening to engage the community and visitors alike.

Conclusion:

Calderglen Country Park is a charming and versatile destination for a day out. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, an educational trip with children, or an active outdoor adventure, this park offers something for everyone. With a few improvements in accessibility, it could easily earn a full five-star rating.

Lisa D08

Good little indoor bit with lizards and monkeys then a nice outdoor bit with more animals & birds. Not too big kids enjoyed it. Then a outdoor park, there is a cafe and a free carpark.

Dennis Smalley

If you have children then this is the perfect place for them. At 72 years old ,not the best place for me. The highlight for me was the small zoo tropical house and gardens.There are multiple play areas for kids which i didnt even venture into.Too much screaming, crying and bad behaviour and that was just me. An awful lot of walking.Going to the small waterfall in the glen is an arduous journey for the elderly which involves a descent on some ridiculously steep steps not for anyone with arthritic knees. River area at falls is not very nice.Water is scummy and dirty. Many dogs swimming in it. Wouldn't recommend it for children.No wonder the river is called the Rotten Calder.In short been to far nicer parks.For example nearby Strathaven Park or Rouken Glen.Courtyard cafe? well, there's another story.A shambolic nightmare of a place. As i said the park is great for children?

Mitchell Glendenning

The zoo is very small and doesn't take long to get around, it's very clean and they have a nice collection of cute animals. The country park is nice, but if you go on a warm day you'll struggle breathing from the amount of people having BBQs in the open spaces.
Lots of hills and uneven paths so make sure you wear good shoes.
Only downside is the location which obviously can't be changed, but if you're walking from the train station you'll be knackered before you even get there.

Antonis Balntidis

Great Park only the mud was everywhere. Nice backyard with food and to drink a cuppa