Colchester Zoo
A 60-acre wildlife park with diverse animals, interactive feeding times, walk-through enclosures, and play areas for a fun-filled day out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Colchester Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 60-acre wildlife park with diverse animals, interactive feeding times, walk-through enclosures, and play areas for a fun-filled day out.
"Fantastic time visiting Colchester Zoo! Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals."
🎟️ Check Ticket Validity
Ensure your tickets are valid for your visit date, especially if purchased in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 60 acres, and some areas have steep climbs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk-Through Animal Encounters
Various enclosures
Get up close and personal with animals through special walk-through areas, offering unique viewing perspectives.
Interactive Feeding Times
Various animal enclosures
Witness engaging feeding sessions and learn fascinating facts about the animals from knowledgeable keepers.
Scenic Zoo Train Ride
Zoo grounds
Enjoy a relaxing journey around the park on the zoo train, offering a different perspective of the animal habitats.
Playgrounds and Play Areas
Designated zones
Fun and engaging play spaces for children to burn off energy while parents take a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Colchester zoo
🎟️ Check Ticket Validity
Ensure your tickets are valid for your visit date, especially if purchased in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 60 acres, and some areas have steep climbs.
Getting to Colchester Zoo
📱 Plan Your Route
Consider public transport options like buses to reach the zoo easily.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds and see more active animals by visiting early or later in the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Ticket Validity
Ensure your tickets are valid for your visit date, especially if purchased in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 60 acres, and some areas have steep climbs.
📱 Plan Your Route
Consider public transport options like buses to reach the zoo easily.
⏰ Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds and see more active animals by visiting early or later in the day.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic benches are available, making it a budget-friendly option for lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Colchester Zoo for its engaging animal encounters, including walk-through areas and informative feeding times. The zoo is noted for its clean environment, happy-looking animals in well-designed enclosures, and friendly staff. While some animals may be less active on cooler days, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and animal lovers.
"Had a lovely day out here plenty of animals to see,some were hiding in their beds as it was a bit chilly but you could peep at them there. There's walk through areas to get up close. Plenty of food and drink cafes dotted through the zoo and picnic benches too. Definitely worth a visit."
Anne Steel
"I love this zoo. Even though it’s busy you can still enjoy the experience. Lots to see and do. The animals have some lovely enclosures and look happy. I love the glass so you can get up close to observe. It’s probably my favourite zoo as zoos go and I’ve been to lots! They clearly do a lot for conservation too and that’s massively important for the welfare of endangered species particularly! It’s clean and the staff are lovely!"
Sarah Cage
"An overcast day, so some of the animals decided to have an extra hour in bed.😁
But by 11 most of them were out and about. They all seemed happy in their environments and in most cases oblivious of all the visitors.
Good signage, good restrooms, good places to eat foods of various types.
Spent 6 hours and the time just whizzed by.....but you need to be comfortable with some steep climbs."
John Witchell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended public transport option is to take a single bus to town, and then connect to a bus route that serves Colchester Zoo. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Colchester Zoo offers parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. Details on parking fees and availability can usually be found on their official website.
The travel time from Colchester town center to the zoo can vary depending on traffic and the specific bus route taken. It's advisable to factor in at least 20-30 minutes for the journey.
While specific cycle paths directly to the zoo might not be extensive, cycling is an option. Ensure you have a secure way to lock your bike if you choose this method of transport.
Information on park and ride services specifically for Colchester Zoo is not widely advertised. It's best to check with local transport authorities or the zoo directly for any such facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Colchester Zoo website for the most current pricing for adults, children, and concessions. Booking online in advance often secures the best rates.
Yes, typically your admission ticket allows you to enter the zoo and stay for the entire day, giving you ample time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the facilities.
Colchester Zoo usually allows ticket purchases at the gate, but booking online in advance is often recommended to guarantee entry, especially during peak times, and may offer discounts.
It's advisable to check the zoo's policy regarding timed entry slots, as this can change based on demand and operational requirements. Booking online will usually guide you through any necessary slot reservations.
Colchester Zoo often offers discounts for group bookings and family packages. Inquire directly with the zoo or check their website for details on group rates and family tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Colchester Zoo's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening and closing times for your planned visit date.
Many visitors spend around 6 hours exploring Colchester Zoo, but you could easily spend a full day, especially if you plan to attend keeper talks and enjoy the play areas.
Yes, Colchester Zoo offers interactive feeding times and walk-through areas where you can get closer to the animals. Informative talks are also held throughout the day.
While the zoo is spread across 60 acres with some steep climbs, many areas are accessible. The zoo train offers a relaxing way to see parts of the park. It's recommended to check their accessibility map beforehand.
Colchester Zoo provides good signage, restrooms, cafes with various food options, picnic benches, and play areas for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Colchester Zoo has several food and drink cafes dotted throughout the park, offering a variety of food options to suit different tastes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. There are plenty of picnic benches available, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal.
Most zoo cafes offer a range of options, which typically include vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check the menus at the cafes on the day of your visit for specific vegan offerings.
Colchester Zoo primarily features cafes and kiosks offering snacks and meals. While there might not be a formal sit-down restaurant, the cafes provide substantial options for visitors.
Food prices at Colchester Zoo are comparable to other similar attractions. Bringing your own picnic is a good way to manage costs if you're on a budget.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for areas with good natural light and clear views of the animals. The walk-through enclosures and the glass viewing panels offer excellent opportunities for close-up shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at zoos and wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check the zoo's specific rules and regulations regarding photography equipment.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals' welfare.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone with a decent camera can also capture great memories, especially in the walk-through areas.
While direct photo opportunities with animals might be limited for safety and welfare reasons, the interactive feeding times and walk-through enclosures provide fantastic chances for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider utilizing the zoo train for a relaxing tour of the grounds, especially with younger children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While there are cafes on-site, bringing your own food significantly reduces expenditure. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak pricing and larger crowds. Public transport, such as buses, can also be a more economical way to reach the zoo compared to driving and paying for parking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Colchester Zoo's Animal Habitats
Visitors can experience walk-through areas, such as the 'Lost Kingdom' for lemurs, which provides an immersive experience where animals roam freely around you. This offers a unique opportunity to feel truly connected to the wildlife. The zoo also emphasizes conservation efforts, with many species participating in breeding programs aimed at protecting endangered animals. Learning about these initiatives adds an educational layer to your visit.
When exploring, be aware that some animals might be more active at certain times of the day. Checking the daily schedule for keeper talks and feeding times is highly recommended, as these sessions often provide insights into the animals' lives and behaviors, making your visit more engaging and informative.
Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips from Visitors
For families, the playgrounds and interactive areas are a big hit, providing plenty of entertainment for children.
Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate the availability of picnic benches, making it easy to bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst the zoo's surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit