Discover the zoo
Located in the heart of the city, Colchester Zoo is an absolute must-visit destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike! It boasts an extensive array of activities that cater to all age groups, ensuring an engaging, educational, and fun-filled day for everyone involved. With a variety of interactive zones, a plethora of outdoor play areas, and an impressive collection of rare and exotic animals, there’s never a dull moment at this vibrant and dynamic location.
Embrace the Weather, Come Rain or Shine
Don’t let the unpredictable British weather deter you; Colchester Zoo proves to be an all-weather attraction with a host of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Whether it be a sunny summer day or a drizzly winter afternoon, there is always plenty to explore and enjoy. We easily spend the whole day here between looking at all the animals, playing in the play areas and watching the talks. They also have a soft play area (booked time slot), a train and loads of different outdoor play areas.
Navigate Your Day with Ease
The zoo’s layout is incredibly user-friendly, designed with family comfort in mind. There are ample free parking spaces available, conveniently located toilets, and baby changing facilities, ensuring a hassle-free experience. As for food, there are several eateries scattered around the zoo, the food quality is decent but they can be quite pricey so we often pack our own picnic lunch for a more budget-friendly option.
Regular Visitor Perks
If you find yourself visiting the zoo regularly, consider getting an annual pass. Not only does it grant you unlimited access to the zoo all year round, but it also offers exclusive discounts on food, drinks, and purchases in the gift shop, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent visitors.
Participate in Unique, Unforgettable Experiences
For a truly unforgettable experience, why not book a giraffe feeding session? Priced at a reasonable £20 for a group of five, it’s a real treat for both kids and adults alike. We haven’t tried them but the zoo also offers a ‘Keeper for the Day’ programme, ‘Keeper Shadowing’, and a ‘Kids Zoo Academy’, all of which promise an exciting, hands-on, and educational day out, providing insights into the life of a zookeeper and the care of the animals.
Stay Informed and Plan Your Adventure
For the latest updates on animal arrivals, special events, and daily show timings, visit the Colchester Zoo website. Here, you’ll find all the details and information you need for your visit. Trust us, this is an adventure that will provide lasting memories, and one you won’t want to miss!
Travel Info
We drove to this experience, driving time from Chelmsford is around 30 minutes.
There is easy access to the zoo via train and bus. The closest train station is Colchester and the zoo is a 10 minute bus ride from the station.
For more ideas for family days out take a look at the Visit Essex website.
