Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is now one of the finest Zoos in Europe due to a constant programme of development and has won the coveted “Large Visitor Attraction of the Year” Award and the “Sustainable Tourism Award” for its efforts in recycling and green practices from the East of England Tourist Board.
With over 260 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. There are over 50 daily displays, an undercover soft play area, 4 adventure play areas, 2 road trains and much more, Colchester Zoo promises everyone a great day out!
There is so much to see and do at Colchester Zoo, which provides fun for all the family. You can see sea lions swimming above your heads at Playa Patagonia, and see penguins swimming at Penguin Shores.
You can get closer to a whole range of animals during your visit including the unique chance to help feed the elephants and giraffes yourself!
There’s Colchester Zoo’s Dragons of Komodo which houses the two Komodo Dragons, as well as some of the rarest big cats in the world including Amur tigers at Tiger Taiga.
Leopards at Ussuri Falls is also now open, and provides a larger home with separate enclosures for our Amur Leopards. The enclosure has also been fitted with a new training wall so that you can see how Colchester Zoo’s training techniques are used to enrich Colchester Zoo's animals’ lives and aid vital research that is helping conservationists to protect this animal in the wild.
VISITORS INFORMAITON:
Colchester Zoo is open daily except Christmas Day
Closing times vary according to season.
• 09:30 - 18:30 Summer holidays
• 09:30 - 18:00 Easter – September, June & July to start of holiday.
• 09:30 - dusk (or 5pm if later) October - March
Operating Hours:
Last admissions are one hour before closing.
Catering and Retail outlets will usually close at least one hour prior to the Zoo grounds and Guest Services usually closes 30 minutes beforehand.
Please note that the zoo car parks close a maximum of 30 minutes after the zoo closes.
| Winter Rate 2010: |
| Adults |
£13.99 |
| Children |
£7.99 |
| Seniors |
£9.99 |
| Main Season 2010: |
| Adults |
£15.99 |
| Children |
£9.50 |
| Seniors |
£11.99 |
| Peak Season 2010: |
| Adults |
£15.99 |
| Children |
£9.99 |
| Seniors |
£12.99 |
| Magic of Christmas 2010 |
| Adults |
£15.99 |
| Children |
£9.99 |
| Seniors |
£11.99 |
Please note customers may use Tesco Deals vouchers to visit during the Magic of Christmas, however, the child rate will not include a present from Santa.
An additional £5 may be paid to cover a present but this cannot be paid for with Deals Vouchers.
* Children - (3-14 yrs, children must be accompanied at all times)
* Senior Citizen - (Over 60s)
* Under 3's Free - (£5.00 Santa's Grotto Only)
There is also the option to pay a £1 voluntary donation per transaction to support the conservation work of Colchester Zoo's charity Action for the Wild. Visitors who choose not to make this donation may instead pay the standard price.
Concessionary Rate
* Concessions are available for the disabled because the zoo has some steep hills. Please follow the “Easier Route” for the easiest route possible around the zoo. For prices click here
How to get here by Car:
Colchester Zoo is located just south of Colchester. Take the A1124 exit (Junction 26) off the main A12 following the brown elephant signs.
From the M25: About 40 minutes from Junction 28 of the M25 to reach the A12.
From Southend: About 1 hour’s journey, 40 miles using A127 and A130 to reach the A12.
From Hertfordshire: About 1 hour’s journey – 50 miles using A414 or A120 to reach the A12.
From Stansted Airport: About 50 minutes journey, 30 miles using A120 to reach the A12.
Cyclists:
Please note that there are cycle racks provided at the top of the car parks, close to the Zoo entrance.
Lockers are provided for a small charge to store crash helmets etc. during your visit.
How to get here by Train:
Colchester Main Train Station can be reached from Liverpool Street services from London within in an hour or is easily reached along the Lowestoft or Norwich networks to Ipswich and then on to Colchester.
Colchester Zoo is just 10 minutes by taxi or can be reached by bus.
How to get here by Bus:
All bus services to Colchester Bus Station regularly connect with the Eastern National 75 for Maldon or Tiptree and Colchester Zoo. On arrival at Colchester Bus Station look for Stand 9.
There are departures at 0900hrs, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1405, 1500, (1505 Monday to Friday only) & 1600 during the daytime from Monday to Saturday. (Approx 15 minute journey to Colchester Zoo).
On a Sunday service there are departures at 0905hrs, 1105, 1305, 1505.
On your return you should use service 75 from the Zoo, departures at 0918hrs, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, 1423, 1518, 1523, 1618, 1623, 1648 & 1733 during the daytime, Monday to Friday.
On a Saturday service to return there are departures from the zoo at 0918hrs, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, 1518, 1518, 1618, 1718, and 1822.
On a Sunday service to return there are departures from the zoo at 1119, 1319, 1519, 1719 and 1919.
Please note that no dogs are allowed except for Registered Assistance dogs.
Disabled parking areas are clearly marked on arrival. Please ensure that a Blue Badge is clearly displayed.
Toilet facilities for the disabled are located in each toilet block and all catering and retail outlets are easily accessible.
Nappy changing facilities are provided in each toilet block. Feeding areas are also located at the toilets.
In an emergency, go to the nearest point of sale or someone wearing a Zoo uniform. You will be taken to the nearest First Aid Station.
Smoking is not permitted around any animal enclosures, food outlets, picnic areas or any other buildings or enclosed areas including displays.
Are all located at the zoo entrance and can be hired for a small charge.
Telephones are located at the Zoo exit next to Chimp World.