Colchester Zoo tickets, prices, hours, what to expect and more
Colchester Zoo is an exciting wildlife destination that promises an unforgettable day out for all ages.
Located in the heart of Essex, this cherished zoo has captivated visitors for decades with its diverse animal inhabitants and immersive exhibits.
It’s the perfect place to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and witness fascinating creatures from around the globe.
Whether you’re a family seeking adventure, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, Colchester Zoo has something for everyone.
| Top tickets to Colchester ZooA # Colchester Zoo entry ticket |
Snapshot
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Summer) and 9.30 am to 5 pm (Winter)
Year Opened: 1963
Best time to visit: Early morning or mid-afternoon
Ticket price: Adults (16-59) – £31, Children (3-15) – £24
Location: Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL, United Kingdom |
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Where to buy tickets for Colchester Zoo
When planning your visit to Colchester Zoo, it’s a smart move to secure your tickets in advance.
You have two options for purchasing tickets – online or at the ticket counter.
However, given the zoo’s popularity as a cherished attraction, we highly recommend the convenience of buying your Colchester Zoo tickets online.
By opting for online ticket purchases, you’ll sidestep the inconvenience of waiting in long lines, ensuring a swift and efficient entry to the zoo.
Additionally, online ticket options offer a range of choices to meet your specific needs, making your day at the zoo a seamless and stress-free adventure.
So, take the hassle out of your visit – secure your tickets online and guarantee a memorable experience at Colchester Zoo.
Tickets to Colchester Zoo
With your Colchester Zoo ticket, you hold the key to a day of exploration, adventure, and connection with the remarkable animals that share our planet.
While most visitors spend an hour outside waiting in the ticket counter line, with this ticket, you can skip the hassle and enter the zoo.
This Colchester Zoo ticket offers uninterrupted access to all the parts of the zoo.
The online ticket also lets you leave and re-enter the zoo on the same day.
While the entry ticket does not provide access to animal experiences, you can get an upgrade pass at the zoo.
Ticket Prices
A Colchester Zoo ticket costs £31 for visitors between 16 to 59 years.
Children between 3 to 15 years old pay £24 for entry.
They also offer discounts for seniors, students, and registered disabled visitors.
Children under 3 enter for free.
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16 to 59 years) | £31 |
| Child ticket (3 to 15 years) | £24 |
Colchester Zoo pass
A Colchester Zoo pass is a membership that gives you unlimited entry to the zoo for a year.
Passes are available for individuals, families, and groups.
There are several benefits to having a Colchester Zoo pass, including:
- Unlimited entry to the zoo for a year
- Discounts on food and drink at the zoo
- Discounts on merchandise at the zoo
- Access to exclusive events and promotions
- Free parking at the zoo
Colchester Zoo passes can be purchased online or at the zoo’s entrance.
You must provide your name, address, and contact information when purchasing a pass.
You will also need to choose a type of pass: individual, family, or group.
Colchester Zoo offers a variety of different passes, including:
- Individual Pass: This pass is valid for one person and gives them unlimited annual entry to the zoo.
- Family Pass: This pass is valid for two adults and two children under 16. It gives the family unlimited entry to the zoo for a year.
- Group Pass: This pass is valid for groups of 10 or more people. It gives the group unlimited entry to the zoo for a year.
To use your Colchester Zoo pass, simply present it at the zoo’s entrance.
You will get a wristband that you will need to wear throughout the duration of your visit.
Colchester Zoo Pass prices
| Type of visitor | Zoo Pass Price | Renewal price* |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Pass (16 to 59 years) | £70 | £60 |
| Child Pass (3 to 15 years) | £50 | £42 |
| Senior citizen Pass (60+ years) | £60 | £51 |
*Zoo Pass CONSECUTIVE RENEWAL Price at 15% Discount
Colchester Zoo Opening Hours
Colchester Zoo is open at 9.30 am every day of the year.
Closing times vary throughout the year, but the zoo is typically open until 5 pm or 6 pm, depending on the season.
The Colchester Zoo is closed on Christmas.
The following table shows the opening and closing times for Colchester Zoo in different months:
| Month | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9.30 am | 4.30 pm |
| February | 9.30 am | 5 pm |
| March | 9.30 am | 5.30 pm |
| April | 9.30 am | 6 pm |
| May | 9.30 am | 6.30 pm |
| June | 9.30 am | 7 pm |
| July | 9.30 am | 7.30 pm |
| August | 9.30 am | 7 pm |
| September | 9.30 am | 6.30 pm |
| October | 9.30 am | 5.30 pm |
| November | 9.30 am | 4.30 pm |
| December | 9.30 am | 4 pm |
These times are subject to change, so it is always best to check the zoo’s website before your visit.
Animal Encounter timings at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse range of animals worldwide.
Visitors can enjoy thrilling and educational encounters that provide a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures.
Here are the encounter timings at Colchester Zoo:
| Animal Encounter | Time |
|---|---|
| Worlds Apart | 10.30 am |
| Red Panda (River’s Edge) | 11 am |
| Koi Carp (Koi Niwa) | 11.15 am |
| Humboldt Penguins (Inca Trail) | 11.30 am |
| Pygmy Hippopotamus (Kingdom of the Wild) | 11.45 am |
| Komodo Dragon (Dragons of Komodo) | 11.45 am |
| Patagonian Sea Lion (Playa Patagonia) | 12 pm |
| Bornean Orangutan (Rajang’s Forest) | 12.15 pm |
| Eurasian Grey Wolf (Call of the Wild) | 12.30 pm |
| African Elephant (Outside Paddock) | 12.30 pm |
| Amur Tiger (Tiger Taiga) | 1 pm |
| Chimpanzee (Chimpanzee Lookout) | 1 pm |
| Patagonian Sea Lion (Playa Patagonia) | 2 pm |
| Smooth-coated Otter (Otter Creek) | 2:30 pm |
| Giant Tortoise (Walking Giants) | 2.30 pm |
| Amur Leopard (Ussuri Falls) | 2.45 pm |
| Bornean Orangutan (Rajang’s Forest) | 3 pm |
| Edge of Africa (See Board at Mandrill Enclosure) | 3 pm |
| Meerkat (Suricata Sands) | 3.15 pm |
| Chimpanzee (Chimpanzee Lookout) | 3.15 pm |
| Malayan Sun Bear (Bears of the Rising Sun) | See Board at Enclosure |
Best Time to Visit Colchester Zoo
The best time to visit Colchester Zoo is at 9.30 m when the zoo opens for visitors.
If you arrive early, you will have a chance to see the animals before they get tired in the heat of the day.
During this time, the zoo is less crowded and you have better chances to spot animals and interact with them.
Avoid weekends and school holidays since thats when the zoo is most crowded.
So instead, plan your visit during weekdays and off-season.
The best time of the year to visit Colchester Zoo is during the seasons of spring and autumn.
During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
If you are visiting during the summer months, it is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.
How Long Does it Take to Go Around Colchester Zoo?
Most visitors need at least four to five hours to explore Colchester Zoo.
However, if you want to see everything, you may need to spend a full day at the zoo.
There are a number of things that can affect how long it takes you to go around the zoo, such as:
- If you are with a large group, getting around will take you longer.
- If you are interested in seeing all of the animals and learning about them, it will take you longer to get around.
- If you take a lot of breaks, it will take you longer to get around.
Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season.
The zoo is decorated with festive lights and decorations, and there are a variety of special activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the most popular activities is the Santa Experience where children can meet Santa and receive gifts.
There is also a Santa’s Reindeer Stable where visitors can see the reindeer up close.
Other Christmas activities at Colchester Zoo include:
- Enchanted Trail of light: A magical trail through the woodland with fairies, pixies, and other festive creatures.
- Christmas Tales: A festive storytelling show for children.
- Christmas Road Train: A train ride around the zoo with festive music and decorations.
- Elves’ Workshop: A workshop where children can make Christmas crafts.
- Post Box for Santa: A post box where children can post their Christmas letters to Santa.
Reindeer Experience: This is the highlight of Christmas events at Colchester Zoo.
During the Reindeer Experience, you can engage with Reindeers in their stables.
This experience is available from November to January.
How to get to Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is located in Colchester, Essex, England, approximately 50 miles northeast of London.
Address: Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL, UK. Get Directions
The Colchester Zoo is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.
By Train
The nearest train station to Colchester Zoo is Colchester Town Station.
The station is located approximately 3.7 miles from the zoo.
There are regular trains to Colchester Town Station from London Liverpool Street Station, Ipswich, Norwich, and other major towns and cities in the region.
Once you arrive at Colchester Town Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the zoo.
The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
By Bus
There is a regular bus service to Colchester Zoo from Colchester Town Centre.
The bus number is 75 and it departs from Osborne Street Bus Station.
The bus journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
By Car
When driving to Colchester Zoo, plug the address CO3 0SL into your Sat Nav or use Google Maps for easy directions.
Take the A1124 exit at Junction 26 of the main A12, and look out for brown elephant signs, following the route via the Stanway Western Bypass.
From the M25: About 40 Minutes
If you’re coming from the M25, it’s just a 40-minute drive from Junction 28 to reach the A12, leading you to Colchester Zoo.
From Southend: About 1 Hour’s Drive
For those traveling from Southend, the journey typically takes about an hour, covering 40 miles via the A127 and A130 to reach the A12.
From Hertfordshire: About 1 Hour’s Drive
Hertfordshire residents can expect a one-hour drive, spanning 50 miles, by using the A414 or A120 to reach the A12.
Once you arrive at the zoo, there is a large car park where you can park for free.
Parking at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo has a large car park that is free for visitors to use.
The car park is located at the entrance to the zoo and there are disabled parking spaces available close to the entrance.
To get to the car park, simply follow the signs for Colchester Zoo from the A12 or A14 roads.
Once you arrive at the zoo, turn into the entrance and follow the signs for the car park.
The car park is open during the zoo’s opening hours.
Parking Near Colchester Zoo
If the car park at Colchester Zoo is full, several other car parks are nearby.
These car parks include:
- St Mary’s Multi-storey Car Park: This car park is approximately 1.5 miles from Colchester Zoo. It is a multi-story car park with over 500 spaces.
- Sheepen Road Car Park: This car park is approximately 1.7 miles from Colchester Zoo. It is a surface-level car park with over 200 spaces.
- NCP Colchester High Street: This car park is approximately 2 miles from Colchester Zoo. It is a multi-story car park with over 300 spaces.
Please note that these car parks are not free and offer only paid lots.
Colchester Zoo Map
The Colchester Zoo map is a great way to plan your visit and ensure you see all the animals.
The map is divided into different sections, each of which represents a different area of the zoo.
To use the map, simply find the area you want to visit and follow the paths.
The map also shows the location of all of the animal enclosures, as well as the other attractions.
Animals in Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is divided into five different zones, each with its own unique theme. These zones include:
- Africa Savannah: You can find African animals, such as lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos in this zone.
- Asian Forest: This zone has Asian animals, such as tigers, elephants, orangutans, and Komodo dragons.
- Penguin Island: This is visitors’ favorite zone where they have penguin species, including Humboldt penguins, king penguins, and rockhopper penguins.
- Monkey Kingdom: This zone is home to monkey species, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
- Rainforest World: You can meet various rainforest animals, such as snakes, lizards, and frogs, in this zone.
In addition to these themed zones, the zoo has other attractions, such as a children’s play area, a cafe, and a gift shop.
Here is a brief overview of each zone:
Africa Savannah
The African Savannah zone is home to a variety of African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and meerkats.
Visitors can walk through the zone and see the animals up close.
There’s also a viewing platform where visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of the savannah.
Asian Forest
The Asian Forest zone is home to a variety of Asian animals, including tigers, elephants, orangutans, and Komodo dragons.
Visitors can walk through the zone and see the animals up close.
There’s a viewing platform where visitors can see the elephants swimming in a pool.
Penguin Island
Penguin Island is home to a variety of penguin species, including Humboldt penguins, king penguins, and rockhopper penguins.
Visitors can walk through the zone and see the penguins up close.
Visitors can see the penguins swimming underwater in an underwater viewing area.
Monkey Kingdom
Monkey Kingdom is home to a variety of monkey species, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.
Visitors can walk through the zone and see the monkeys up close.
Rainforest World
Rainforest World is home to a variety of rainforest animals, such as snakes, lizards, and frogs.
Visitors can walk through the zone and see the animals up close.
There is also a waterfall and many other rainforest features.
Colchester Zoo Animal Programs
Colchester Zoo offers a variety of animal experiences that allow visitors to get closer to the animals and learn more about their care and conservation.
These experiences include photography workshops, keeper for the day, keeper shadowing, kids’ zoo academy, extra-ordinary experience, team building, hen parties, and reindeer experience.
Here are some animal programs you can try when visiting Colchester Zoo.
Photography Workshops
Colchester Zoo offers a variety of photography workshops that teach visitors how to take better photos of animals.
Professional photographers lead the workshops and cover various topics, such as composition, lighting, and camera settings.
- Number of participants: 6 to 12
- Price: £45 per person
- Age requirement: 12+
Keeper for the Day
The Keeper for the Day experience allows visitors to spend a day working with the zoo’s keepers.
Visitors will learn about the daily care of the animals and help with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
- Number of participants: 1 to 2
- Price: £210 per person
- Age requirement: 14+
Keeper Shadowing
The Keeper Shadowing experience allows visitors to follow a zookeeper around for the day and learn about their job.
Visitors will see how the keepers care for the animals and learn about the zoo’s conservation work.
- Number of participants: 1 to 4
- Price: £70 per person
- Age requirement: 8+
Kids Zoo Academy
The Kids Zoo Academy is a half-day program for children aged 5-12.
Children will learn about the animals at the zoo and participate in activities such as animal feeding, crafts, and games.
- Number of participants: 1 to 2 Children
- Price: £95-110 per child
- Age requirement: 6 to 15
Extra-Ordinary Experience
The Extra-Ordinary Experience is a full-day program that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo. V
Visitors will meet a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, and elephants, and learn about their care and conservation.
- Number of participants: 4-12
- Price: £700 full day / £380 half day
- Age requirement: 1+
Team Building
Colchester Zoo offers a variety of team-building activities for groups of all sizes.
Activities include animal encounters, problem-solving challenges, and physical activities.
- Number of participants: 8+
- Price: £45 per person
- Age requirement: 14+
Hen Parties
Colchester Zoo offers a variety of hen party packages that include animal encounters, food and drink, and arts and crafts.
- Number of participants: 8+
- Price: £80
- Age requirement: 10+
Reindeer Experience
The Reindeer Experience is a seasonal experience that gives visitors the opportunity to meet and feed Santa’s reindeer.
Visitors will also learn about the reindeer and their care.
- Number of participants: 1-5
- Price: £20 per person
- Age requirement: 1+
Colchester Zoo Dining
Colchester Zoo has a variety of food and dining options to suit varied tastes and budgets.
From hot meals to snacks and drinks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Main Restaurants
The two main restaurants at Colchester Zoo are Penguini’s Restaurant and The Waterhole.
Penguini’s Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of hot and cold meals, as well as a children’s menu.
Penguini’s Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Waterhole is a quick-service restaurant that offers a variety of burgers, hot dogs, and wraps.
This restaurant is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Kiosks and Cafes
In addition to the two main restaurants, Colchester Zoo has many kiosks and cafes offering different food and drink options.
These include:
- The Gourmet Sausage: This kiosk sells a variety of hot dogs and sausages.
- Meerkat Hangout: This kiosk sells a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
- Ice Cream Parlour: This kiosk sells a variety of ice cream flavors, milkshakes and sundaes.
- Chip ‘n’ mix stop: This kiosk sells a variety of chips, snacks, and drinks.
- Naughty and Nice: This kiosk sells a variety of sweet treats, such as candy, chocolate, and ice cream.
- Outpost Coffee Lounge: This cafe sells a variety of coffees, teas, and snacks.
- Safari Shack Shop: This gift shop also sells a variety of snacks and drinks.
- Scoop and go: This kiosk sells a variety of ice cream flavors.
- Slush Station: This kiosk sells a variety of slush flavors.
- Snack Snack: This kiosk sells a variety of snacks, such as popcorn, nachos, and candy.
- Southern Kitchen: This kiosk sells a variety of southern-style food, such as fried chicken and waffles.
- Spirit: This bar sells a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Sweet Shop: This gift shop also sells a variety of candy and chocolate.
- Wrap and Roll: This kiosk sells a variety of wraps and burritos.
Picnics
Colchester Zoo also allows visitors to bring their own picnic in the park.
There are some picnic areas located throughout the zoo.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit to Colchester Zoo:
Plan your route ahead of time
The zoo has a map on its website, so you can plan your route ahead of time.
This will help you to make the most of your time and to see as many animals as possible.
Witness the animal talks and demonstrations
The zoo offers a variety of animal talks and demonstrations throughout the day.
These are a great way to learn more about the animals and to see them up close.
Visit the zoo on a good weather day
The zoo is most enjoyable to visit on a sunny day.
However, if it is raining, there are still several indoor enclosures that you can visit.
Bring a picnic lunch
The zoo has plenty of places to eat, but it can be expensive.
If you are on a budget, you can bring a picnic lunch.
Colchester Zoo – FAQs
1. How much do the Colchester Zoo tickets cost?
Colchester Zoo ticket costs £31 for visitors between 16 to 59 years.
Children between three and 15 years old pay £24 for entry.
They also offer discounts for seniors, students, and registered disabled visitors.
Children under 3 enter for free.
2. What animals can I see at Colchester Zoo?
Colchester Zoo is home to a wide range of animals.
Visitors can see big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs alongside monkeys, baboons, lemurs, tamarins, and apes.
The Zoo also features animals from Africa, orangutans from Borneo, and sea lions from South America.
3. Are there guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available at Colchester Zoo.
Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the Zoo, providing information about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
4. Can I bring my food and drinks to the Zoo?
Outside food and drinks are permitted at Colchester Zoo.
Picnic areas are available for visitors who wish to bring their meals, making it convenient for families and groups.
5. Are there souvenir shops in the Colchester Zoo?
Colchester Zoo has several souvenir shops where visitors can purchase animal-themed gifts, clothing, and other memorabilia to remember their visit.
6. Is Colchester Zoo suitable for children?
Colchester Zoo is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages.
The Zoo offers educational and interactive exhibits to engage and entertain younger visitors.
7. Can I host events or birthday parties at Colchester Zoo?
Yes, Colchester Zoo provides facilities for hosting events, including birthday parties.
They offer various party packages to make special occasions memorable.
8. Is photography allowed inside the Zoo?
Photography is allowed inside the Zoo.
Visitors are allowed to take pictures of the animals and their surroundings, making it an excellent opportunity to capture memories.
9. Are pets allowed in Colchester Zoo?
For the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors, pets are not allowed inside Colchester Zoo.
However, assistance dogs are welcome.
10. Can I touch the animals at Colchester Zoo?
Visitors aren’t allowed to touch the animals at Colchester Zoo.
The Zoo prioritizes the safety and welfare of both the animals and guests.
Barriers and enclosures are in place to maintain a safe distance.