Colchester Zoo Tours

Colchester Zoo which includes animals and zoo animals
Colchester Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals
Colchester Zoo featuring zoo animals and animals as well as an individual child
Colchester Zoo which includes zoo animals and dangerous animals
Colchester Zoo showing marine life and zoo animals as well as an individual child


Feed elephants and giraffes, watch a falconry display and meet the fearsome Komodo dragons at one of the U.K.’s best zoos.

Colchester Zoo is sure to delight families. Watch the Patagonian sea lions play above your head as you wander through an underwater tunnel. Take a ride on the Madagascar Road train through the lemur enclosure and don’t miss out on the daily animal feeding sessions and impressive falconry displays.

The zoo opened in 1963 and is now recognized as one of the U.K.’s premier wildlife attractions. Covering 60 acres (24 hectares), the zoo is big enough to house 260 species of animals. A visit can easily fill a day.

Start in the Kingdom of the Wild exhibit, where rhinos, giraffes and zebras wander the plains. Come during the morning and you will have the chance to feed the giraffes, as well as the elephants, in the nearby Elephant Kingdom. In the Tiger Taiga area, see other wild beasts such as the extremely rare Amur tigers.

Continue to the Walking Giants area, where three of the world’s four largest species of tortoise make for an impressive sight. Make sure you visit Playa Patagonia too. In this exhibit you walk through an 80–foot (24-meter) glass tunnel and look up at the graceful sea lions swimming above you.

Then visit the Wilds of Asia exhibit where red pandas, hornbills and gibbons are among the attractions. Enjoy the sight of the colorful koi and have a laugh while observing the cheeky otters. Near here, you can also see Komodo dragons. These large reptiles are threatened with extinction in the wild.

Check the timetable and decide which of the more than 40 daily shows you want to attend. Besides the elephant and giraffe feeding you can watch the orangutans, the penguins and the tigers have lunch. Several food outlets around the zoo offer a range of meals and drinks if you could do with refreshments yourself.

Colchester Zoo is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Colchester town center. Parking is free and buses service the zoo regularly. The zoo is open daily throughout the year and there is an admission fee, some of which goes towards wildlife conservation.

Plan a trip to see Colchester Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The WoolPack Inn
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Colchester Zoo

Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

4 out of 5
Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, England
Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester

4 out of 5
London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
St Nicholas Hotel

St Nicholas Hotel

3 out of 5
High Street St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, England
St Nicholas Hotel
Woodview Bed & Breakfast

Woodview Bed & Breakfast

4 out of 5
Lynch Cottage, Mill Lane, Colchester, England
Woodview Bed & Breakfast
Westlands Lodge

Westlands Lodge

4 out of 5
341 Straight Road, Colchester, England
Westlands Lodge
The George of Colchester

The George of Colchester

3 out of 5
116 High Street, Colchester, England
The George of Colchester
Colchester Retreat: 4BR 2BATH Ample Street Parking

Colchester Retreat: 4BR 2BATH Ample Street Parking

Essex
Colchester Retreat: 4BR 2BATH Ample Street Parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, including nearby golf courses, fishing spots, and relaxing spa options. For a comfortable stay, consider exploring local hotels near the zoo. Additionally, don’t miss out on cultural experiences and nearby attractions that enhance your visit. If you're planning day trips, be sure to check out travel tips for Blackpool to make the most of your UK adventure.

Food and drinks

Indulge in local wines at Giffords Hall Vineyard, 20 miles from Colchester Zoo, or enjoy the intimate setting of Suffolk Distillery, located 10 miles away. Don't miss the charming Mersea Island Vineyard, just 7 miles away, for a delightful tasting experience amidst beautiful scenery.

Shopping

At Colchester Zoo, you can visit Assington Barn, a charming store located 10 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Cardinal Park and Forest Drive Shops, both 19 miles away, offering a mix of family-friendly vibes and various shopping options.

Recreation

Colchester Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor experience just 2 miles from the zoo, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For luxury vibes, visit Benton Hall Golf and Country Club, located 10 miles away. Additionally, catch an exhilarating game at Portman Road Stadium, 19 miles from the zoo, for sports excitement.

Adventure

At Alton Water, located 15 miles from Colchester Zoo, you can dive into exciting water sports activities. Enjoy the thrill of kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, all set in a picturesque landscape that offers a perfect blend of adventure and outdoor fun.

Nightlife

After visiting Colchester Zoo, catch a captivating performance at the Mercury Theatre, just 3 miles away, perfect for culture and romance. For family fun, head to Suffolk Leisure Park's AdventureZone, 18 miles away, or enjoy a movie at the Ipswich Film Theatre, 19 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Colchester Zoo

If you're visiting Colchester Zoo, you'll find plenty of attractions nearby, including beautiful beaches, historic houses, and urban parks. This destination offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Be sure to explore Colchester Castle and the zoo itself, which is a highlight of the area. With so much to see and do, your trip to Colchester will be both fun and memorable.

  • University of Essex: Located just 5 miles from Colchester Zoo, this modern university boasts a vibrant atmosphere with contemporary architecture and beautiful grounds. It's an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll while soaking up the academic vibe.
  • Colchester Castle Park: Just 4 miles away, this historic park features stunning gardens and impressive castle ruins. Known for its friendly atmosphere and artistic events, it’s perfect for a relaxing day amidst history and nature.
  • Layer Marney Tower: Only 3 miles from the zoo, this stunning historic tower offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the area. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and explore the surrounding gardens.

Best time to go to Colchester Zoo

The best time to visit Colchester Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
November47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colchester Zoo

To save money on your trip to Colchester Zoo, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January or October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price. Look for free nearby attractions like Braintree Village and Cudmore Grove Country Park. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings through Expedia packages, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colchester Zoo are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to choose your budget, ideal location, and additional preferences. You can sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Colchester Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.