Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. As you walk around the zoo there's plenty of play areas to try out including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble with a section for under 3s and all new play equipment where the kids can release their wild side! New enclosures include a walk through enclosure with butterflies and another with Rainbow Lorikeets offering visitors a chance to feed them a treat of nectar. Plus there's 'Bears of the Rising Sun', a state of the art enclosure which houses two beautiful sun bears , Jo Jo and Srey Ya. You can also come face to face with Komodo Dragons, see white rhino, giraffes, ostrich and kudu roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild and walk underwater through the 24m tunnel at the Playa Patagonia sealion pool. Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the 'Lost Madagascar Express' road train! Don't forget to pop into the discovery centre and have a go at handling some unusual bugs or get your face painted and transform yourself into your favourite animal!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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  • 62MARY62
    104 contributions
    Confusing layout - animals tucked away
    Santa experience very good. We all enjoyed and Santa talked to each of the children. The magic sleigh ride in front of a screen was excellent. The Santa experience cost extra to the annual admission passes. It was a cold Dec day, we saw very few animals, they must have all been tucked up. I did wonder if the numbers had been reduced. I found the layout of the zoo very confusing and enclosed. I guess all the structures were to make it easier on the slopes. I found we were walking around in circles and didn't get where we wanted to. Better sign posting would be useful. The signs were there marked the area rather than the animals. Some signs for the most popular animals would have been better. Loads of food outlets and model animals and playgrounds. Free parking.
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 7 December 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 December 2022
  • Kevman28
    United Kingdom106 contributions
    Great zoo, naff English weather!
    Great zoo, one of the best and well worth a visit, but more in warmer months. Staff are great welcoming and helpful, and there are so many animals to see. Being winter the animals are often tucked away, food stalls mostly shut, and a lick of varnish needed before the spring trade. Somehow our tickets were still full price at over £20 each which seems unfair for only 50% of the experience! I will wait for spring/ summer next time to get value for money.
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for an enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 December 2022
  • Tommy186338
    Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom94 contributions
    Recommended
    Great day out. Loads to see, brilliant facilities and super helpful staff. Soft play is great if you have young kids (note you need to pre book). The place is a maze! The app is helpful although it’s location / direction facility is sometimes confusing. Animals are amazing. We went on New Year’s Day and lots of the food places were shut but those that were open were good. Would definitely recommend.
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 January 2023
  • Andy H
    1 contribution
    Great Day Out
    Haven't been for a few years, and wow you've worked hard to enhance the ZOO features. Its a great day out with excellent clean facilities. The animals look happy in their enclosures. The food huts served some lovely food we had sausages and chips good value. We was able to see all the animals even tho it was a little chilly. The gift shop was well stocked. Well done Colchester Zoo
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 2 January 2023
  • Realview Reviews
    Plymouth, United Kingdom81 contributions
    Brilliant experience - would revisit
    Loved this zoo, the view of the animals was incredible and for a short person that’s amazing. Only downside was that not a lot of the cafes were open with it being winter so took us ages to find a cuppa. That being said the animals looked so well looked after and very happy in their environments so that was awesome to see, didn’t have much interaction with the staff so can’t comment on that but overall a very good experience and easily filled a day. Would definitely revisit.
    Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 January 2023
  • iamRayRay
    London, United Kingdom369 contributions
    Great time at the Zoo! Highly recommend
    Been to many zoo's over the years, this is a great zoo. Size is good enough so my little one (3 years old) could pretty much walk around the entirity of it without needing a pram. Weather was hit and miss, sun and heavy rain, but plenty of inside space to duck away in and avoid it. Along with keeping the little one entertained for enough time. The animals are all in great shape, there is clearly a lot of time and effort put into the welfare of the animals which is great to see. The enclosures are clean, the flow of people worked and never felt too crowded at any spots. Plenty of expansion work / improvements still ongoing which is good to see. Would happily visit again!
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 9 January 2023
  • Julia S
    Hertfordshire, United Kingdom34 contributions
    A good day out for most!.
    We haven't been here for about 8 years, and it is still as I remember - animals all over the place and very hilly in parts. The animals seemed all very well cared for and their enclosures seemed roomy ( I hope so anyway!). The Red pandas were adorable, the wolves were relaxed and beautiful, the train ride was good, but unfortunately due to the season we could not get close to the Ring tailed Lemur's which was a shame, but we did only pay 1/2 price for January, so not all bad. The staff were very friendly, but as usual the shop catered for kids too much, and I struggled to buy something (which I usually have no trouble with!!), which is a shame as it could sell so many better bits and bobs. Scored 4 only because of the hilly landscape.
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 18 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 January 2023
  • Colin E Photography
    422 contributions
    Great value for money, lots of animals to see, helpful keepers, good cafes and shop
    Great value for money. Lots of animals to see and they all have good sized enclosures and looked health and happy. Very helpful and knowledgeable keepers. Good cafes with good range of food and drink. One of the best shops for a zoo. Happy 60th birthday. Look forward to going back.
    Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 24 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 23 January 2023
  • irhudson
    Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom43 contributions
    Great day out
    Spent a cold but enjoyable day recently with my daughter and grand-daughter (3 and a half). Tigers, sea-lions, giraffes and white rhinos were the highlights. Friendly, well-informed staff made a big difference
    Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 24 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 24 January 2023
  • Michelle G
    1 contribution
    So much to see and do great day out
    Great day out so much to see and do. Loved being able to feed the goats and there was so many climbing areas that my grandson loved. He also loved jungle tumble which was well worth booking at no extra cost. Lovely to see all the different animals they all looked healthy and their homes very clean.
    Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
    Written 2 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
6,446 reviews
Excellent
4,701
Very good
1,231
Average
281
Poor
134
Terrible
99

Cloe
Chelmsford, UK21 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Amazing day out!
We went during the week all children were at school, very quiet all animals were out and active

Vicki from guest services was so polite and bubby, she helped me find the email for our tickets, was so kind to mu little girl and give her a sticker

We did the giraffe feeding experience, highly recommend!! £20 for a max of 5 people per group
Me, my parnter and our little girl
Enjoyed every moment
Precious memories made
Keepers Brad and sarah were amazing
Very knowledgeable, very approachable when asking questions
Gave clear instructions
Told us names of giraffes and also told some funny storys about the animals!

Loved using the app as it gave a clear route around the zoo

Chimps has footballs in their enclosure they seemed to be enjoying them
Orangutans has blankets, they were rolling around and play boo .. so cute!

10/10!! Has a wicked day!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your feedback following your recent visit, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Simon D
Tonbridge, UK10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Four of us have just enjoyed the all day Extra-Ordinary Animal Experience at Colchester Zoo. Extra-ordinary describes it perfectly. The day was absolutely faultless from start to finish. We enjoyed full service private dining for breakfast on arrival, lunch, and tea at the end of the day. Our guide for the whole day was Kelly whose wonderfully engaging personality was matched by her enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the zoo, its history and its animals. She spoke in detail about every animal we walked past and introduced us to sea lions, otters, meerkats, aardvarks, penguins, elephants, giraffes, wolves and a stunningly beautiful tiger. Kelly also introduced us to other keepers who talked about the specific animals in their care. The enthusiasm and absolute joy with which Kelly and her fellow keepers spoke about the zoo and their roles in it was truly infectious. Thoroughly recommended.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to contact us with your positive feedback following your Extraordinary Experience with us at Colchester Zoo. We are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day. Your comments are very important to us as we strive on a daily basis to ensure our guests have a great day - we will certainly share your comments with the rest of the team at Colchester Zoo. We hope to welcome you back again for another enjoyable visit. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 16 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alex p
Bexleyheath, UK10 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Getting more and more expensive considering it takes just an afternoon to get all round the zoo. Annual passes can easily run out as they don't send out renewal reminders. Really need a dry day to visit as not much inside
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review following your recent visit. At Colchester Zoo we always value guests who are keen to share their feedback with us and it is taken seriously. Unfortunately, we are unable to fully respond to your comments via this communication method. We invite you to complete the contact form on our website and select the feedback/comments dropdown. On receipt of your email our Customer Engagement Manager will respond to you within 15 working days. Yours Sincerely, Colchester Zoo
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Charles W
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
after having the annual pass over ten years ago when we last visited the zoo was very disappointed when we gifted tickets visit to the zoo
bird flying display - gone
staff - could not be bothered
food - was very expense
animals- to0 much foliage to see the animals
hills in the zoo - not changed

had better visits to smaller zoo - sorry Colchester zoo you have lost it
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review following your recent visit. At Colchester Zoo we always value guests who are keen to share their feedback with us and it is taken seriously. Unfortunately, we are unable to fully respond to your comments via this communication method. We invite you to complete the contact form on our website and select the feedback/comments dropdown. On receipt of your email our Customer Engagement Manager will respond to you within 15 working days. Yours Sincerely, Colchester Zoo
Written 2 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve R
Norwich, UK80 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Visited on October 17th, have been many times before. On this occasion the zoo was swamped with school children. So many in fact that they spoilt my visit, they were pushing people out of the way to get a good view, banging on glass enclosures, shouting at the animals, running around whilst the teachers just stood around and let them get on with it. After lunch I had enough so decided to go.
I e mailed the zoo asking why so many schoolchildren are allowed to visit at once and asked if there were days when there were no school visits, no one bothered to respond.
It’s a great zoo, animals are well looked after and the keepers do a great job however if the management allow school parties to come and run riot I won’t be back.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review following your recent visit. At Colchester Zoo we always value guests who are keen to share their feedback with us and it is taken seriously. Unfortunately, we are unable to fully respond to your comments via this communication method. We invite you to complete the contact form on our website and select the feedback/comments dropdown. On receipt of your email our Customer Engagement Manager will respond to you within 15 working days. Yours Sincerely, Colchester Zoo
Written 2 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Terry turbo
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Went there for fright night and it was brilliant well worth the entry fee as the staff have gone above and beyond to make it a memorable evening
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dawn H
9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We had a lovely day at the zoo seeing all the animals. The elephants were a highlight. It was a good day, the zoo is huge! Make sure you wear your walking shoes!
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stanley P
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Great day out delicious food and loads of exotic animals for an animal lover like me it was great.😁
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lucy M
Leigh-on Sea, UK23 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We had such a great day here - such a lovely zoo; well kept and great facilities - can’t wait to return
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

hay413
London, UK23 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Had an amazing day at the zoo, saw all the animals and they all
Looked relaxed and healthy definitely much better than London zoo or most others I’ve been to.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback following your recent visit to Colchester Zoo, we are pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable day with us. We do hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit soon. Best wishes, Colchester Zoo
Written 25 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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COLCHESTER ZOO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is open:
  • Mon - Fri 09:30 - 16:00
  • Sat - Sun 09:30 - 16:30


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