Colchester Zoo — Attraction in Colchester

Fabulous zoo. Visited about 4 times over the years and we definitely prefer it to London and other UK zoos.

This time I visited with my 20 yr old daughter in the school holidays on a warm sunny week day in August, and whilst it was busier than normal it is so spacious that it doesn’t ever feel over-crowded, just a nice happy vibe.

Lots of baby animals in the summer in the zoo which is so lovely to see, especially the monkey ones.

I think we managed to see all the animals but it took us 6 hours and we walked about 6-7km (including to car park and back at lunch) so bear that in mind if you have young kids as getting to see everything with toddlers etc will be much harder so good idea to use their map and prioritise and plan your route better than we did! With young kids I think it is probably difficult to get to see everything in a day.

In addition to the zoo itself there are a number of play-areas dotted around, plenty of benches to rest in the sun or shade, picnic areas in the shade (so ideal for bringing your own food) and lots of cafes/restaurants. The food is more expensive as you would expect but not extortionate and you pay for the convenience and because there are lots of kiosks spread out it is much nicer than for example the large Thorpe Park food areas.

There are lots of staff wandering around that are super friendly and helpful if you have questions about where to go, or want to ask something about the animals.

We also found an area where you could hold a stick insect or cockroach on your hand! And lots of talks/demos at various times throughout the day which were really educational and interesting and pitched at all ages.

The little Madagascar train that takes you through the lemar area is well worth doing as it also goes past the wolves which are fab to see and you can’t see them so easily without the train. The train takes you back to where you started (great if you have a pram you need to leave), or you can walk away after the lemar zone and cut down some walking if you do your planning.

Even though it is probably aimed at younger kids my daughter and I loved walking around the farmyard zone in-between the friendly goats and also seeing the guinea pig village.

Large gift shop by the entrance and plenty of toilets. The walkways around the complex too are good as well covered if it is sunny and protected if raining apart from the area near the elephants, rhinos etc.

Good to go early and then you can see the large animals close up before they get let out into their larger enclosures.

We bought tickets online the night before (you can use them on your phone so don’t need to print) and it was quick getting through this way.

It is clear this zoo is always looking to improve itself with the zoo animals centre and foremost, so for that in itself, this zoo...

As a family, we absolutely love attending The Trail of Terror. Over the past five years, this event has become a highlight for us, and we always look forward to the thrills and excitement it brings. Despite being CZS membership holders, we have noticed that there is no discount provided for members, whether it is for entry to the event (£28.50pp, plus booking fee) or for food and drink during the night. The event is specifically not recommended for children under the age of 12, with the minimum permitted age being 5. Due to these age restrictions, the crowd tends to be made up mostly of teenagers. As a result, it is not uncommon to hear a fair amount of anti-social language throughout the evening, so it is worth being prepared for this environment. To ensure a smooth entry, it is important to have your QR code ready. This helps everyone get through the doors quickly and onto the trail as soon as the event begins. Everyone, including the scarers, staff, magicians, and contortionists at The Trail of Terror are exceptional, always making sure that everyone is having a good time. At the start of the event, there are several reminders and warnings about not touching the performers. This emphasis suggests that there may have been problems with this in previous years, and the organisers are keen to prevent any issues. I often wish I could capture some of the remarkable sets and costumes, but the eerie lighting makes it difficult to take good photos. Additionally, the chance of being startled by a performer nearby might lead to dropping a phone, and it is safe to assume that CZS takes no responsibility for any damages that occur in these circumstances. I’ve ‘borrowed’ a few photos for purpose of this review. There are a few 'safe zones' along the trail where you can purchase food and drink but it is not the same at each venue. Don't assume that you can get the same food and drink at each stop because you can't go back and there are no shortcuts. Only god knows why my son loves the hot dogs, with the American style plastic cheese, but he has to have one every time we visit. Each year, the route around the zoo and the horror themes are updated, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. However, the highlight for us remains the train ride, which is included as part of the trail. The conductors are always outstanding, and it is a mystery how they manage to keep their voices intact throughout the night – perhaps it is a bit of All Hallows' Eve...

Firstly, beware if you used clubcard or are paying on the day as the queues get massive and although there are about 6 tills, they only staff 3 of them.

If you're visiting during weekends or holidays and want breathing room, get in early and head to the far end of the zoo where it's less crowded. You will still have to queue for some things but this makes the experience a lot less stressful. Also, keep a few 1 pound coins with you as there's still lots of things that don't take carc like goat feeding.

With regards to the food they sell, it's extraordinarily expensive considering the entrance fee. Even mr whippy ice creams where just over £4 each!! However, they do allow for picnics and you can use the reentry wristbands to pop back out to the car to grab your food or just walk round with it.

Generally animals seemed happy and had enough room. However, the lions have hardly any room and sometimes just pace the cage up and down with nothing to do. Elephants also don't really have anything like their territories in the wild, but I guess it is a zoo.

For photographers, it's a decent zoo, and I managed to get a few good pictures. Would recommend a polarising filter as smeary glass often reflects in photos.

Lorikeets or Australian Rainbows are awesome and are always a big hit. Unlike goat food, the ¼ small cup of nectar can be paid for with card.

Staff are usually friendly and helpful.

All in all, I'd say the zoo is OK, yes a lot of hilly walking and definitely someone trying to make money but still seems to care for animals and you can have a good time whatever age you are. The train ride will go well with younger kids if they can wait long enough. Again get to it nice and early to save the same level of queueing.

Under 4s will almost definitely need to use a buggy and under 3s go free. Allow an extra £25+ per family if only buying ice creams and not your lunch. Because you will spend money on loads of other bits of the zoo.

They get four stars because visiting outside of peak times is less stressful and less crowded. Inset days are a good opportunity and Saturdays outside of school holidays are not so busy.

If you enjoy it I would recommend upgrading...