Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Day Trip from London | Colchester Zoo
LunaLuna
360
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 gets my vote.
Sue Vogt-SkardSue Vogt-Skard
10
We booked the 'perfect partners giraffe feeding experience' Myself and my partner got to feed the giraffes, a 2 course meal, a free gift, 15% off in the gift shop and entrance into the zoo. When we arrived, the lady at the desk was very friendly and welcoming. She signed us in and gave us the information we needed. We picked our main course for our lunch and then went to wait for the keeper. Adam was on time and very welcoming. He walked us to the giraffes and was telling us a little about them as we went and asking a little about why we had chosen the giraffes. He was very funny and obviously really loves his job and cares about the animals. He was extremely informative about giraffes in general and especially his 4 girls. He also told us a little about the other animals in his care when we showed interest. It was an absolutely amazing experience and we cannot thank Adam enough! (Also, if someone who knows him sees this, can you tell him the gift bag was indeed giraffe related. He told us he didnt know what was in it and hoped it would be giraffe related) We then walked around the park a little, we were amazed at the amount of walk throughs they had. My personal favourite was the rainbow lorikeets, which we were able to pay £1 to get food for them. They also had a goat one, which we didnt notice the machine with food in for 50p until after we had walked through, Wallabys, sloth and lemurs. We saw an elephant playing with a puddle, which was adorable. We really enjoyed the paddock that the giraffes came out into, they were with zerba, rhinos and Ostrich. They have a huge selection of animals and we were impressed with the size of their enclosers. Our lunch was wonderful. The staff honestly couldnt help enough and were just so friendly. We came with 2 friends and they went above and beyound to accommodate us and make sure we were happy with everything and enjoying ourselves. The gift shop was impressive. They had the usual stuff you have at zoos and so much more. Cannot thank everyone we interacted with enough for making it such a perfect day! Best birthday present ever.
Ellen SouthfieldEllen Southfield
10
July 1st What a day! I've been a frequent visitor to Colchester zoo my entire life but today was super special. For my 30th birthday my Fiancé purchased the full day EXTRA-ordinary experience. It was £700 but worth every penny and some. It allows up to 4 people with the option of paying extra for additional. We were looked after and guided around by Lisa who was a fantastic host for the day. Her energy and passion for what she does, the Animals and everything the zoo is doing came out and shined throughout the day. When we arrived Lisa was waiting for us in the car park and took us to the restaurant for Breakfast, included in the cost. (I hope I've got this name right) Kelly looked after us every time we were in the restaurant and was an absolute delight. Not to forget this is in a private room! Once we were done eating we were straight off to our first animal encounter. The included encounters were Giraffes, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Elephants, Sea Lions, Meerkats, Tigers, Otters, Penguins, Aardvarks and Gelada Baboons. Lisa was full of knowledge not only on the animal encounters but also on multiple species across the zoo. Moving between encounters never seemed rushed and we were able to cover so much throughout the day. Half way through the encounters we returned for lunch (also included in the price). Where all of us enjoyed everything we had and were still full on the evening at home. You actually get a two course lunch but we opted for dessert at the end of the day. Once lunch was over we finished the remaining encounters which were all special on their own way. Some encounters you can feed the animals. Others you have the animals regular keepers come and explain about the animal and the behind the scenes work that is done for them. When we returned for the final time to the restaurant (private room) we had our dessert and were gifted a souvenir for the day. It was the perfect day and I cannot thank Lisa enough for sharing her knowledge, looking after us and being such a wonderful host ❤️
Joseph BrownJoseph Brown
00
Colchester Zoo is an absolute treasure and a must-visit for anyone in the area! From the moment you arrive, you can feel the excitement in the air. The zoo is beautifully laid out, with a perfect balance of natural habitats and well-maintained pathways that make exploring a joy. There’s so much to see and do, making it an ideal day out for families, couples, or even solo visitors. One of the highlights is the incredible variety of animals. From majestic lions and tigers to playful penguins and lemurs, the zoo offers a chance to see wildlife from all corners of the globe. The enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed, allowing the animals to thrive while giving visitors fantastic viewing opportunities. The interactive experiences, like feeding the elephants or walking through the lorikeet aviary, add an extra layer of excitement and make for unforgettable memories. What truly stands out about Colchester Zoo is the attention to detail and the care given to both the animals and the visitors. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, always happy to share information and answer questions. The educational talks and feeding times are well worth attending, offering fascinating insights into the lives of the animals. The facilities are excellent too. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, with a good range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The picnic areas are lovely, providing scenic spots to relax and enjoy your lunch. Plus, the zoo is very family-friendly, with lots of play areas for children and thoughtful touches like accessible paths and seating throughout the park. Overall, Colchester Zoo is a fantastic day out. The variety of animals, the beautiful setting, and the friendly staff make it a place you'll want to visit again and again. It's easy to see why it’s so highly regarded—this is one zoo that truly stands out!
Lee BaldockLee Baldock
00
A Memorable Day at Colchester Zoo I recently had the pleasure of visiting Colchester Zoo with some friends and their kids to celebrate a very special occasion—my good friend's husband's 40th birthday. The day turned out to be a delightful experience for both the adults and the kids, filled with fun, laughter, and a good dose of nature. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by how well-maintained and organized the zoo was. The layout made it easy to navigate, even with a group, and the variety of animals on display was simply fantastic. We were especially captivated by the big cats and the elephants, which were a hit with the kids. The zoo's efforts in conservation and the detailed information provided about each animal's habitat and behaviour were both educational and engaging. One of the highlights of our day was enjoying the food and drinks we brought along. We found several picturesque picnic spots within the zoo where we could relax and indulge in our homemade treats. It was the perfect way to break up the day and recharge before continuing our exploration. The zoo also had plenty of interactive experiences for the kids, from feeding the animals to exploring the play areas, which kept them entertained and engaged throughout the visit. The staff were friendly and always ready to help, making the experience even more pleasant. Overall, our day at Colchester Zoo was a huge success. It was a perfect setting to celebrate a milestone birthday while enjoying quality time with friends and their families. I would highly recommend a visit to Colchester Zoo, whether you're an animal lover, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply someone who enjoys a well-organized and welcoming environment.
Aisosa ObasohanAisosa Obasohan
00
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Maldon Rd, Stanway, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1206 331292
Call
Website
colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(8.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Colchester Zoo is a zoological garden situated near Colchester, England. The zoo opened in 1963 and celebrated its 60th anniversary on 2 June 2023. It is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species.
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