Credit: Photo by David White on Unsplash
Credit: Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash
Duration:
Full day
Price range:
£10 to £25
Over £25
Suitable for:
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
1 Hill Hack
Colchester Zoo is famously hilly! Use the free Lost Madagascar Road Train (near Tiger Taiga) to travel uphill towards the Edge of Africa section, saving little legs a steep climb.
2 Best Picnic View
For lunch with an amazing view, head to the balcony above the Kingdom of the Wild building. It overlooks the large savanna enclosure with giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and ostriches.
3 Soft Play Strategy
The Jungle Tumble indoor soft play requires a free timed slot, bookable online in advance. Secure your 45-minute session early on busy days, and remember everyone needs socks!
4 Lorikeet Feeding Tip
Feeding the lorikeets nectar (costs £1 per pot, from 10:30 am) is very popular. Arrive fairly early for this experience as the nectar pots can sell out quickly, especially during peak times.
INSIDER TIP
Pop into the Discovery Den (near the Sensation Station) and ask if they have any free 'Animal Explorer' activity sheets. Availability varies, but they sometimes have simple spotter sheets or puzzles for younger visitors.
About Colchester Zoo
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 Family Itinerary Perfect for Kids
Make the most of your visit with this suggested timeline. Adjust based on your family's interests and pace.
Arrival & African Plains
Arrive promptly for opening time. Head towards the 'Kingdom of the Wild' paddock to see giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and ostriches starting their day.
Lost Madagascar Express
Take a ride on the free road train up the hill to the 'Lost Madagascar' walkthrough enclosure. Enjoy spotting lemurs leaping around you!
African Animal Encounter
Head back down towards 'Kingdom of the Wild' in time for the informative talk and potential feeding session with the African paddock animals.
Sea Lion Splash
Make your way to 'Playa Patagonia' to catch the popular Patagonian sea lion display and feeding time (check daily schedule for exact times, usually midday and afternoon).
Lunch & Play Break
Grab lunch at Penguini's Restaurant near the Kids' Safari Play Area or find a designated picnic spot. Let the kids burn off energy in a nearby play zone.
Edge of Africa & Orangutans
Explore the 'Edge of Africa' section to see lions, mandrills, and hyenas. Afterwards, visit the impressive 'Rajang's Forest' indoor orangutan habitat.
Australian Rainbows & Wallabies
Visit the 'Australian Rainbows' walkthrough aviary - buy nectar (£1) early for the best chance to feed the lorikeets. Then hop through the 'Wallaby Walkabout'.
Penguin Feed & Final Farewell
Catch the final penguin feeding at the 'Inca Trail' before making your way towards the exit, perhaps stopping by the tigers or leopards on the way.
Pro Tips for Families:
- Colchester Zoo is very hilly! Wear comfy shoes, check the 'Easier Route' on the map if needed, and use the free Lost Madagascar Express train, especially going uphill.
- Plan your day around the free animal talks and feeding times - check the schedule on the zoo's app or board on arrival. Arrive 5-10 minutes early for popular sessions.
- Book zoo tickets online in advance for savings. You MUST also pre-book a free timed slot for the Jungle Tumble indoor soft play when booking tickets, as spaces are limited.
- Get up close in the walkthroughs! Buy nectar early for 'Australian Rainbows' (lorikeets) as it sells out, and enjoy the 'Wallaby Walkabout' and 'Lost Madagascar' (lemurs).
Opening Hours
We are open every day from 9.30am except Christmas Day. Closing times vary according to season.
Please note that the Zoo may close up to 30 minutes prior to closing time stated depending on level of trade.
Last admission to the zoo grounds is 1 hour prior to close.
Saturday 5th April 2025 – Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Monday to Friday Term Time: 5:00pm close
Weekends and School Holidays: 5:30pm close
Wednesday 23rd July 2025 – Sunday 31st August 2025
School Holidays: 6:00pm close
9th & 30th August 2025: 8:00pm close
Monday 1st September 2025 – Friday 3rd October 2025
Monday to Friday Term Time: 5:00pm close
Weekends and School Holidays: 5:30pm close
Saturday 4th October 2025 – Sunday 2nd November 2025
Monday to Friday Term Time: 4:30pm close
Weekends and School Holidays: 5:00pm close
Monday 3rd November 2025 – Wednesday 31st December 2025
Monday to Friday Term Time: 4:00pm close
Weekends and School Holidays: 4:30pm close
Thursday 25th December 2025
CLOSED
Entry prices
Standard gate prices:
- Adult (16 – 59yrs) – £28.50
- Child (3 – 15yrs) – £21
- Senior (60+) – £27
- Under 3 or assistant – Free
Weekday E-ticket prices:
- Adult (16 – 59yrs) – £24.23
- Child (3 – 15yrs) – £17.85
- Senior (60+) – £22.95
- Under 3 or assistant – Free
Weekend E-ticket prices:
- Adult (16 – 59yrs) – £27.08
- Child (3 – 15yrs) – £19.95
- Senior (60+) – £24.30
- Under 3 or assistant – Free
School holiday E-ticket prices:
- Adult (16 – 59yrs) – £25.65
- Child (3 – 15yrs) – £18.90
- Senior (60+) – £24.30
- Under 3 or assistant – Free
Colchester Zoo Birthday Party Hire
Yes, Colchester Zoo offers exciting birthday party packages for children and families.
Each package includes full access to the zoo, a choice of two close-up animal encounters, and a range of fun, family-friendly activities to make the day extra special.
Contact directly for more information and booking.
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
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