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UK / East / Essex

Colchester Zoo

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, UK

Enjoy a wild adventure at the Eastern region’s No. 1 Zoo, Colchester Zoological Society!

Escape to the vast plains of Africa or step into the humid habitat of Asia! With over 150 species to see across 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, your exploration will provide a full day of ‘edutainment’.

Get closer to nature at CZS with a whole host of fun activities. Hand feed the colourful lorikeets a sweet nectar treat, get hands on at the award-winning Exploratorium, enjoy a trip on the Lost Madagascar Express Road Train to rest your feet, or watch your little one release their wild side at the Jungle Tumble soft play!

Be sure to stop by one of the many animal encounters to find out more about your favourite species and don’t forget to journey through Dinosaur Realm to discover more about the prehistoric creatures of the past, PLUS so much more!

Your adventure at Essex’s top conservation Zoo, CZS, isn’t just a great day out for all ages, but also helps to care for wildlife and wild places worldwide, protecting all creatures great and small, from the towering giraffe to the crawling insects!

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Opening Times

Opening times vary according to season

Prices

See our website for details.

Facilities

Café

Car Parking

Picnic Site

Baby Changing

Disabled Access

Toilets

Events

22nd Nov - 24th Dec

The Santa Experience at Colchester Zoo

Step into Santa’s magical world located within the Zoo…

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28th Nov - 29th Dec

Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo

Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over 20,000 lights, and NEW animal sculptures, all put together by our creative in-house events team!

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4th Dec 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Passholder Shopping Evening at Colchester Zoo

Join us for our late night Christmas Passholder Shopping events on Thursday 6th November & Thursday 4th December 2025!

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Other things to do nearby

6th - 24th Dec

Santa Specials at Colne Valley Miniature Railway

Take a short diesel train ride to visit Santa in his parlour, after that visit the workshop where children can choose their gift.

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4th Dec 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Passholder Shopping Evening at Colchester Zoo

Join us for our late night Christmas Passholder Shopping events on Thursday 6th November & Thursday 4th December 2025!

 View event
28th Nov - 29th Dec

Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo

Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over 20,000 lights, and NEW animal sculptures, all put together by our creative in-house events team!

 View event
22nd Nov - 24th Dec

The Santa Experience at Colchester Zoo

Step into Santa’s magical world located within the Zoo…

 View event
30th Dec - 2nd Jan

2K Bobble Hat Run at the Nuclear Wild Forest Outdoor Activity Centre

Beat the post Christmas cabin fever and join us for a 2K woodland obstacle run, it’s a relaxed, fun vibe.

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Nuclear Wild Forest Outdoor Activity Centre

Nuclear Wild Forest is a unique outdoor obstacle and activity centre located in Brentwood that offers muddy fun for all!

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Latest News

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