🦁Colchester Zoo

Travel tips

• Arrive early for animal feeds

  Get to the zoo early to catch the daily animal feeding times and talks, which are popular with families and fill up quickly.

• Book tickets online for discounts

  Purchase tickets online in advance to save money compared to gate prices.

• Plan for a full day

  Allow a full day to explore the 60 acres properly. Rushing won't do the experience justice, especially with younger children.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes

  You'll be on your feet all day across parkland and lakes. Comfortable shoes are essential for the whole family.

• Pushchairs are fine but consider footwear

  Paths are pushchair-friendly throughout the zoo, but they can be uneven in places so sturdy wheels help.

• Baby changing facilities available

  Baby-changing stations are located throughout the zoo, so no need to worry about changing facilities.

• Visit the splash park in summer

  The 'Sea Lion Splash' outdoor splash park runs during summer months only. Bring spare clothes and towels if your children will use it.

• Turtle Forest offers indoor soft play

  The 'Turtle Forest' indoor soft play area provides shelter on rainy days and is great for burning off energy.

• Multiple cafes throughout the grounds

  You'll find several cafes dotted around the zoo, so you don't need to leave to eat. Alternatively, bring a picnic.

• Picnic areas are available

  Designated picnic areas let you bring your own food if you prefer to save money and cater to dietary needs.

• Wheelchair hire is offered

  If anyone in your group has mobility issues, wheelchairs are available to hire on site.

• Book animal encounters in advance

  Hand-on encounters like giraffe feeding are popular. Worth checking ahead or arriving early to secure spots.

• Outdoor Adventure Play for active kids

  The 'Outdoor Adventure Play' area with slides and climbing frames is ideal if your children need to run around between animal viewing.

• Take the train ride to rest tired legs

  The zoo train offers a fun break from walking, particularly helpful if you have little ones who get tired.

• Explore themed zones for variety

  Themed zones like 'Lost Madagascar' and 'Worlds Apart' help break up the day and keep children engaged throughout.

• Over 260 species keeps interest high

  With such variety, most age groups from babies upwards will find something to engage them, even if they don't stay for the full day.

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Nearby places

• 

  Colchester Zoo

  nearby

  Colchester Zoo is one of the UK's leading zoos, home to over 260 species in spacious, naturalistic enclosures spread across 60 acres of parkland and lakes. Families can explore themed zones like 'Lost Madagascar' with lemurs and 'Worlds Apart' featuring tigers and lions. Daily animal talks and feeding demonstrations offer engaging learning opportunities. For kids, there are multiple play areas including the 'Turtle Forest' indoor soft play, the 'Sea Lion Splash' outdoor splash park (summer only), and the 'Outdoor Adventure Play' with slides and climbing frames. The zoo also has a train ride and a variety of hands-on encounters like feeding giraffes. Facilities include multiple cafes and picnic areas, pushchair-friendly paths, baby-changing stations, and wheelchair hire. The zoo is mostly outdoor, but the indoor play zone and some animal houses provide shelter on rainy days. Practical tips: Arrive early to see animal feeds; book tickets online for discounts; allow a full day; wear comfortable shoes.

• 

  Cudmore Grove Country Park

  6.9 mi

  Cudmore Grove Country Park is a beautiful coastal park on the eastern tip of Mersea Island, Essex. It offers a mix of grassland, woodland, and a sandy beach with fossil-rich cliffs. Families can enjoy picnicking, beachcombing, and walking trails through the nature reserve. The park is especially popular for fossil hunting, with ammonites and other prehistoric finds common. - Highlights: beach, fossil hunting, views of the Colne and Blackwater estuaries, birdwatching - Ages: Suitable for all ages; toddlers can enjoy the beach and gentle paths, older kids can explore the nature reserve - Facilities: Visitor centre (seasonal), car park (pay and display), picnic areas, toilets (accessible, but limited) - Practical tips: Parking charges apply (£4-5 per day); bring wellies and a fossil hammer; dogs allowed on leads; no cafe on site, so bring snacks.