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Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is now one of the finest Zoos in Europe due to a constant programme of development and recently won the coveted "Large Visitor Attraction of the Year" Award from the East of England Tourist Board. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit.
Colchester Zoo has just opened Leopards at Ussuri Falls for the critically endangered Amur Leopard. Other enclosures include the state of the art, Orangutan Forest, which has cost around £1.75 million pounds to complete.
You can see sea lions swimming above your heads at 'Playa Patagonia', the new "Dragons of Komodo" or penguins swimming underwater at Penguin Shores. Plus you can watch some of our African animals roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild with a number of beautiful African Elephants in Spirit of Africa opposite giving you the feeling of being on a real Safari. Colchester Zoo also has some of the rarest big cats in the world including a White Tiger, Amur tigers and leopards.
There are also over 50 daily displays including the unique opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself! There’s a soft play area – Kalahari Capers, 4 adventure play areas, three trains and more, Colchester Zoo is a fabulous day out!
If you’d like to get more involved there is a range of animal experiences to take part in including the chance to be a Keeper for the Day, Shorter Keeper Shadowing experiences plus Zoo Academy for kids. You can have a birthday party or adopt an animal and visit whenever you like with Gold or Platinum Passes! Just visit our website for more details!!
Prices do change, please check website before you visit.
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Prices
Main season: Adults £15.99, Children £9.50 (3-14 yrs), Under 3s free. OAP £11.99
Group rates available, please call for details.
Prices do change according to season, please check website before you visit.
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Thu 1 Oct 2009 - Fri 31 Dec 2010 | Mon - Sun 09:30 to 17:00 |
| Christmas Day | closed |
| Notes | The Zoo will close at dusk if dusk is earlier than 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. |
Contact
Guest ServicesTel: 01206 331292
enquiries@colchester-zoo.co.uk
www.colchester-zoo.comVenue
Colchester ZooMaldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL
Map reference: TL 953221
By Road:
From the centre of Colchester take the B1022, Maldon Road and follow the brown elephant signs.
By public transport:
Take bus 75 from Colchester Bus Station. This bus service runs every hour.
Parking : free
Accessible by Public Transport : Colchester station
Events at this venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sun 3 Oct 2010 | World Animal Day |
| Sat 23 - Sun 31 Oct 2010 | Shriek Week at Colchester Zoo! |
| Wed 27 Oct 2010 | Shriek Week Late Nights at Colchester Zoo |
| Fri 29 Oct 2010 | Shriek Week Late Nights at Colchester Zoo |
| Sun 31 Oct 2010 | Shriek Week Late Nights at Colchester Zoo |
| Sat 27, Sun 28 Nov 2010 | The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo |
| Sat 4, Sun 5 Dec 2010 | The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo |
| Sat 11, Sun 12 Dec 2010 | The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo |
| Thu 16 - Fri 24 Dec 2010 | The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo |
| Thu 23 Dec 2010 | The Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo |
Self-assessed accessibility details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities- Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
- is solid
- Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
- Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Entrance
- Entrance is well lit
- Automatic door at the main entrance
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
- From the entrance to reception / ticket area
- To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- To the gift shop
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
- Baby changing facilities
- Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
- Visitor information available in audio format
- Hearing loop installed in public areas
Food
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Menus available in large print (14pt and over)
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
- Sugar free (diabetic)
- Gluten free (coeliacs)
- Lactose free (dairy free)
- Nut free
- Additive free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
- High chairs for children
- Children's menu
General
- Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
- Clear signage
- Effective lighting for visually impaired visitors
- Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
- Wheelchairs provided
- Free
- Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
- Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
- Audible alarm system
Notes
Colchester Zoo does have some steep hills. For this reason it offers a reduced rate for the disabled. An Easier Route is in place which it is recommended should be used by wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.