Last admissions to zoo grounds in 1 hour before closing.
Encounter Timetable
There’s plenty to see and do at Colchester Zoo, so make sure you make the most of your day!
Visiting today?
Skip the queues and book E-tickets on your mobile!
These will be valid for today only and as they are booked on the day no discount is available on our gate price. All E-tickets are non refundable. Further T&Cs apply.
Closures:
From January 2020 Penguin Shores is due to undergo redevelopment work and will therefore be closed for approximately 6 months. Find out more here.
Supervision of Children:
Unfortunately we are unable to allow admittance to children under the age of 16yrs without a full paying adult or adult passholder. Children under the age of 16yrs must be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of 16yrs at all times whilst inside the park. Unsupervised children will not be granted admission.
Operating Hours:
Some catering and retail outlets will close at least one hour prior to the zoo grounds as well as some interactive areas and the Kingdom of the Wild building. Please click here for catering open hours or visit our Dining page.
Jungle Tumble promptly closes 30 minutes prior to zoo grounds, last entry to the soft play facilities are 45 minutes prior to zoo closing time.
Some of the larger animal buildings close 30 minutes prior to the zoo grounds with last admission to these areas up to 30 minutes before this time.
Please note that the zoo car parks close a maximum of 30 minutes after the zoo closes.
Explore our Resturants:
Safari Snack Shop
The Safari Snack Shop is situated at the Elephant Bush Walk and serves ice cream, Mr Whippy and hot and cold drinks.
Only open weekends and
The Horse Box
The Horse Box is situated near the Sensation Station and serves delicious Carte d’Or ice cream.
Why not stop by and see what flavour is yo
Slush Station
Slush Station gives you the option to make your own slush from the many flavours on offer.
Currently closed for winter season.
Spirit
Spirit is located inside the Kingdom of the Wild. This outlet offers hot and cold drinks as well as ice creams.
Spirit also has an indoor pi
Naughty and Nice
Located by Dragons of Komodo, Naughty and Nice offers delicious snacks and sandwiches for you to indulge in during your visit. Children’s lunch b
Tiger Taiga Chip Shop
Located next to Tiger Taiga, our chip shop offers tasty chips with your choice of dip, plus delicious chicken bites. Our chips are palm oil free ma
Tiger Taiga
Located next to Tiger Taiga, this outlet offers freshly made sandwiches, hot pastries, children’s lunch bags and ice creams.
Hot and cold
The Snack Shack
The Snack Shack is located outside Pengu
Ice Cream Parlour
The Ice Cream Parlour is located next to The Southern Kitchen restaurant and offers 18 different flavours of Carte d’Or ice cream. Mr Whippy is a
The Waterhole
Located on the corner of Elephant Kingdo
Sausage Hut
Enjoy a tasty hot dog and relax at The Sausage Hut by Otter Creek. Our sausages are locally sourced and served in a soft brioche bun.
Wrap Bar
Situated at the side of the lake, next to the smooth-coated otter enclosure, the Wrap Bar offers freshly made wraps with various fillings and plent
Playa Patagonia Coffee Shop
Playa Patagonia Ice Cream is situated next to our 24m tunnel that takes you under the water at the Playa Patagonia Sealion enclosure, through to Or
The Southern Kitchen
Situated next to Chimpanzee Lookout, thi
The Patisserie
The Patisserie offers fantastic table service in a relaxing environment. With a selection of light lunches, such as freshly-made sandwiches and sal
Meerkat Hangout
Located next to the meerkat enclosure, t
Penguini’s Pizza & Pasta Restaurant
Please be aware that Penguini's will open at the slightly later time of 10.30am on Breakfast with Santa event dates on the 7th, 14th, 20th,