Colchester Zoological Society

Facilities

Accessibility

• Assistance dogs welcome
• Autism Friendly - We have a number of Autism Friendly trained team members (they will be wearing a badge) who will do their best to assist you. You may wish to bring ear defenders to use in some places.
• Changing Places
• Disabled access - Colchester Zoological Society is situated in naturally hilly terrain, which we are understandably unable to level out. While we strive to make our site as accessible as possible, we are limited by the natural landscape and can only work with the existing terrain. To assist guests with limited mobility, we have identified and highlighted certain inclines to help you plan your route more easily.
• Disabled toilets - All sets of toilets around Colchester Zoo and have toilet facilities for those with disability. A registered Changing Places changing facility is also available for those with additional needs at the toilet facilities near the meerkat enclosure. This features a height adjustable changing bench, ceiling track hoist and space for more than one assistant.
• Facilities for hearing impaired - We have a hearing loop in a number of areas around the zoo. Tills in the entrance and at guest services are also fitted with loop systems. The majority of our team have disability awareness training via an ongoing professional development programme. We also have a printed guide of our Lost Madagascar Train commentary – please speak to the train driver on the day of your visit.
• Facilities for visually impaired - We recommend that you be accompanied by an assistant dog or sighted guide. There are accessible parking bays near the zoo entrance, if you have visual impairment, it is worth letting the car park marshals know so they can assist you in locating a space. If you need assistance during your visit, please make a member of our team aware.
• Mobility Scooter Hire
• Wheelchairs available - We have a facility to hire a limited number of manual wheelchairs and electric scooters inside the zoo grounds next to the zoo main entrance. Please contact us at least 24hrs in advance if you would like to reserve one for your visit.

Booking & Payment Details

• Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

• On-site catering - Our main food and drink outlet, Penguini’s Restaurant, and Meerkat Hangout are both open every day from 9:30am. Gourmet Sausage and The Waterhole are also open daily from 10:30am. Our other food outlets may be closed on weekdays and in certain seasons, so please check with our Guest Services team as you enter the zoo for all available outlets on the day of your visit. All available outlets are subject to change and supply chains, and may close due to extreme weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances without prior notice.
• On-site light refreshments
• Picnic site - Colchester Zoo has a number picnic benches and tables throughout the zoo for you to use.

Children

• Baby changing facilities
• Children welcome
• Pushchairs available - Colchester Zoo offers both single and double buggies for hire to help the little ones on their journey around the zoo!

Groups

• Coach parking
• Education/study area
• Facilities for Coach Driver
• Facilities for educational visits
• Facilities for groups - Colchester Zoo provides a fantastic day out for groups at amazing value! Save money by booking 15 or more paying people in advance.
• Mini Coach Parties Accepted

Parking

• Free Parking

Property Facilities

• Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs) - Please check our Assistance Dogs Accessibility Policy that sets our Code of Conduct for assistanc dog owners. We do not allow dogs to be left in cars, even with ventilation and water. Anyone found leaving dogs in their car will not be granted admission. We take this very seriously and take our lead from the RSPCA.
• Gift shop - You can visit The Outpost Gift Shop without having to enter the zoo.
• Public toilets
• WiFi or internet access

Suitability

• School Trips

Target Markets

• Accepts groups
• Coach parties accepted