Colchester Colchester Zoo Hotels

Top reasons to visit Colchester Zoo

• Engaging Audio Tours: Enhance your visit with informative audio tours that provide insights into the diverse animal exhibits.
• Nearby Attractions: Discover historical sites like Colchester Castle and the scenic Essex countryside, perfect for family outings.
• Leisure Activities: Enjoy golf, fishing, and spa treatments in the surrounding area, adding to your relaxation options.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from hotels and charming bed & breakfasts, catering to families and pet owners alike.
• Friendly Local Community: Experience the vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality of the locals in Colchester.

Find great hotels near Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo offers a delightful escape for visitors seeking accommodation nearby. With a variety of lodging options, including hotels and charming bed & breakfasts, you can find the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Many establishments cater to families and pet owners, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you prefer a quaint inn or a modern hotel, you'll discover excellent choices for your visit to this enchanting destination.

• Dragonfly Hotel Colchester: This welcoming 3-star hotel offers a charming retreat located 10km from Colchester Zoo. With an inviting atmosphere, it features a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, along with a bar and lounge for relaxation after a day's adventures. Guests can enjoy modern entertainment options, including satellite and LCD televisions in their rooms. The nearby zoo adds a delightful touch for animal enthusiasts, making it an excellent choice for families and leisure travellers seeking comfort and convenience.
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester: Positioned just 3km from Colchester Zoo, this 4-star establishment caters particularly to families and business travellers. The hotel boasts a range of child-friendly amenities, including first aid kits and window guards, ensuring a safe environment for younger guests. It also welcomes pets, accommodating dogs and cats with a thoughtful pet policy. The property is designed to provide a comfortable and practical base for exploring the area, making it ideal for both leisure and business trips.
• Holiday Inn Express Braintree by IHG: Situated 21km from Colchester Zoo, this 3-star hotel has received a commendable guest rating of 8.8 out of 10. It offers a contemporary stay tailored for pet owners and business travellers alike. With a pet-friendly policy allowing dogs, the hotel ensures a hassle-free experience for those travelling with furry companions. Guests can expect modern conveniences and a warm atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for those looking to balance work and leisure during their visit.

Where to stay near Colchester Zoo

Colchester, steeped in history, offers a delightful mix of attractions near Colchester Zoo. Visitors can explore the charming Essex countryside, perfect for family outings, or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of local parks. With friendly locals and a vibrant community, the area caters to both budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a business vibe. Don’t miss the chance to experience the rich heritage and numerous attractions that Colchester has to offer.

• Colchester: As the oldest recorded town in Britain, Colchester offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Colchester Zoo, a major attraction, is a family-friendly destination nestled within beautiful parkland. The city boasts excellent shopping facilities, including modern shopping centres and malls. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic parks and private gardens, while those keen on education can explore the local modern college and university. With a steady influx of visitors throughout the year, especially in April, July, and September, Colchester promises a vibrant city-themed experience.
• Braintree: Located approximately 19km from Colchester Zoo, Braintree is a burgeoning town known for its bustling shopping centres and vibrant theatre scene. The city experiences a steady flow of tourists, particularly peaking in March, April, and July. Braintree is ideal for families and business travellers alike, offering a range of activities from shopping to engaging events at its conference venues. History buffs will find delight in the local historic places, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy the facilities available at the local stadium, making Braintree a well-rounded destination.
• Maldon: Just 18km from Colchester Zoo, Maldon is a charming town that invites visitors to explore its stunning outdoor spaces and adventurous activities. Known for its picturesque waterfront and historic sites, Maldon attracts families looking for both relaxation and adventure, particularly during the peak months of April and July to August. Visitors can enjoy golf at local country clubs or relax at family-friendly beaches. The nearby national park offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, ensuring that Maldon provides a delightful experience for all who visit.

Things to do near Colchester Zoo

Shopping

Colchester Zoo offers a delightful shopping experience with its onsite gift shop, where you can find unique animal-themed souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the nearby Culver Square Shopping Centre features a variety of shops, while Lion Walk offers charming boutiques and eateries in the heart of the town.

Recreation

Colchester Zoo provides an enchanting environment for relaxation, with its tranquil gardens and diverse wildlife. Engage in mindfulness walks while observing exotic animals, or unwind at their café, offering wholesome refreshments amidst beautiful scenery. The zoo's peaceful atmosphere encourages connection with nature, enhancing your overall wellness experience.

Adventure

Explore the thrilling atmosphere at Foxhall Stadium, located 34km from Colchester Zoo, where you can experience the excitement of motor racing. Feel the adrenaline as you watch fast cars zoom around the track, immersed in the vibrant energy of the motorsport scene.

Nightlife

Colchester Zoo offers a unique atmosphere in the evening, with occasional events like twilight tours where you can observe animals in a different light. Nearby, enjoy the local pubs and restaurants that host live music and vibrant social scenes, enhancing your overall experience of Colchester's nightlife.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colchester Zoo

To save money on your visit to Colchester Zoo, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, and aim for a Thursday stay for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and sort options from lowest to highest price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for greater savings. Remember, avoiding weekends, particularly Saturdays, can help you keep costs down while enjoying this award-winning attraction.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colchester Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colchester Zoo is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Colchester Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Colchester Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Colchester Zoo

During your visit to Colchester Zoo, you can also explore nearby attractions such as the historic Tower, scenic private gardens, and charming windmills. These points of interest provide a delightful blend of culture and outdoor experiences, perfect for families. Don't miss the chance to discover Colchester Castle and immerse yourself in the local history while enjoying your time in this vibrant area.

• Colchester Castle Park: A charming private garden located 6km from Colchester Zoo, this park offers a serene atmosphere with friendly locals and a rich historical backdrop, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
• Layer Marney Tower: Situated 5km from the zoo, this historic tower showcases stunning architecture and provides a glimpse into the local culture, with beautiful gardens surrounding the site that enhance its historical significance.
• Colchester Town Hall: Also 5km away, this impressive civic building reflects the town's heritage and culture. Its striking façade and historical features make it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Colchester Zoo

The best time to visit Colchester Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Colchester Zoo falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Colchester Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	44.2°F (6.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	48.0°F (8.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.0°F (17.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	60.1°F (15.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
November	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
December	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is easily accessible from several major airports. London Heathrow (LHR) is 98km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Sofitel London Heathrow, located 3km from the airport, and the Great Fosters - A Small Luxury Hotel, 10km away. London Gatwick (LGW) is 105km distant, offering options such as the 5-star Alexander House And Utopia Spa, 8km from the airport, and the Windfalls Boutique Hotel, 5km away. The closest is London Stansted (STN), just 39km from the zoo, with excellent hotels like the 5-star The Linden Stansted, 5km away, and the Radisson Blu Hotel, only 322m from the airport.