Holiday cottages near Colchester Zoo to rent

Holiday cottages near Colchester Zoo

Hailed as the 11th best zoo in the world, Colchester Zoo is the perfect day out for animal lovers. Home to a whopping 240 species of animals, this incredible zoo is set over 60 acres of pretty parkland and boasts an array of different habitats and features.

Spend a delightful day marvelling at the lightning-fast cheetahs, laughing at the playful orangutans and trembling before the fearsome Komodo dragons. As well as having plenty of ‘exotic’ creatures, the zoo’s ‘Familiar Friends’ area features donkeys, goats, pigs and llamas, meaning there’s no shortage of cute and cuddly animals for the little ones too.

As well as animals, you’ll also find play areas, face painting stations and interactive areas at Colchester Zoo, making it the perfect all-round family-friendly destination. What’s more, there’s plenty to see and do in the town of Colchester and the surrounding area, meaning you might as well make a relaxing break out of it.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious holiday lodge or budget-friendly self-catered accommodation, you’ll find the dream holiday home for you near Colchester Zoo. Opt for a dog-friendly holiday cottage with plenty of living room space for the perfect family holiday. Or else choose a secluded spot, complete with a private hot tub and maybe even a swimming pool, for the ultimate romantic break.

Whatever type of accommodation you opt for, there’s one thing for sure: big or small, old or young, everyone will just love a trip to Colchester Zoo!

Getting to Colchester Zoo

You can find Colchester Zoo at the following address: Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Colchester, CO3 0SL.

Travelling by car to Colchester Zoo

Those travelling to Colchester Zoo by car will find the zoo located just off the A12, south of Colchester. Take the A1124 exit at Junction 26 and follow the signs to the zoo. Parking is free at the zoo and those with disabilities will find disabled parking spots situated close to the entrance.

Travelling by train to Colchester Zoo

If you’ve decided to do your bit for the planet and travel to Colchester Zoo by train then good on you! Colchester Main Train Station has direct services from London Liverpool Street, as well as Norwich and Ipswich. The zoo is just ten minutes away from the station and can be reached by either a bus or a taxi.

Travelling by bus to Colchester Zoo

Those reaching Colchester by bus will be happy to hear National Express runs up to four direct services between London and Colchester. Once you arrive at Colchester Bus Station, you’ll be able to connect to the number 75 bus which will take you straight to the zoo.

Towns to stay near Colchester Zoo

Colchester

With a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, a short break in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, promises to be both relaxing and fun-filled.

Brightlingsea

An ancient maritime town, Brightlingsea is just 20 mins away from Colchester Zoo. Surrounded by stunning beaches and colourful beach huts, this is the perfect spot for those who do like to be beside the seaside,

Ipswich

Another historic town, Ipswich has been inhabited since at least the Anglo-Saxon era and has plenty of history and culture for visitors to explore.

West Mersea

Another one for the seaside lovers, the sleepy town of West Mersea is located on the beautiful Mersea Island and is just a 20-minute drive away from Colchester Zoo.

Woodbridge

Situated on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just 40 minutes away from Colchester Zoo, the bustling market town of Woodbridge is the ultimate base.

Things to do near Colchester Zoo

Colchester Castle

Kids and adults alike will love a trip to Colchester Castle. Built on the foundations of a Roman temple, which was burnt down by Boudica herself when she destroyed the town in her Celtic revolt, the castle itself is nearly 1,000 years old. With interactive displays, Celtic coin hordes and magnificent suits of armour on display, everyone will be awe-inspired by this incredible family attraction.

Mersea Island

Just 20 minutes away from the town of Colchester, Mersea Island is a wonderful day trip for anyone wanting to get out and about in the local countryside. The island stretches on for approximately seven miles and is full of stunning scenery and fun things to do. Wander along the pretty beaches, explore the local nature reserve or take to the sea for a sailing trip.

Hollytrees Museum

Close by Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum is a great spot for anyone wanting to discover more about the unique history of the town. Featuring a host of creative interactive displays and exhibits, you’ll be able to discover what life was really like for the poor and rich over the last 300 years. This elegant Georgian townhouse also hosts a collection of toys and costumes from the past three centuries.

Beth Chatto Gardens

The world-renowned Beth Chatto Gardens is an exquisite place to spend a relaxing afternoon. With five different gardens, bursting an array of plants and flowers, as well as a tearoom on-site, you can work up an appetite wandering around before tucking into a cup of tea and slice of cake. Keen gardeners will also love the nursery, where they can purchase some of the plants for themselves.

The Vale of Dedham

Situated in the very heart of Constable Country, a trip to the Vale of Dedham is a must for any art and nature lover. The famous landscape painter John Constable was born here and the local area inspired some of his most famous works.