Inspired Itineraries: A Car-Free Day Trip to Colchester Zoological Society (ad/pr)

No car? No problem. Come along with us as - in collaboration with First Bus and Colchester Zoological Society - we show you the best car-free day trip from Colchester, perfect for families.

When you don't have a car, it's easy to feel limited in what you can do. After a few days, you can start to feel like you've explored all there is to explore, and seen all there is to see but - thanks to Colchester's great and varied transport links - the city centre is just the beginning. With Colchester as your base, there are lots of great day trips you can take - with or without a car!

Today's stop, courtesy of our friends over at First Bus, is Colchester Zoological Society. This site is set within over 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes and is home to over 155 different species from all across the globe. Beyond the fantastic selection of animals in its care, Colchester Zoological Society offers up informative talks, parades and entertainment, ensuring it's the perfect family-friendly spot.

This itinerary is recommended as part of our ‘Inspired Itineraries’ collection, where we share more about what Colchester and the surrounding areas have to offer, so be sure to check out some of our other entries on our blog.

Can I Take the Bus to Colchester Zoological Society?

The First Bus can be taken directly from the City Centre - if you're lucky, you may even see one of their wrapped buses!Colchester Zoo Wrapped Bus 2025

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the First Bus app, or on the bus using cash or contactless. If you're purchasing on the app, you'll see options for both Adults and Children - when you board the bus, you can easily scan your digital ticket and set off!

The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes (depending on traffic), and you'll be dropped off a short walk from the Colchester Zoological Society site. Follow the posted signs, and you'll be right at the entrance in just a few minutes! The path is wide enough for a regular wheelchair or pushchair, and has no major inclines. Please exercise extra caution with children, as you will be walking alongside a busy road.

At the end of the day, you'll cross the road and pick the bus up from the shelter on the opposite side.

When we visited, the bus came once an hour, but be sure to check the First Bus website for the most up to date information on bus numbers and timetables.

What Can I See at Colchester Zoological Society?

Colchester Zoological Society boasts a broad selection of habitats and species from across the globe, from the humid home of the Komodo dragons to their very own African plain, home to White rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.

As you journey around Colchester Zoological Society, you’ll find there’s so much to explore. Let your kids release their wild side at the soft play complex, Jungle Tumble, or get hands on at the interactive sand table at the Discovery Den and even watch your own creations come to life on the Draw Alive Wall. Take a ride on the Lost Madagascar Express for a break on your adventure and spot many exciting species along the way - you may even see some Ring-tailed Lemurs!

Colchester Zoo Dinosaur Realm 2025Colchester Zoo Sealion Tunnel 2025Colchester Zoo Elephant 2025

Can I Eat Lunch at Colchester Zoological Society?

Yes! There are plenty of spots to purchase food and drink from Colchester Zoological Society. Whether you're starting your day with a delicious breakfast, taking a quick break with a coffee and a snack, or enjoying some hot lunch from one of their many outlets, there won't be any stomachs roaring today - save that for the lions!

Colchester Zoo Ice Cream 2025Maybe you're looking for pizza and pasta at Penguini's Restaurant, hoping to enjoy a hot dog from The Gourmet Sausage or looking forward to sharing some chips from Chip n' Mix Stop - there's something for everyone.

Alternatively, if you're bringing your own grub from home, there are many picnic areas available to use on a first-come first-served basis. If you're bringing food for the whole family and don't fancy hauling it around, you can rent a locker by the entrance to store your lunch until it's time to dig in.

Should I Take the Bus to Colchester Zoological Society?

Taking the bus to Colchester Zoological Society is a great option if you're visiting Colchester without a car. While, if you're travelling in a large group, taking the bus may be more costly than driving, it's an simple and convenient option for those who would prefer a trip away without being behind the wheel, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they'll end up exactly where they need to be!

Overall, we had an excellent and easy experience travelling with First Bus, and a great day at Colchester Zoological Society.

For more day-trip and car-free journey inspiration, make sure you visit the VisitColchester blog, where we post must-see spots and itineraries to help you make the most of your visit to our great city.