Colchester Zoo Discount Codes in August 2026

Planning your visit to Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoological Society offers a full day out with animal habitats, daily activities, outdoor spaces, food outlets and family-friendly experiences across a large site near Colchester in Essex.

The zoo is set across naturally hilly terrain, so planning ahead is especially important if you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking aid or have reduced stamina. Colchester Zoo provides accessibility information before you visit, including an Accessibility Guide, mobility hire information and an Easier Route to help guests avoid some of the steeper areas.

Visitors can book e-tickets online in advance and save compared with paying the standard gate price. E-tickets include a small voluntary donation to support the zoo’s conservation work, and a booking fee applies to e-ticket transactions.

For disabled visitors and people living with long term health conditions, Colchester Zoo has several useful accessibility features, including complimentary personal assistant tickets for eligible guests, wheelchair and mobility scooter hire, sensory bags, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility and assistance dog guidance.

Members can save on admission with a verified exclusive Colchester Zoo disability discount through Purpl's partnership with Tiqets.

Other ways to save

• Use your verified Colchester Zoo disability discount through Purpl.
• Book e-tickets online in advance to save compared with the gate price.
• Check the official Discounts & Offers page before booking.
• Under 3s usually receive free admission.
• Consider membership if you plan to visit regularly.
• Bring your own picnic if you want to reduce food costs during your visit.
• Free parking is available for visitors.

Why Purpl members love Colchester Zoo

• More than 150 species to see.
• Large outdoor site with a full day of activities.
• Online tickets can save money compared with gate prices.
• Free parking available.
• Complimentary personal assistant tickets for eligible disabled visitors.
• Mobility scooter, wheelchair, stroller and sensory bag hire available.
• Accessibility Guide available before visiting.
• Verified savings through Purpl.

Accessibility at Colchester Zoo

• Colchester Zoo provides a complimentary personal assistant ticket for eligible disabled visitors.
• Proof of need for assistance must be shown on arrival.
• Free parking is available.
• The zoo is set across naturally hilly terrain, with some steep areas.
• An Easier Route is available to help guests with limited mobility plan their visit.
• Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers and sensory bags are available to hire, subject to availability.
• Mobility scooter and stroller hire should be booked in advance where possible.
• Accessible toilets are available around the zoo.
• A Changing Places toilet is available.
• The Guest Services Office has a portable hearing loop system.
• Colleagues are trained to be autism friendly.
• Assistance dogs are permitted under specific conditions, but therapy and emotional support animals are not allowed.
• Some areas may have restrictions for assistance dogs due to animal welfare and biosecurity rules.

Companion tickets and proof of disability

Colchester Zoo provides a complimentary personal assistant ticket for a guest who needs support during their visit. The disabled guest must hold a full paying adult, child or senior ticket, and the need for assistance must be verified when you arrive.

Accepted evidence may include:

• A valid Blue Badge.
• Personal Independence Payment documentation.
• Access Card.
• Brain Injury Identity Card.
• NHS App evidence.
• Diagnosis letter, where accepted under the zoo’s guidance.
• Certificate of Visual Impairment or relevant visual impairment registration.
• Other accepted documents listed in the official Accessibility Guide.

You should bring your evidence with you on the day, as the zoo team may ask to see it when you arrive.

If you do not already have an Access Card, Purpl members can save 10% off an Nimbus Access Card.

Customer support

Contact

Plan your visit FAQs: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/plan-your-visit/plan-your-visit-faqs/

Accessibility information: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/accessibility/

Mobility, stroller and sensory hire: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/accessibility/mobility-scooter-hire/

Tickets and booking information

Colchester Zoo offers e-tickets online. Advance e-tickets can offer savings compared with the gate price, and a booking fee applies to e-ticket transactions.

E-tickets are non-refundable, so it is important to check your visit date, ticket type and accessibility needs before booking.

Parking

Free parking is available for visitors.

Purpl tips & insights

• Read the Accessibility Guide before booking, especially if you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or walking aid.
• The zoo is naturally hilly, so use the Easier Route if steep inclines are difficult.
• Book mobility scooters, wheelchairs, strollers or sensory bags in advance where possible, as availability is limited.
• Bring your proof of disability if you need a complimentary personal assistant ticket.
• If you are visiting with an assistance dog, check the zoo’s assistance dog policy before travelling.
• Plan rest breaks throughout the day, as Colchester Zoo is a large site.
• Download or screenshot your tickets before travelling in case mobile signal is limited.

Colchester Zoo and working with Purpl

Days out can be expensive, especially when accessibility needs mean extra planning, travel costs or support on the day. A verified Colchester Zoo disability discount through Purpl helps eligible members save on admission while making it easier for disabled people and people living with long term health conditions to enjoy a memorable day out with family, friends or carers.