Are you looking for the best hotels near Colchester Zoo? Whether you’re heading to the city to visit the zoo or hoping to explore the town centre as well, you’re going to need a nice hotel to spend your nights, and I know the best spots!
Colchester Zoo is a fantastic place, and growing up only 20 minutes away, I used to visit a lot as a child. I also went to college in Colchester, and I still visit regularly with family and friends, now calling the city home. It has a wonderful history and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a lovely place to visit.
In this post, I’m sharing the top hotels near Colchester Zoo, both in and around the city centre, to suit all budgets. Perfect for both luxury seekers and budget-savvy families, these are all gorgeous places to stay near Colchester Zoo.
Which Hotels Near Colchester Zoo Should You Choose?
I’ve selected a variety of accommodations, from bed and breakfasts to countryside cottages, affordable apartments and premium hotels that will make you feel right at home. Choosing the perfect hotel near Colchester Zoo is important to ensure a hassle-free trip, and I wanted to give you all the best options!
Quick Links: No time to read the whole article? That’s fine – here are my top two recommendations:
Lauristons Stay >> An excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful and stylish countryside retreat with modern decor and tranquil setting only 1.9 miles from Colchester Zoo!
The Holiday Inn Hotel >> A family-friendly stay in a peaceful village setting, just a short 10 minture drive from Colchester Zoo.
Places To Stay Near Colchester Zoo By Accommodation
Tickets >> If you’re visiting on the weekends especially, Colchester Zoo gets really busy. It’s best to pre-book to avoid disappointment: Colchester Zoo entrance tickets.
As I mentioned, I know the area well and have visited a handful of these hotels already, typically for meals, as some do great afternoon tea! That said, I haven’t visited them all; however, I have worked hard to research the best hotels near Colchester Zoo to provide you with a comprehensive guide.
The Bed and Breakfasts are homely and a great idea if you want a more cosy, family-friendly stay during your visit to Colchester.
- Donkey & Buskins Inn
- Woodview B Colchester >> Best for affordability
However, some of you might prefer staying in an apartment. Apartments offer a more independent and flexible stay, and there are plenty to choose from in Colchester.
- Lauristons Stay >>Best overall
- Period House in Colchester
- 4 Bed House in Colchester
Hotels are the most popular choice when it comes to visiting Colchester, and luckily, there are a number of good ones to consider.
- The Wivenhoe House Hotel >> Best for luxury
- The Holiday Inn Hotel >> Best for families
- The George Hotel >> Best for entertainment
- Colchester Boutique Hotel
- GreyFriars Hotel
Pro tip >> The majority of these hotels are in the town centre and close to the high street. From the high street, you can walk a few minutes to Crouch Street (Google Maps), where you’ll be able to jump on bus number 75 or 92 at stop Da and easily get to Colchester Zoo.
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The Best Hotels Near Colchester Zoo
These hotels near Colchester Zoo offer a convenient and comfortable stay in Colchester. They are ideal for those of you who appreciate cosy spaces while being surrounded by beautiful English countryside or the bustling town centre.
Here are two final things I want to tell you before we get started:
✔️ All of these accommodations have a star rating of 8 or more out of 10. I’ve spent a lot of time researching to find places that will ensure a comfortable stay and ones I would book without hesitation.
✔️ The majority of these recommended hotels in Colchester are within 4 miles of the zoo.
✔️ You can pre-order your Colchester Zoo tickets here.
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1. Donkey & Buskins Inn
Donkey & Buskins is a country pub with great-value accommodation out the back. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a cosy retreat with great food (the Sunday Roast is top-notch) and near Colchester Zoo!
✔️ Donkey & Buskins is a traditional countryside inn in Layer de la Haye, offering comfortable accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere attached to a charming pub.
✔️ This traditional inn offers rooms that are cosy and peaceful, perfect for a restful night’s sleep after a busy day exploring. There is free WiFi, private parking, a garden, and a terrace to add to the comfort.
✔️ The friendly and attentive staff will create a warm and welcoming environment throughout your stay. The on-site pub is a highlight, serving fantastic roast dinners and delicious meals, making it a great choice for food lovers!
✔️ Located just 2.8 miles from Colchester Zoo. This convenient location offers easy access to local amenities, making it an ideal base for exploring Colchester and the zoo.
2. Woodview B Colchester
Woodview B Colchester is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a country-like cottage place to stay near Colchester Zoo! With its historic bright orange building and peaceful surroundings, it’s a great spot for a relaxing and affordable stay.
✔️Woodview B Colchester is a charming 4-star bed and breakfast set in a historic 17th-century building in the peaceful village of Birch.
✔️ This cosy B&B offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi and a TV. The unique bright orange exterior adds to its charm, making it a standout stay.
✔️ You’ll find welcoming and accommodating hosts who go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant experience. Plus, the tranquil location is ideal if you’re seeking a quiet retreat with scenic walking trails nearby.
✔️ Located just 1.8 miles from Colchester Zoo.
3. Lauriston Stay
Lauriston Stay is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful and stylish countryside retreat near Colchester Zoo! With its modern decor and tranquil setting, it’s an excellent spot to unwind.
✔️ Lauriston Stay is a beautifully decorated studio apartment in Birch, offering a quiet escape with a friendly and helpful host who will provide excellent local recommendations and ensure a faultless stay.
✔️ The accommodation features bright and airy rooms with a private entrance, a seating area, and garden views, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere.
✔️ All rooms include free WiFi and private parking with kitchenettes in certain rooms.
✔️ Located just 1.9 miles from Colchester Zoo and with a charming village setting and nearby pub, this is a great choice for a relaxing getaway close to the zoo.
4. Period House in Colchester
This period house in Colchester is a charming and romantic one-bedroom holiday home close to Colchester Zoo and perfect for a cosy getaway. With its beautiful decor, peaceful atmosphere, and thoughtful touches, it feels like a true home away from home.
✔️ This unique period property features a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy living space, and a comfortable bedroom, making it ideal for short or long stays.
✔️ You’ll love the peaceful setting and private garden, which offers a fairytale-like outdoor dining area, especially in the evenings.
✔️ There’s free Wifi throughout; however, there is no onsite parking. The attentive host provides thoughtful extras like fresh milk and biscuits, adding to the warm and welcoming experience.
✔️ Conveniently located near Colchester city centre and only 4 miles from Colchester Zoo, it offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
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5. 4 Bed House in Colchester
This spacious 4-bedroom house is an ideal stay for contractors, relocations, or families, offering modern amenities and a convenient location just 2.1 miles from Colchester Zoo.
✔️ Spacious and fully equipped – Features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a washing machine, making it perfect for longer stays.
✔️ Great for groups and families – Plenty of space for multiple guests, with comfortable furnishings and a flat-screen TV for entertainment.
✔️ Free WiFi and private parking – Stay connected and enjoy hassle-free parking on-site.
✔️ Convenient location! This accommodation is near Colchester Zoo (2.1 miles) and local amenities, offering easy access to both the town centre and surrounding areas.
6. The Wivenhoe House Hotel
Wivenhoe House Hotel is a stunning 18th-century country house set in the historic Wivenhoe Park. With elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and an excellent brasserie, it’s one of the best luxury hotels near Colchester Zoo.
✔️ This grand hotel offers stylish rooms with views over the manicured gardens, featuring TVs, designer toiletries, and tea and coffee facilities for a comfortable stay.
✔️ The on-site Brasserie Restaurant serves delicious regionally sourced dishes, bringing a taste of France to Essex in a lovely garden wing setting.
✔️ You’ll love the friendly and attentive staff, who create a welcoming atmosphere and maintain the hotel’s high standards in both service and dining.
✔️ Located just a short drive from Colchester and Wivenhoe, it’s a peaceful retreat while still being close to local attractions, including Colchester Zoo only 7.4 miles away.
7. The Holiday Inn Colchester
The Holiday Inn Colchester is perfect for all visitors and is just a short drive from Colchester’s attractions. With family-friendly perks and excellent facilities, it’s a fantastic choice.
✔️ Spacious and comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. WiFi is available for an additional charge.
✔️ Family-friendly perks – kids under 12 stay and eat for free, making it an ideal choice for families visiting Colchester Zoo, which is just 3.2 miles away.
✔️ Excellent leisure facilities, including an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and spa, plus 24-hour room service for added convenience.
✔️ Traditional British and international dining at the on-site restaurant and bar, with guests raving about the exceptional breakfast spread and friendly service.
8. The George Hotel Colchester
The George Hotel is a historic 500-year-old hotel in the heart of Colchester, offering stylish charm and modern comforts. With its characterful atmosphere and central location, it’s a fantastic choice for exploring the town as well as the zoo!
✔️ The George Hotel is one of the better-known hotels near Colchester Zoo, set in a historic building just directly on Colchester’s high street, surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants.
✔️ The cosy rooms feature unique period details like sloping floors alongside modern amenities such as TVs, en-suite bathrooms with free toiletries, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
✔️ The friendly and helpful staff are great at making recommendations and helping you reach Colchester Zoo. There’s also an on-site restaurant that serves delicious regional dishes and a lounge bar that offers a great selection of drinks.
✔️ While parking can be tricky, and you may need to download an app for payment, the hotel’s central location and welcoming atmosphere make it a great choice for a unique stay in Colchester.
9. Colchester Boutique Hotel
Colchester Boutique Hotel is another classic and unique stay in the heart of Colchester. With individually decorated rooms, personalised service, and a boutique design, it’s a top choice for anyone visiting Colchester Zoo!
✔️ The hotel’s chic and modern design offers individually styled rooms with a focus on comfort and elegance. Guests appreciate the spacious bathrooms and stylish decor.
✔️ The friendly and accommodating staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere, adding to the hotel’s personalised and high-quality service.
✔️ A continental breakfast is included, and you can also enjoy the option of high tea. The on-site restaurant and bar also provide a great dining experience.
✔️ Located just off the High Street, the hotel is within walking distance of shops, attractions, and restaurants, with easy access to Colchester Zoo.
10. GreyFriars Hotel
GreyFriars Hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a boutique stay with historic charm in the heart of Colchester! This elegant AA-rated hotel blends classic style with modern comforts, making it a top pick for a luxurious getaway.
✔️ GreyFriars is a beautiful boutique hotel set in a historic building in central Colchester, just 200m from Colchester Castle, with helpful and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
✔️ The stylish and well-appointed rooms feature flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and coffee machines. Free WiFi, private parking, and complimentary in-room drinks add to the comfort.
✔️ A continental or buffet breakfast is available each morning, and the on-site restaurant serves fantastic British cuisine, making dining a treat. I highly recommend the afternoon tea for a special indulgence!
✔️ Located 3.7 miles from Colchester Zoo in the town centre.
The Wrap-Up: Best Hotels Near Colchester Zoo
When it comes to finding the best hotels near Colchester Zoo, these hotels not only offer a convenient stay near the zoo but also provide excellent ratings and friendly staff.
I’ve selected a variety of options to suit all budgets that ensure a comfortable and relaxing place to stay after a fun day exploring the zoo. Those that are situated in Colchester town are easily reachable from the zoo while the others are, at most, a 10-minute drive away, with the exception of Wivenhoe House.
Even so, with their positive reviews and satisfied guests, all these hotels provide a warm and inviting place to stay near Colchester Zoo.
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