Illustration of a foggy moonlit forest trail lined with gravestones, bare gnarled trees and glowing lanterns (Trail of Terror)
SCARY

Trail of Terror

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Prepare for a night of spine-chilling thrills at the Trail of Terror. This immersive haunted experience stretches over 1.5 miles, featuring professional scarers, elaborate props, and unexpected frights. Dare to board the terrifying road train for a journey filled with scary tales, or find a moment of calm in the 'Safe Zones' offering food and drink. It's an event designed to test your courage and deliver unforgettable Halloween scares.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

$$

Ages

Not recommended for under 12, not admitted under 5

Food & Drink

Food and drink available for purchase at 'Safe Zones' (card only).

Parking

Designated smoking area located in the car park, outside the Zoo’s main entrance.

Accessibility

The trail may present difficulties due to uneven ground, hills, and potential mud after wet weather. Loud noises, sudden movements, fog, strobe effects, enclosed spaces, and fire effects may be present. Personal assistants are admitted free of charge with verification. Not recommended for those with sensory sensitivities.

Going?

Location

Colchester Zoo · Colchester, Essex Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (4/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (2/5)

Best For

Thrill-seekers and horror fans

Vibe

Spooky, terrifying, immersive

Energy Level

High

Photo Friendly

Limited (due to darkness and scares)

Weather Sensitivity

Low (event proceeds in most weather)

Tips & Advice

  • Pre-booking tickets online for a specific arrival time is mandatory to manage crowd flow and avoid disappointment.
  • Consider purchasing the Flexi Booking Guarantee for a small fee if there's a chance you might need to change your visit date.
  • Be prepared for uneven terrain and potential mud, especially after rain; comfortable, sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
  • All food and drink purchases during the event are card-only, so ensure you have a payment card with you.
  • Remember that this event is separate from daytime zoo access; animals will not be visible during the Trail of Terror.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Flexi Booking Guarantee available for date changes
  • Different ticket prices for off-peak, peak, and premium dates

Links & Contact

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book tickets as a CZS Annual Member?

Yes, all attendees, including CZS Annual Members, must pre-book a ticket online for a specific date and timeslot for the Trail of Terror.

Is there an age limit for the Trail of Terror?

Children under 5 years old will not be admitted. While not recommended for those under 12, this is at the guardian's discretion. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 16.

Will food and drink be available?

Yes, several food outlets will be open in the 'Safe Zones' offering hot food, snacks, and drinks. All purchases are card-only.

Why do I have to book a timeslot?

Timeslots are used to ensure a smooth flow of visitors, prevent overcrowding, and minimize long queues throughout the trail.

Can I see the zoo animals during the event?

No, the zoo closes to daytime visitors before the Trail of Terror opens. This event focuses solely on the haunted trail experience and does not include animal viewing.

Browse Halloween in Colchester

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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