Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo which includes kayaking or canoeing, zoo animals and a river or creek
Chester Zoo which includes kayaking or canoeing, zoo animals and a river or creek
Chester Zoo which includes land animals and zoo animals
Chester Zoo featuring animals and zoo animals
Chester Zoo showing zoo animals, a river or creek and boating


Traverse bridges, islands and replicas of distant lands in these gardens. See more than 400 species of rare and exotic wildlife.

Chester Zoo is an enormous complex with recreations of terrain and eco-systems from around the world. The acclaimed site has been voted one of the best zoos in the world due to its excellent facilities, vast enclosures and range of animals. Get around the 125-acre (50-hectare) site by monorail and take in views of some of the 12,000 creatures on display.

Explore the impressive recreation of tropical Southeast Asian islands. Cross wooden bridges through jungle areas to see tigers, colorful birds and the banteng, a type of cattle. The island section includes intriguing structures, such as the Bali Temple and the Sulawesi sculpture.

Enter the Asian Forest and Asian Plains to see herds of elephants and rhinoceroses. Red apes, jaguars and unusual reptiles are among the fascinating creatures to see. Embark on the Butterfly Journey and explore one of the country’s largest butterfly houses.

Admire the range of exotic plants, which are carefully matched to the natural habitats of the animals. Attend a talk by one of the zoo rangers to learn about the animals. Bring your kids to the play areas scattered around the zoo. Informative animations and face-painting stalls are sure to keep the children entertained.

Relax with drinks and snacks in the Bembe Kitchen and Jaguar Coffee House. Enjoy a restaurant meal at June’s Pavilion or Manado Street Kitchen. Delicious treats can be found at the zoo’s ice cream parlor. Peruse the souvenirs and animal-themed toys in the gift shop. Special keepsakes include animal paintings made with your own handprints.

The park is open daily year-round, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Discounted tickets are available  for children, seniors and students.

Chester Zoo is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of the city center. Park in the free parking lot by the main entrance or reach the zoo by bus or train. The nearest railway station, Bache, is 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of the zoo.

Reviews of Chester Zoo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
129
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
49
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

not wheelchair friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Get there early - far too much to do than can fit in one day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Arrive when they open and stay until closing time to ensure you get to see all the fantastic animals

5/5 - Excellent

Paul

Expensive to get in but I think it's the best zoo in the UK

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Do not go in wet weather

5/5 - Excellent

Hayles

Great Zoo but as lots to see allow plenty of time.

Popular places to visit


Top Chester Zoo Hotel Deals

The Mill Hotel & Spa

The Mill Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Milton Street Chester England
The Mill Hotel & Spa
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection

4 out of 5
City Rd Chester England
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester

4 out of 5
Warrington Road Chester England
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

4 out of 5
Trinity Street Chester England
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG
Spacious 4 Bedroom Chester Home with parking.

Spacious 4 Bedroom Chester Home with parking.

Chester England
Spacious 4 Bedroom Chester Home with parking.
The Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor

5 out of 5
Eastgate Street Chester England
The Chester Grosvenor
Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection

Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Parkgate Road Chester England
Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection
Moxy Chester

Moxy Chester

3.5 out of 5
70 Boughton Street Chester England
Moxy Chester
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

4 out of 5
St John Street Chester England
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Chester Zoo

Shopping

Chester Zoo offers delightful shopping experiences nearby. Chester Market, just 3.2km away, buzzes with local charm. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and The Rows of Chester, both 4.8km distant, provide a variety of shops amidst vibrant city vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring other shopping destinations further afield.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Vicars Cross Golf Club, where you can embrace the outdoor atmosphere. For a competitive spirit, head to Liverpool Cricket Club, a lively sports venue. For relaxation, Alyn Waters Country Park offers serene landscapes, perfect for unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

For thrilling water sports, visit Manley Mere, located 8.0km from Chester Zoo, offering adventure in a vibrant outdoor setting. For family fun, explore the Crocky Trail, an arcade adventure zone also 8.0km away. For a scenic hike, the Sandstone Trail awaits 17.7km from the zoo.

Nightlife

Chester Zoo offers a unique evening atmosphere with its enchanting night safaris. Explore the zoo after dark, encountering nocturnal animals. For post-visit fun, enjoy a drink at The Pied Bull, renowned for its historic charm and local ales, perfect for unwinding after an adventurous day.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Chester Zoo

During your visit to Chester Zoo, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby attractions such as Chester Castle and the Chester Zoo Adventure. These sites offer a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences, perfect for all ages. Make sure to include these popular points of interest in your itinerary for a memorable trip to Chester.

  • Chester Cathedral: A stunning example of medieval architecture, Chester Cathedral features beautiful stained glass and intricate stonework. Its tranquil atmosphere offers a unique cultural experience, making it a perfect spot for reflection and exploration.
  • Eastgate Clock: An iconic symbol of Chester, the Eastgate Clock is one of the most photographed clocks in the UK. Set against the backdrop of the historic city, it embodies Chester's rich culture and provides a lively urban vibe.
  • Chester Roman Gardens: This serene private garden showcases Roman heritage amidst lush greenery. It’s a welcoming space populated by friendly locals, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.

Best time to go to Chester Zoo

The best time to visit Chester Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Chester Zoo

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Chester Zoo during the low season (January to February and August) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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