Chester Zoo

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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Citybreaks Rooms
The Georgian Town House Hotel
Hope Street Hotel

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.

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Things to do near Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo offers a delightful experience for families, featuring immersive animal encounters and the chance to stay overnight for a unique adventure. In addition to exploring the zoo, visitors can enjoy nearby activities such as relaxing at a spa, indulging in shopping, or playing a round of golf. A trip to Chester Zoo is perfect for creating memorable moments with loved ones while discovering fascinating wildlife.

Shopping

While visiting Chester Zoo, enjoy shopping at Chester Market, only 3.2km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. The Rows of Chester, also 4.8km away, is a historic shopping area. If you're up for a drive, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, located 4.8km away, features a variety of designer brands.

Recreation

At Vicars Cross Golf Club, enjoy a round amidst lush greens just 4.8km from Chester Zoo, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, Moss Valley Country Park, located 19.3km away, offers serene walks and peaceful nature vibes, while Heswall Golf Club, 17.7km away, provides another excellent golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Crocky Trail, a vibrant arcade adventure zone located 8.0km from Chester Zoo, perfect for families seeking fun. For a more intense outing, try Outpost Paintball, situated 11.3km away, or tackle the Otterspool Adventure Centre’s zipline ropes course, 16.1km from the zoo.

Nightlife

Although Chester Zoo primarily focuses on daytime experiences, nearby Chester offers vibrant nightlife. The city boasts charming pubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues, particularly around Watergate Street and Northgate Street, perfect for unwinding after a day at the zoo.

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

Find the best attractions near Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, a renowned attraction in Chester, offers an exciting adventure for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore the vast urban park surrounding the zoo, discover the historic Chester Castle nearby, and engage in various outdoor experiences. This vibrant destination provides an ideal blend of wildlife encounters and rich heritage, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking both excitement and history in the heart of England.

  • Chester City Walls: A remarkable historic site, these ancient walls encircle the city, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Chester's rich heritage. Walking along the walls allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and history that shaped this charming city.
  • Grosvenor Park: This delightful urban park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With beautifully landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and scenic pathways, it’s an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely strolls amidst the vibrant city vibes.
  • Roman Amphitheatre: Step back in time at this fascinating archaeological site, which is the largest surviving Roman amphitheatre in Britain. Explore its impressive ruins and enjoy the cultural significance it holds in understanding Chester’s Roman past.

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 during the off-peak season (typically January to February and August) for more affordable package holidays to Chester Zoo.
  • 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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