Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo


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, colourful 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 kilometres) north of the city centre. 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 kilometres) south of the zoo.

Plan a trip to see Chester Zoo

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Things to do near Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo offers a fantastic day out with various activities for families and animal lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy immersive animal encounters, providing a unique opportunity to get close to exotic species. For those considering an extended stay, there are options for overnight accommodation nearby. Additionally, the surrounding area boasts attractions such as spas, shopping, and golf, making it a perfect destination for a memorable trip to Chester Zoo.

Shopping

The nearest shopping venues to Chester Zoo include Chester Market, 3.2km away, offering local goods with a vibrant atmosphere. The Rows of Chester, also 4.8km away, features charming boutiques and cafes. For a broader selection, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a mere 4.8km away, ideal for designer bargains.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Chester Golf Club, just 4.8km from Chester Zoo, surrounded by scenic views. Experience the vibrant performances at Chester Music Theatre, also 4.8km away, perfect for a cultural evening. For sports enthusiasts, the JF Polo Academy, 6.4km distant, offers exciting polo activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Crocky Trail, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone located 8.0km from Chester Zoo, perfect for families. For water enthusiasts, Manley Mere offers exhilarating waterSports, also 8.0km away. If you're after action, Outpost Paintball, situated 11.3km away, delivers a fantastic paintball adventure.

Nightlife

Chester Zoo offers an enchanting evening atmosphere with its special night events. Enjoy guided twilight tours, immersive experiences, and unique animal encounters. Afterwards, unwind at nearby bars like The Architect and The Suburbs, where you can savour local ales and vibrant music in a lively setting.

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

Find the best attractions near Chester Zoo

Enjoy an exciting visit to Chester Zoo, where you can explore captivating attractions such as Chester Castle and other historic sites nearby. This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of culture, outdoor experiences, and family-friendly activities, including the next Chester Zoo adventure. With urban parks and rich history, your trip promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.

  • Chester City Walls: As one of the most complete city walls in Britain, Chester City Walls offer a unique walk through history. Stretching over 3.2km, these ancient fortifications provide stunning views of the city and its landmarks, along with a glimpse into Chester's Roman heritage and medieval architecture.
  • Chester Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, is a serene place to explore. The intricate stained glass windows and peaceful gardens create an atmosphere of tranquillity, while the daily services and special events reflect the vibrant community spirit.
  • University of Chester: Founded in 1839, the University of Chester boasts a rich history and beautiful campus. Its blend of modern facilities and historic buildings creates a unique educational environment, making it a vibrant hub for students and visitors alike.

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 HighAverage
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 CloudyAverageSlightly Low

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 December to February) 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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