Chester Zoo

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


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

During your visit to Chester Zoo, don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby attractions, such as local shops and golf courses. For a unique experience, consider taking a scenic boat ride along the River Dee, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. After a day at the zoo, unwind at a local spa to relax and rejuvenate.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Chester Market, only 3.2km away, offering a variety of local goods and gifts. Just 4.8km from the zoo, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet features designer brands, while The Rows of Chester, also 4.8km away, boasts charming shops and cafes.

Recreation

Chester Golf Club offers a tranquil golfing experience just 4.8km from Chester Zoo, surrounded by lush greenery. For a vibrant sports atmosphere, visit ACC Liverpool, 14.8km away. Alternatively, enjoy the picturesque Westminster Park Municipal Golf Course, located 6.4km from the zoo, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating water sports at Manley Mere, located 8.0km from Chester Zoo, perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Engage in thrilling activities at Outpost Paintball, situated 11.3km away, or soar through the air at the Otterspool Adventure Centre’s zipline ropes course, located 16.1km from the zoo.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Chester Zoo with a visit to Crocky Trail for thrilling arcade adventures, or enjoy a romantic evening at Storyhouse theatre, just 3.2km away. For a cinematic experience, catch a film at Cineworld Broughton, also 8.0km from 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 offers a delightful blend of urban parks, historic sites, and castles, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts, families, and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can explore the zoo's diverse wildlife while also enjoying the surrounding attractions, which provide a rich tapestry of experiences to enjoy during your stay in Chester. Don't miss the chance to delve into the area's history and natural beauty while making lasting memories.

  • Chester City Walls: Stroll along the ancient walls and soak in the panoramic views of the city. These remarkably preserved fortifications date back to Roman times and offer a unique glimpse into Chester's rich history and culture.
  • Chester Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate stained glass of this magnificent cathedral. With its tranquil gardens and serene atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for reflection and appreciation of medieval craftsmanship.
  • University of Chester: Explore the historic campus, blending modern educational facilities with beautiful period buildings. The university's vibrant atmosphere and cultural events make it a lively place to visit.

Best time to go to Chester Zoo

The best time to visit Chester Zoo is dependant 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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chester Zoo

To save money on your visit to Chester Zoo, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Avoid Saturdays for better deals. Use Expedia to refine your search for budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free local attractions in Chester to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chester Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chester Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Chester Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To uncover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for Chester Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.