Chester Zoo Tours

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

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Best Lodging Options Near Chester Zoo

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
The Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor

5 out of 5
Eastgate Street, Chester, England
The Chester Grosvenor
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

4 out of 5
Trinity Street, Chester, England
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester

4 out of 5
Warrington Road, Hoole Village, Chester, England
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Chester
Zoo Cottage

Zoo Cottage

4 out of 5
1 Brooke Avenue, Upton, Chester, England
Zoo Cottage
Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection

Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Parkgate Road, Mollington, Chester, England
Crabwall Manor & Spa, BW Signature Collection
Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa

Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa

3 out of 5
Parkgate Road, Mollington, Chester, England
Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa
Moxy Chester

Moxy Chester

3.5 out of 5
70 Boughton Street, Chester, England
Moxy 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

Chester Zoo offers a fantastic array of activities for visitors, including exploring its vast animal exhibits and engaging in educational programs. Nearby, you can unwind at local spas, enjoy shopping at nearby boutiques, or hit the golf courses for some leisure time. With such diverse options, your visit to Chester Zoo can be complemented by relaxation and recreation, making it a well-rounded vacation experience.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is Chester Market, only 2 miles from Chester Zoo, offering a variety of local goods. The Rows of Chester and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, both 3 miles away, feature diverse shops and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring even more shopping options nearby.

Recreation

Chester Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor experience with its scenic fairways, perfect for a leisurely round of golf. For sports enthusiasts, ACC Liverpool provides a vibrant atmosphere for various events, while Philharmonic Hall presents delightful musical performances, enriching your visit to Chester Zoo with culture and entertainment.

Adventure

At Manley Mere, located 5 miles from Chester Zoo, enjoy thrilling water sports amidst a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Experience adrenaline-pumping fun at Outpost Paintball, 7 miles away, or tackle the zipline ropes course at Otterspool Adventure Centre, situated 10 miles from the zoo, for an adventurous day out.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Chester Zoo, visit the Crocky Trail arcadeAdventureZone for thrilling games. For a touch of culture, enjoy a performance at Chester Music Theatre, or catch a romantic film at Woolton Picture House cinema. Each venue offers a unique vibe to enhance your evening.

*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 variety of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, historic sites, and castles, making it ideal for families and culture enthusiasts. Nearby, explore Chester Racecourse for a taste of local events, or find accommodations at nearby hotels for a comfortable stay. Consider special Chester Zoo packages for a complete experience, and plan your Chester Zoo vacation to enjoy the area's outdoor adventures and rich history.

  • Chester City Walls: Explore the ancient Chester City Walls, which provide a unique walk along the historic fortifications that date back to Roman times. You'll enjoy stunning views of the city while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture.
  • Chester Cathedral: Visit the magnificent Chester Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece featuring stunning stained glass and intricate stonework. Experience a peaceful atmosphere that invites contemplation and appreciation of its historical significance.
  • University of Chester: Discover the University of Chester, a historic institution known for its beautiful campus and vibrant student life. Stroll through its grounds and appreciate the blend of traditional and modern architecture, reflecting the university's rich heritage.

Best time to go to Chester Zoo

The best time to visit Chester Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Chester Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Chester Zoo falls in January, 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 on your trip to Chester Zoo, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and package deals that combine flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and rewards, helping you save even more. Additionally, explore free activities in Chester, and utilize public transport to keep travel costs down while enjoying your visit.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Chester Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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