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.

Plan a trip to see Chester Zoo

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Citybreaks Rooms
Kabannas Liverpool
The Penthouse Collection by EPIC

Popular places to visit


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
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
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
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

4 out of 5
St John Street, Chester, England
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester
Zoo Cottage

Zoo Cottage

4 out of 5
1 Brooke Avenue, Upton, Chester, England
Zoo Cottage
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

At Chester Zoo, immerse yourself in a remarkable wildlife experience, where you can observe diverse animal species in naturalistic habitats. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds or take a quick jaunt to the nearby attractions. As the sun sets, prepare for an entertaining night with nearby dining and nightlife options, making your visit to Chester Zoo a memorable adventure filled with excitement and relaxation.

Shopping

At Chester Zoo, enjoy shopping at Chester Market, just 2 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of local goods. The Rows of Chester, also 3 miles away, features unique shops in a historic setting. If you're up for a drive, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, located 3 miles away, boasts designer brands.

Recreation

Chester Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor experience with its beautiful greens, perfect for a leisurely round of golf. For those seeking entertainment, ACC Liverpool hosts exciting sporting events, while the Philharmonic Hall provides a vibrant atmosphere for enjoying live music and concerts.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Manley Mere, located 5 miles from Chester Zoo, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy family fun and entertainment at Wild Shore Delamere waterpark, situated 10 miles away. For a scenic adventure, hike the beautiful Sandstone Trail, 11 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement of the Crocky Trail arcadeAdventureZone, just 5 miles from Chester Zoo, perfect for family fun. For a cultural night, visit the Chester Music Theatre, 3 miles away, offering romance and entertainment. Don’t miss the Woolton Picture House cinema, located 10 miles from the zoo, ideal for family movie nights.

Find the best attractions near Chester Zoo

When visiting Chester Zoo, don't miss the chance to explore nearby attractions like the Chester Racecourse and the historic castle sites. The zoo offers a fantastic blend of culture and outdoor experiences, making it perfect for families. For a complete visit, consider checking out the vibrant urban parks that surround the area, ensuring a fun and enriching experience during your stay in Chester.

  • Chester City Walls: Walk along these ancient fortifications, which provide a unique glimpse into Chester's rich history. The walls encircle the city, offering stunning views of the surrounding area and a chance to explore the charming architecture that lines the way.
  • Chester Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Visitors can enjoy peaceful gardens, fascinating exhibitions, and the serene atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for reflection.
  • University of Chester: With its historic buildings and vibrant campus life, the University of Chester combines tradition and modernity. Explore its beautiful grounds and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by students from around the globe.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chester Zoo

To save on your trip to Chester Zoo, consider visiting in January, February, or August for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by the lowest prices. Look for family tickets and consider booking your hotel, flights, and activities together for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays, ensuring you get the best deals possible.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chester Zoo are January to February and August, 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 the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply 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.
  • 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.