Hotels near Chester Zoo, England

As the most visited zoo in the UK, Chester Zoo offers an exhilarating family day out full of memorable encounters. With 37,000 animals to meet and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore, the hard part is deciding what to do first.

Overview

Location: Chester Zoo is in Cheshire, 3 miles outside the historic city of Chester. It has good transport links from Liverpool and Manchester, and is easily accessible by car and bus.

History: Founded by George Mottershead, the zoo opened in 1931 as a family-run attraction. It expanded rapidly after World War Two and is now an internationally recognised centre for conservation and scientific research. It has featured in many TV programmes, including Channel 4’s The Secret Life of the Zoo.

Unique Features: The zoo gives you a chance to see some of the world’s rarest – and cutest – animals up close. It’s split into different zones, each with its own attractions and habitats. From the tropical islands of Asia to sweeping African savannahs, each encourages you to explore different ecosystems and learn something new.

Visitor Highlights: The big cats are always a big draw, not least the critically endangered Sumatran tigers and snow leopards. To see the zoo from a different perspective, take a Lazy River Boat Trip around the islands. New for 2025 is Heart of Africa , a rainforest biome with black rhinos, gorillas and giraffes. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can pay extra to have breakfast with the animals or go behind the scenes before the zoo opens to the public.

Activities and Experiences

Guided Tours: Tours run daily and can be booked online. The Early Access Bird Photography Tour allows you to capture stunning photos of birds before the zoo opens. On the Secret Life of the Zoo Tour, explore behind the scenes as a VIP. The Elephant House Tour gives you an exclusive look at the elephants’ pad, while on the Predator Tour, you’ll learn all about the zoo’s most fearsome creatures.

Exhibits and Displays: As well as the outdoor spaces, there are more than 10 indoor habitats to explore at Chester Zoo. See everything from Komodo dragons and iguanas to exotic birds and butterflies. It’s not all about the creatures though – the zoo is also home to 128 acres of zoological gardens, full of colourful and rare plants from around the world.

Events and Programmes: The zoo runs events throughout the year, including workshops and daily animal talks. Many activities are aimed at engaging children and families during the school holidays. There are also opportunities to take part in important conservation projects to protect some of the world’s most endangered species.

Interactive Experiences: The zoo’s VR theatre puts you at the heart of wildlife scenarios from across the globe – feel what it’s like to dive with sharks, embark on a gorilla trek or join the Great Migration across East Africa. Alternatively, get hands-on with an experience package that lets you feed the animals. To find the best routes and personalise your visit, download the Chester Zoo interactive app.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours: The zoo opens daily from 10am and closes between 4pm and 6pm depending on the time of year. You can check the exact times on the Chester Zoo website.

Facilities: Dining outlets are dotted across the zoo, plus there’s a gift shop and a sweet shop. Parking is free for cars and coaches, and charging points for electric vehicles are available. You’ll also find toilets and baby changing facilities at various locations across the site.

Accessibility: The zoo is fully accessible, with free admission for carers, free disabled parking and free mobility scooter hire. The zoo also offers sensory guides and BSL signage at several locations across the site.

Safety Tips: The zoo has a guest code of conduct to promote a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. It asks that you don’t feed or touch the animals, and don’t smoke or vape around them. Parents should keep a close eye on their children, and make sure they don’t enter any unauthorised areas. The first aid post is located at the main entrance should you need it.