A Day at Chester Zoo: A guide for a perfect day out at one the UK's premier wildlife destinations

Getting There

Chester Zoo is located in Upton-by-Chester, just a short drive from the historic city of Chester.

• By Car: The zoo is easily accessible via the M56, and there's ample parking available for free.
• By Public Transport: Regular buses run from Chester city center and Chester Railway Station to the zoo. You can also take a train to Chester and then a taxi or bus to the zoo.
• By Bike: The zoo provides bike racks near the entrance for visitors who prefer to cycle.
• Electric car charging: There are 26 x 7kw electric car charging points, each bay has a Type 2 universal socket.

We decided to make a weekend of it and stayed in an airbnb in Chester for two nights. The zoo was only a 10 minute drive away so it was super convenient for us being such a short drive.

Opening Hours

• General Opening: The zoo typically opens at 10:00 AM, with closing times varying depending on the season (usually between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM).
• Tip: Check the zoo's official website before your visit for the most up-to-date opening hours and any special events

Tickets and Entry

• Tickets: It's recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid queues and take advantage of any discounts. The zoo offers various ticket options, including family passes and annual memberships.
• Prices: Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for children, students, seniors, and families. Children under 3 enter for free.
• Entry: Upon arrival, present your pre-booked ticket (printed or digital) at the entrance. Maps and guides are available near the entrance to help plan your visit.

Facilities

• Restrooms: Located throughout the zoo, including accessible facilities.
• Baby Changing: Available in most restrooms.
• Accessibility: The zoo is wheelchair-friendly, with most areas accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire at the entrance.
• Gift Shops: Several shops offer a range of souvenirs, from plush animals to eco-friendly gifts. Proceeds from purchases help fund the zoo's conservation efforts.

Getting Around

The zoo covers 128 acres, so having a map is essential to avoid getting lost and to ensure you see all the attractions you’re interested in.

• Tip: You can pick up a physical map at the entrance or use the Chester Zoo app, which has an interactive map that includes walking routes, animal locations, and dining spots. Personally I used both as the interactive one can be a little hard to interpret sometimes.

Highlights

There are over 37,000 animals and and 128 acres of zoological area to explore so if you only have one day you will need to pick your highlights. Here are some of our top picks:

1. The Islands

This immersive zone transports you to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, with its lush landscapes and waterways.

• Must-See:
  • Sumatran Tigers: Watch these endangered big cats roam in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment.
  • Orangutans: Observe these intelligent primates swinging through the trees in the orangutan enclosure.
  • Boat Ride: The Lazy River Boat Trip takes you on a peaceful journey through the Islands, offering unique views of the animal habitats.

2. Asian Elephants

 Chester Zoo’s Asian elephant enclosure is one of the best in the world, providing plenty of space for these majestic creatures to roam.

• Must-See:
  • Elephant Herd: Watch the family of elephants, including calves, interact in their spacious, naturalistic habitat.
  • Elephant Pool: See them cooling off in the large pool, which is a favorite spot for both elephants and visitors.

3. African Savannah

This zone replicates the wide-open grasslands of Africa, home to some of the continent’s most iconic animals.

• Must-See:
  • Giraffes: Admire the graceful giraffes as they browse from the trees in their large enclosure.
  • Zebras and Rhinos: Observe these animals in the same space, just as they would be in the wild.

4. Spirit of the Jaguar

This South American-themed zone is home to the zoo’s jaguars and other fascinating creatures.

• Must-See:
  • Jaguars: The highlight of this exhibit, these powerful cats can be seen both indoors and outdoors in their specially designed habitat.
  • Capybaras and Giant Otters: Don’t miss these unusual and engaging animals in nearby enclosures.

5. Realm of the Red Ape

Focused on the critically endangered Bornean orangutans, this exhibit emphasizes the zoo’s conservation work.

• Must-See:
  • Orangutans: Get up close to these incredible apes in a habitat that encourages natural behavior, such as climbing and swinging.
  • Conservation Messaging: Learn about the challenges facing orangutans in the wild and what’s being done to protect them.

6. Butterfly House

Enter a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world.

• Must-See:
  • Butterflies: See a kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies fluttering around in a warm, humid environment.
  • Educational Displays: Discover the life cycle of butterflies and their importance in ecosystems.

7. Tropical Realm

• Overview: This large, indoor exhibit houses a variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and plants in a rainforest environment.
• Must-See:
  • Komodo Dragons: Marvel at these giant reptiles, which are among the largest lizards in the world.
  • Birds and Reptiles: Explore the diverse species that call this humid, densely planted space home.

8. Madagascar

• Overview: A zone dedicated to the unique wildlife of Madagascar, particularly its famous lemurs.
• Must-See:
  • Lemur Walkthrough: Get up close to ring-tailed lemurs as they roam freely in a walk-through exhibit.
  • Aye-Ayes: Spot one of the world’s most elusive primates, the nocturnal aye-aye, in the specially designed nocturnal house.