See & Do |
Family Friendly Attractions
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
Get the X1 Bus from Chester Railway Station. It runs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes.
Winter adventures at Chester Zoo
Home to over 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo invites you to explore, unwind and reconnect this winter – with nature, each other and yourself.
Explore 130 acres of immersive habitats - from dense rainforests and tropical caves to open wetlands and Himalayan mountains. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular new Heart of Africa. Inspired by African landscapes, species and culture, it brings giraffes, African wild dogs, warthogs and more in a space that replicates the African savannah – designed to connect you with the wonders of the natural world.
Get back to nature in 2026
This winter, Chester Zoo is encouraging visitors to slow down and discover the proven benefits of spending time in nature.
From blue spaces like the penguin and otter habitats, to multi-sensory environments like Monsoon Forest, the zoo is full of places proven to support wellbeing.
Running until 15 March, there’s a programme of gentle, uplifting activities to explore – including Buggy Fitness sessions with PureGym*, animal talks, Zoo Ranger-led storytelling, and joyful nature-based play for children.
There’s self-guided zoo walks designed to help you make your steps count, with gentle prompts to move more, notice nature and explore together through sound, scent and play.
Whether you're moving more, noticing more, or simply playing together – there's something for everyone.
*Additional cost
Designed with families in mind
Young adventurers can take on the Treetop Challenge or drive all-electric off-road vehicles. There’s also face painting, fairground rides and five epic playgrounds across the zoo packed with climbing nets, water play, giant slides and sand pits.
For a slower pace, wander through award-winning gardens, with sensory-friendly spaces, Changing Places facilities, and mobility scooter hire to help everyone enjoy their day.
Refuel your adventure
From sizzling street food to relaxed family lunches, there’s something for every appetite. Visitors can grab fresh food from kiosks and cafés, or take a break at The Oakfield, the zoo’s Grade II listed pub with garden views.
You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options, plus picnic spots and shaded areas.
Experiences at Chester Zoo
Choose from more than 20 Experiences where you can dine, tour or get even closer to some of the zoo’s most extraordinary animals – including giraffes, penguins and meerkats. It’s a chance to see the zoo from a new point of view and make lasting memories.
Easy to get to. Easy to get around.
Chester Zoo is just a short bus ride from Chester Train Station. There’s free on-site parking, including dedicated EV charging spaces, and step-free access throughout the zoo.
Visitors can download the free Chester Zoo app for live talk times, maps, animal facts and more.
A day out that gives back
Chester Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation zoo. Every ticket, meal, and souvenir helps fund projects that protect wildlife in the UK and across more than 20 countries. That makes a day out here not just memorable, but meaningful too.
Download the Zoo map
Download and print a version of the zoo map before your visit. You can also purchase a map when you arrive, if you'd prefer.
Download
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Content from around the site
Lanterns and Light
Dates: 13th Nov - 3rd Jan 2027
The North West’s must-see festive light experience returns for 2026 - with more dates than ever before, and even more magic to discover.
Steve Backshall Live
Dates: 23rd May - 31st May 2026
From ancient origins to real‑life encounters - explore sharks like never before.
Save on your next zoo adventure with our family tickets offer. Get up to £41 off your visit with a group of 4 or 5 people of any age. Offer available online only.
Treat the animal lover in your life with amazing days out that make a huge difference around the world – don’t let them miss a thing at Chester Zoo!
Businesses close to Chester Zoo
The Oakfield at Chester Zoo
Once the home of the Mottershead family who founded Chester Zoo, The Oakfield is a truly unique contemporary British pub
The Reserve - Chester Zoo
Extraordinary experiences that protect the wild world.
Upton by Chester Golf Course
All who play here comment on the excellent natural landscape and sculpting of this wonderful course. The course offers a fair test to golfers of all levels.
Upton Park and Ride Car Park
Upton (Zoo) Park and Ride: Liverpool Road (for Countess Hospital) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange (for University) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop BB (for shops and visitor attractions) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange – Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) - Upton (Zoo) Park & RideMonday - Friday: every 15 minutes from 07:00am until 08:45amFirst bus 07:00amLast bus 08:45amThen every 20 minutes:First bus 09:05amLast bus 18:45pmSaturday: every 20 minutes:First bus 08:30amLast bus 17:30pmSundays and public holidays: every 20 minutes:First bus 10:30amLast bus 17:10pm460 total parking spaces (10 disabled spaces)TicketsAdult day ticket - £2.50 - Valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceYoung persons' day ticket - £1 - Available to persons aged between five and 18 inclusive - valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceGroup ticket - £5 - Up to five persons of any age who are travelling together - valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceMulti 6 ticket - £12.50 - Offers six days tickets for the price of five - Valid for one year from activation of the first ticket - each day ticket is valid on any day of purchase on any park and ride service - This ticket is only available via the Stagecoach appCountess ticket - £1.50 - Valid on day of issue on service PR3 only, between Upton park and ride and Liverpool Road, Countess of Chester HospitalFree - £0 - No charge for children under five years of ageView the timetable
Frequently asked questions
- What are your opening times?
We open our gates every morning at 10am. You can find the closing times for the date of your visit here.
- What can I expect when I arrive at the zoo?
When you arrive at the zoo by car, our team is on hand to welcome you and guide you into a parking space. As you make your way to our main entrance, you’ll be greeted by other members of our zoo team, including our security experts who are onsite 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure all visitors have a safe and wonderful day.
If you have pre-booked tickets, you can go straight to the gates and a member of our team will scan your QR code which you will have received via email. If you would like to book a ticket on the day, head to the ticket office to the left of the main entrance.
- What security measures can I expect at the zoo?
We have introduced extra security measures at our main gates in the form of security scanners and we have also put in place a one-way system that sees people enter the zoo through the main gates and exit via our main gift shop – ensuring that every visitor is screened thoroughly. Our priority is to always make sure that Chester Zoo is a safe and secure place for our visitors, staff and the animals under our care.
As part of our admissions policy, you may also be subject to a random bag search, failure to consent may result in admission being denied.
- How do I book tickets for the zoo?
Visitors with disabilities may admit one accompanying carer free of charge when they pay for a full price adult or child ticket; Book your adult or child ticket online and collect a carer ticket from our Ticket Sales windows when you arrive. To collect the carer ticket, please make sure you bring along your supporting documents that shows you require a carer. We accept the following documents:
Disability Allowance Letter, PIP letter, Access Pass
Any other appropriate supporting documentation as issued by your local council.
- How do I book tickets with a gift voucher?
You don’t need to book in advance! Just bring the voucher with you on the day and head to our admissions window when you arrive.
- How do I book a buggy, wheelchair or mobility scooter?
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be booked with our team, just email guest.services@chesterzoo.org once you have booked your tickets and pop ‘mobility’ in the subject line.
Please note these are subject to availability and booking is essential. We currently have a limited number available so we recommend booking early. A £25 refundable deposit will be taken when you hire the item by cash or card.
If you’d like to hire a buggy, you can book this online when booking your tickets or on the day of your visit when you arrive. You’re also more than welcome to bring your own buggy.
- Can I bring a group or a coach to the zoo?
Yes, please head to our group booking page for further information.
- Can I book a corporate or private event at the zoo?
Yes! Get in touch with our event team on events@chesterzoo.org and they’ll be happy to talk to you about planning your event.
- Where can I breastfeed or heat up baby food?
You're welcome to breastfeed in the zoo anywhere you wish. We have lots of secluded benches across site as well as a baby feeding room in our female toilets in our jubilee quarter if you’d prefer a more private location.
To warm up bottles, our team can help with this in The Oakfield.
- Are there lockers available at the zoo to store my belongings?
No, we do not have any lockers on site, and due to security reasons, we cannot store any visitor belongings, such as large bags or suitcases. Please refrain from bringing extra baggage into the zoo.
Any large or suspicious bags that are brought into the zoo will be searched as a precautionary measure to ensure that all our staff, visitors and volunteers are safe.
- Do you offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations?
Yes, we have 26 EV charging stations in our main car park available for zoo visitors. Please note: Our EV charge points are on a balanced system and so, when usage is high, charging speeds may be slower.
- Why do you charge a small admission fee for 1-2 year olds?
As a charity we’re always striving to offer people the best wildlife experiences and days out that also contribute to helping nature to survive and thrive. The small admission fee means that toddlers visiting the zoo will be helping to fund amazing things, such as supporting our wildlife education teams to visit local schools, contributing to free tickets for children who wouldn’t normally be able to access a zoo visit and expanding our science led research into highly threatened species around the world.
Every little footstep in the zoo will enable us to make big strides in our charitable mission to prevent extinction.
- Can I bring my child's scooter/ bike on our visit with us?
No. Scooters, bikes, roller blades and other equipment cannot be brought into the zoo unless a handle is attached from which the parent can control its movement. Children buggies are available to be purchased from the front entrance.
- Can we bring a picnic?
Yes, you’re very welcome to bring a picnic when visiting the zoo.
Please use our picnic areas and where possible, take your waste home with you for responsible disposal. The indoor picnic lodge is open.