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Near to Chester Zoo
The Reserve - Chester Zoo
The Reserve - Chester Zoo
Extraordinary experiences that protect the wild world
Stay in a cosy lodge, carefully crafted to combine all the comforts of home with the sumptuous colours, textures and beauty of the African Savannah.
Sip your morning coffee while watching giraffes meander a few steps away.
Go behind the scenes for exclusive wildlife experiences with our expert team of conservationists.
Join us for a sundowner on the terrace and feast from our specially curated dinner menu in our restaurant.
Fall asleep knowing your stay is directly funding our conservation work out in Africa, helping nature not just survive, but thrive.
Content from around the site
Before summer arrives…
Immerse yourself in the vibrant, festival atmosphere of Afterglow at Chester Zoo
Treat Mum to something a little more considered. Step into the calm of Tsavo Lounge, where the classic ritual of afternoon tea is served in a setting inspired by the natural world.
Businesses close to The Reserve - 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
Chester Zoo
Dive into a day packed with exploration and excitement at Chester Zoo!
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
- How do I book?
Bookings can be made directly using the BOOK NOW button on the website or by contacting our Reservations Team on +44 1244 561070.
If you have any questions or need more information you can also email our team on reservations@thereservechesterzoo.com
- What is included in my stay?
This varies dependent on your choice of lodge, package and date of stay.
Experiences may be changed dependent on weather or time of year, but will be replaced with the closest available option of equal value.
- What animals will I get to see at The Reserve?
Giraffe VIP Lodges, Look out Lodges and Giraffe Lodges look out over the savannah-inspired landscape where giraffe and other species roam.
As a world-leading conservation charity that’s preventing species extinction animal welfare is always our priority. Please note that during the cooler months giraffe will be moved inside overnight and anytime should the temperature become too cold or windy. They are also moved inside when the paddock is being serviced.
All species are free to move inside the Giraffe house should they wish.
- What time is check-in/check-out?
Check in is from 3pm and check out is up until 11am. Want to arrive early and enjoy the Zoo? Don't worry - Our guest experience team will take care of your luggage for you
- Do you have parking?
Residents Parking
For guests with valet parking included in their package, your vehicle will be valet parked in our secure, private car park.
Guests without valet parking included will have their luggage taken care of by our Guest Experience team, who will then direct you to the secure car park.
Should you wish, we can also arrange transport to and from The Reserve. Please contact our Reservations Team on +44 1244 561070, who will be happy to assist.
Parking and Access for Diners
You can access Amboseli Restaurant and Tsavo Lounge via the main entrance at the Reserve (if you do not have zoo admission). Or join us for lunch during a day at the zoo via the entrance next to the giraffe habitat.
Parking for The Reserve is limited. If joining us for Lunch or Afternoon Tea, please park in the main zoo car park, at the end nearest The Reserve.
- What's the cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation terms are designed to be fair while allowing us to maintain the highest level of service for all our guests.
More than 10 weeks before arrival – A 10% cancellation fee will apply
Between 6 and 10 weeks before arrival – A 50% cancellation fee will apply
Within 6 weeks of arrival – A 100% cancellation fee will apply
- Will there be special offers for Chester Zoo Members?
Yes, as a member of Chester Zoo you are entitled to a 10% discount on all lodges, please see the usual member channels for details or contact Reservations on 01244 561070 or reservations@thereservechesterzoo.com.
- What payment options do you offer?
Full pre-payment is required at time of booking.
All major debit/credit cards are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX).
- Is there a minimum/maximum stay?
For high demand periods, minimum stay restrictions may apply on all bookings.
The Savannah VIP package is only available as part of a 2-night minimum stay due to the number of exclusive experiences included.
- What's the maximum occupancy of the lodges?
Our individual lodges sleep between two and six people.
Bookings made for our Lakeside Double can sleep up to 4 adults and 4 children across 2 interconnecting lodges and Triple lodges are able to sleep up to 6 adults and 6 children people across three interconnecting lodges.
Please explore the our lodge configurations here.
- Is there a minimum age for guests?
There is no minimum age for guests at The Reserve.
Age restrictions vary on Animal Experiences so please check specific requirements when choosing your experience package.
- What meals are included in my stay?
Breakfast is included each morning.
Dinner inclusions vary depending on your selected package.
If you are booking for more than one night and would like to reserve dinner for any additional nights, please contact us to arrange.
- Are there cooking facilities in the lodges?
No, the lodges don't have cooking facilities.
- Is there a mini-bar/fridge in the lodges?
Yes, each lodge has a mini-bar/fridge.
- Are the lodges accessible?
We have 4 fully accessible lodges (2 x Lookout Lodges 2 x Lakeside Lodges), and the majority have flat access. All public spaces are fully accessible also.
- Can you arrange transport for me?
Yes. We can assist with arranging transport to/from The Reserve.
- Do you offer group discounts?
Group discounts may be available when booking 5+ lodges. Please contact our Reservations Team on +44 1244 561070
- Is there a single occupancy surcharge?
No - All prices are charged per lodge.
There are supplements for extra guests and for additional services such as breakfast, dinner, zoo access and zoo experiences where not included in your chosen package.
- Can I have visitors - e.g to join me for dinner?
Yes - additional guests may be added for dinner reservations(additional fees apply) - please contact the hotel team to request additional guests.
- Can I book a stay for my Wedding or Special Occasion?
Yes - we can include a stay at The Reserve as part of any wedding or special occasion booked at Chester Zoo?
Exclusive occupancy of The Reserve for your event can also be booked as part of a Venues booking, subject to availability.
Click below to find out more and submit an enquiry to our Venues Team who will be happy to help.
- Can I book a stay for my Corporate Event or Team Away Day?
Yes - we can include a stay at The Reserve as part of any event booked at Chester Zoo.
Exclusive occupancy of The Reserve for your event can also be booked as part of a Venues booking, subject to availability.
Click below to find out more and submit an enquiry to our Venues Team who will be happy to help here.
- Can I bring a pet?
No - pets are not allowed at The Reserve but Assistance Dogs are welcome to join their owners for their stay.
- What happens if I don't see an animal I want to see when I visit the zoo?
As a world-leading conservation charity that’s preventing species extinction we work to ensure that all of our animals have free roam of their habitats within the zoo. This does mean that they have the ability to access more secluded areas that guests are unable to view them in should they choose to.
- Am I able to have balloons in my lodge?
We are committed to protecting the natural environment and the wellbeing of the animals in our care.
For this reason, we kindly ask guests not to bring balloons, sparklers, party poppers, or similar items onto the premises. These materials can pose a risk to wildlife and may negatively impact the surrounding habitat if released or not disposed of properly.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe, sustainable, and animal-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.
- What time may I enter the zoo?
Guests have exclusive access to the Heart of Africa from 9am via the private entrance. Access to the main zoo is from 10am.