Find your Wildside

Day 1: Wildlife, Wonder and Fine Dining

Morning & Afternoon – Explore Chester Zoo

Start where the extraordinary begins. Chester Zoo is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, home to over 37,000 animals across 130 acres of beautifully landscaped habitats. Stroll through tropical realms, linger in the award-winning botanical gardens, and lose yourself in Heart of Africa, the zoo's newest and most immersive experience, where 22 acres of African landscape, species, and culture come to life in breathtaking detail.

Get the X1 bus from Chester Station.

Stay the Night: The Reserve at Chester Zoo

Why check out when you could wake up to giraffes? The Reserve is unlike anything else in the UK: 51 luxury safari-style lodges set within the zoo itself, overlooking either a private savannah habitat or a tranquil wildlife lake. Evenings bring campfire stories by the lakeside fire pit and dinner at the stylish Amboseli restaurant, while exclusive early morning and out-of-hours access to the zoo means you experience a side of Chester Zoo most visitors never see. Every stay directly funds the zoo's conservation work across Africa.

Prefer the city? Chester has you well covered.

Hotel Indigo – Boutique bliss with colourful design and luxe touches, right in the city centre.

The Chester Grosvenor – A five-star icon offering pure elegance, fine dining, and spa indulgence.

The Queen at Chester – Grand, quirky, and steeped in history, with eclectic rooms and a warm welcome.

So go on – grab your sense of adventure and let Chester show you its wild side.

Book your tickets here

Dinner on Day 1

If you're staying at the zoo, The Oakfield is a beautiful way to spend your first evening: a lovingly restored Victorian manor house serving locally sourced dishes and excellent wines in a relaxed, heritage-rich setting.

Heading into the city? The Forge brings fire-based cooking and bold, smoky flavours to the table with real flair. Or, for a more refined carnivorous affair, Upstairs at the Grill delivers perfectly cooked prime cuts, fine wines, and New York steakhouse glamour in the heart of Chester.

Day 2: On the Water, Up in the Air

Morning – Paddleboarding on the River Dee

Time to get active! Glide through the heart of the city on a stand-up paddleboard along the beautiful River Dee. Whether you're a complete beginner or fancy yourself a watersports pro, it’s a fantastic way to see Chester from a whole new perspective.

Lunch – Sky-High Sips and City Beats

Ready to take your Chester adventure to new heights? Head up to Rooftop Social, where the cocktails are cold, the vibes are hot, and the views are unbeatable. Perched above the city, this lively hangout is the perfect spot to unleash your wildside, think neon lights, banging playlists, and street food with serious attitude.

Afternoon – Cathedral Tower Tour

Ready for the view of a lifetime? Climb to the top of Chester Cathedral’s tower for panoramic views across the city, countryside, and even into Wales on a clear day. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories from Chester’s 2,000-year history. It’s a workout and a wow moment all in one.

Dinner: End the Weekend in Style

Chester's evening dining scene gives you plenty to choose from. Barlounge is a city favourite for alfresco drinks and flavour-packed food in a lively, relaxed setting. For something a little more intimate, twentyeight is a quietly exceptional modern restaurant where locally sourced, seasonal produce takes centre stage, paired with expertly mixed drinks and a warm, stylish atmosphere.

Or, if you're looking to close out the weekend with a touch of occasion, The Ivy Chester Brasserie is Chester's newest arrival and already turning heads. Situated on Newgate Street within the old city walls, it brings the iconic Ivy charm to Chester with modern British cuisine, beautifully crafted cocktails, and a sunlit terrace made for lingering over a final glass. Effortlessly special without ever feeling stuffy, it's a fitting way to end a very good weekend.

Chester is waiting. Go and find your wild side.

Book your train tickets here