Find your Wildside

Day 1: Go Wild

Morning & Afternoon – Go Wild at Chester Zoo

There's nowhere quite like Chester Zoo. Home to over 37,000 animals across 130 acres of stunning zoological gardens, it's one of the UK's most celebrated wildlife attractions and a genuine world-class destination. Spend the day discovering over 500 species, and make sure you save time for Heart of Africa, the zoo's newest and most immersive experience, where 22 acres of African landscapes, species, and culture come to life in extraordinary detail.

Stay the Night: The Reserve at Chester Zoo

Why check out when you can stay in? The Reserve is something genuinely special. Set within the zoo itself, 51 luxury safari-style lodges sit alongside a private savannah habitat, where Northern giraffes and zebras graze just feet away, or overlooking a tranquil lake alive with wildlife.

Guests enjoy exclusive early access to the zoo, out-of-hours experiences after the general public has gone home, campfire stories by the lakeside fire pit, and dinner at the stylish Amboseli restaurant. Every stay directly funds Chester Zoo's vital conservation work across Africa. There really is nothing else quite like it in the UK.

Get the X1 bus from Chester Station.

Prefer to stay in the city? Chester has you covered.

Back in Chester, rest your heads at one of these great options:

Moxy Chester – Trendy, fun, and full of personality (and games in the lobby!)

Leonardo Hotel – Stylish, central, and super convenient for families

Hotel Indigo – A boutique stay with colourful rooms and local flair

Day 2: City Trails & Forest Fun

Morning: The Animal Trail, Chester City Centre

After breakfast with views to match, head into the heart of Chester for a morning of discovery. Pick up a copy of the Animal Trail from Chester Visitor Information Centre and set off on a fun self-guided tour through the city, finding animals hidden in plain sight among the Roman walls, medieval streets, and characterful shop fronts. It's a brilliant way for younger explorers to see Chester, and for grown-ups to fall in love with the city all over again.

Lunch: Chester Market

Make your way to Chester Market for lunch, where the food offering is as varied as it is delicious. From wood-fired pizza and loaded burgers to vegan treats and freshly baked goods, there's something to keep everyone happy before the afternoon adventure begins.

Afternoon: Room on the Broom Trail and Go Ape, Delamere Forest

Step into the trees and into a story. Delamere Forest is home to the Room on the Broom Trail throughout 2026, celebrating 25 years of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved tale. Follow the Witch and her friends on a spellbinding one-mile journey through the forest, helping to find her lost hat, bow, and wand while collecting magical ingredients to complete her spell. Watch out for Dragon along the way. Trail packs are available for just £4 from the Welcome Point.

Still full of energy? Go Ape has courses to suit every age and ability, from Treetop Adventure for younger explorers over 1m tall to the full Treetop Challenge, complete with Tarzan Swings and zip lines stretching up to 212 metres. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Get the train to Delamere Station direct from Chester in just 18 minutes, with services running every 30 minutes. Go Ape is a five-minute walk from the station.

Or, if your family still has animals on the mind, Blue Planet Aquarium offers an afternoon of underwater wonder, with graceful rays, clownfish, sharks, and crocodiles, all brought to life through a spectacular underwater tunnel and thrilling dive shows.

Get the Stagecoach X1 bus service from Chester Station.

Dinner: End on a Delicious Note

Round off two brilliant days with dinner at one of Chester's family-friendly favourites:

Shrub – Tasty, sustainable food in a cool setting

La Fattoria – A cosy Italian with pizza and pasta to please all ages

Oddfellows – Whimsical interiors and creative menus the whole family can enjoy

So pack your imagination, your curiosity and your appetite – Chester is ready to help your family find their wild side!

Book your train tickets here