Zoos & Wildlife · Chester
Chester Zoo
📍 CH2 1LQ
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Explore over 10 indoor habitats including a tropical biodome
- Boat ride around Islands on the Lazy River
- Five adventure playgrounds for children
- Walkthrough area to get close to lemurs
- Over 30,000 animals across 520 species to discover
Chester Zoo is a large conservation zoo set across 130 acres near Chester, home to over 30,000 animals from more than 500 species. You can explore indoor habitats including the UK's largest tropical biodome, walk through a lemur enclosure, take a boat ride on the Islands Lazy River, and let children loose on five adventure playgrounds. It suits families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting a full day out, with free on-site parking and daily animal talks from keepers. Located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, it's well placed for a stay nearby, with Bache station 1.3 miles away, Sandy Lane beach 2.7 miles off, and 30 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays.
Practical details
- Open
- 10am to 4:30pm, last entry 3:30pm
- Parking
- Free car parking on site
- Booking
- Book tickets online in advance
- Best for
- Families with children, including under-1s free
From the attraction's own website on 1 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Cafe
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Picnic Area
- ✓ Indoor Areas
- ✓ Parking
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Create a free account to claimPlaces to stay near Chester Zoo
Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
1.1 mi
1.3 mi
1.6 mi
1.7 mi
1.7 mi
Travelodge
✓ Easy access to historic Chester and Chester Zoo
🏖️ 1.95 miles from Sandy Lane, Chester
Chester
1.7 mi
Alton Lodge
✓ Restaurant on site serving full English breakfast
🏖️ 1.11 miles from Sandy Lane, Chester
Chester
🎪 What's on near Chester Zoo
Events from
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Fri 13 Nov · 12:00
The UK's Wildest Boat and Bar Crawl - Chester
Rooftop Social Club, Chester · 2.6 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 13:00
The UK's Wildest Boat and Bar Crawl (3hrs) - Liverpool
Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool · 12.9 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
Fri 13 Nov · 14:00
BOTTOMLESS PARTY @ The Benidorm Bar, Liverpool
The Benidorm Bar, Liverpool · 13.2 mi
Tickets on Skiddle ↗
🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Chester Zoo into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
A weekend in Chester: an accessible itinerary →
A weekend in Chester with the kids →
A weekend in Chester →
🗺️ Plan the drive to Chester Zoo
🚆 Or come by train
- Bache 1.3 miles
- Chester 2 miles
- Capenhurst 3.4 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page