Zoos & Wildlife · Chester
Chester Zoo
📍 CH2 1LQ
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Explore the UK's largest tropical biodome
- Boat ride around Islands on the Lazy River
- Walkthrough lemur area to get close to the troop
- Five adventure playgrounds for children
- Over 30,000 animals from more than 500 species
Chester Zoo is a large wildlife attraction covering 130 acres, home to over 30,000 animals from more than 500 species, including a walkthrough lemur area and the UK's largest tropical biodome. There's plenty to fill a day, from a boat ride along the Islands Lazy River to five adventure playgrounds, making it well suited to families. The zoo opens from 11am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 3:30pm, and offers free on-site parking. Located in Chester, Cheshire, it's a good base for a longer stay, with Bache station just 1.3 miles away, Sandy Lane beach 2.7 miles away, and 30 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays.
Practical details
- Open
- 11am to 4:30pm, last entry 3:30pm
- Parking
- Free parking on site
- Best for
- Families, with under-1s going free
- Booking
- Save on admission by booking online
From the attraction's own website on 20 Sep 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
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🗓️ 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