Chester Zoo

With over 7000 animals and 500 species, Chester Zoo is the largest zoological garden in the UK.

It was the first zoo in the UK to successfully breed elephants and is famous for its chimpanzees; some of which have lived there for over 30 years. Highlights include:

Tsavo – A purpose-built enclosure for the critically endangered Black Rhino.
Twilight Zone – A dimly lit environment where bats fly freely amongst visitors.
Spirit of the Jaguar – The largest jaguar enclosure in the world.
Elephants of the Asian Forest - A themed home for elephants.
Islands in Danger – Features Komodo dragons and other rare island species.

The zoo is completely wheelchair and pushchair accessible. All toilet facilities have disabled access and parent and baby rooms. It also boasts a monorail and waterbus transport systems, a children’s adventure playground, and a good selection of shops and cafes.

Chester Zoo is open daily all year from 10 am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. An adult must accompany children under 14. It is located in Upton, approximately 2 miles from the centre of Chester.

For visitors using satellite navigation, the postcode for Chester Zoo is CH2 1EU (car parking).

Review / Comment / Additional Information

hart

We went on a sunny back holiday in August as a group of fifteen and was really looking forward to a fun filled day and seeing lots of animals but was sadly disappointed by the lack of animals there.

Editor

Chester Zoo opening hours 2008: Open from 10 am all year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Editor

Chester Zoo admission prices for 2008:
Adult £14.95
Child (3-15) £10.95
Concessions: £13.50
Under 3s: Free

catherine

An excellent day out for everyone in the family. Loads to do, loads to see and all a very high standard. Value for money. We took advantage of the reduced winter rates.

nicholas

The tigers didn't really like me but I loved the sea lions and penguins.

nicholas wynn

I really enjoyed myself at the zoo with the Bishops Castle Community College. I found the presentation at the beginning very interesting.

martin

The bat cave is a really good place to scare your girlfriend. It's really dark and you can only just see the bats flying around. In one part they come really close to you and you can feel them near you. They don't crash into you because I think they navigate by sonar or something like that.

lezleigh

My grand-daughter and I loved every moment. We will be back

Editor

Chester Zoo was voted Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007 by Visit Chester.

Editor

The zoo has a new resident, a 2 year old male Sumatran tiger called Kepala. Sumatran tigers are a critically endagered species, with only 400 left in the wild.

Editor

5 baby Komodo dragons have just been moved to the Islands in Danger exhibit.

charlie

My favourite animals at the zoo are the chimpanzees. They are very funny to watch.

Rachel Pilkington

Chester Zoo is really good but can get very busy. We went last summer and many of the enclosures were really busy. We couldn't get anywhere near the Jaguars. Probably best to go off season.