Chester Zoo
Chester, Cheshire
About Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s best-loved family days out, packed with wild adventures, unforgettable animal encounters and inspiring discoveries around every corner. Set across 130 acres in Cheshire, this world-famous conservation zoo is home to over 30,000 animals and more than 520 species, from big cats and elephants to lemurs, penguins, reptiles, birds and some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.
Afterglow at Chester Zoo
For an extra-special summer visit, families can experience Afterglow, Chester Zoo’s magical after-hours event. Running from Friday 31 July to Sunday 16 August, Afterglow brings the zoo to life in the evening with colour, music, dancing and a festival-style atmosphere.
It’s a brilliant way to see Chester Zoo from a completely different perspective, with extended evening adventures, glowing installations and plenty of family-friendly entertainment to enjoy as the sun goes down. Whether you’re exploring the zoo after hours, soaking up the lively atmosphere or making the most of a summer evening together, Afterglow adds even more magic to an already unforgettable day out.
Things to do at Chester Zoo
From the rainforests of South America to African-inspired landscapes and the tropical habitats of South East Asia, Chester Zoo is designed to transport families into the heart of the natural world. Explore immersive indoor habitats, wander through award-winning gardens, spot monkeys swinging overhead, watch elephants roam, and discover fascinating species you may never have seen before.
Families can also enjoy the Islands Lazy River boat trip, where you can sit back and journey through tropical landscapes from a whole new perspective. Along the way, daily animal talks give visitors the chance to learn more from Chester Zoo’s expert rangers, with plenty of opportunities to discover how the zoo is helping protect threatened species around the world.
Family-friendly facilities
Chester Zoo has everything families need for a full day out. There are spacious picnic areas, plenty of food and drink stops, baby-changing facilities, buggy hire, accessible routes and lots of places to rest when little legs need a break.
For children with energy to burn, the zoo’s five adventure playgrounds are a huge highlight. Expect climbing frames, slides, imaginative play areas, water play and space for kids to run wild between animal adventures.
Families can also download the Chester Zoo app or use the zoo map to plan their route, check animal talk times and make the most of their visit.
Tickets and savings
Booking online is the best way to save, with Chester Zoo offering up to 20% off online tickets. Under 1s and carers go free with adult admission, and there is free parking available on site. Ticket prices can vary depending on the date, so it’s worth checking the official website before you visit.
Extraordinary experiences
For an extra-special day out, Chester Zoo also offers a range of bookable experiences that bring families even closer to the animals and the people who care for them. Depending on availability, visitors can enjoy keeper-led experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, animal feeding opportunities and special encounters that give a deeper look at the zoo’s conservation work.
Food and drink
A day of exploring is bound to build up an appetite, and Chester Zoo has plenty of family-friendly dining options. Grab a quick snack from one of the kiosks, stop for coffee before your adventure begins, enjoy a relaxed meal at The Oakfield, or choose from a range of food outlets around the zoo. Families are also welcome to bring their own food and make use of the picnic areas.
Why families will love Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is much more than a brilliant day out. It’s a chance for families to see incredible animals up close, learn about the natural world and support vital conservation projects at the same time. Every ticket, meal and souvenir helps fund work to protect endangered species and habitats across the globe.
With immersive habitats, daily talks, five playgrounds, beautiful gardens, exciting experiences, family facilities and thousands of animals to discover, Chester Zoo is a full day of adventure for children and grown-ups alike.
One zoo. Endless adventures.
Discover Over 35,000 Amazing Animals
Chester Zoo is home to thousands of extraordinary animals!
Wander through lush habitats and come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers, elusive Sunda gharial crocodiles and the striking Boelen’s python. Listen for the calls of birds, watch elephants roam and see monkeys swing through the trees.
But this isn't just a zoo, it's a global conservation powerhouse. Every visit supports projects that protect wildlife, restore habitats and fight extinction in more than 20 countries worldwide. Chester Zoo is making a difference where it matters most.
Every step brings a new discovery. Whether you're marvelling at a towering giraffe or spotting tiny frogs hidden in the rainforest, you're part of something bigger. This isn't just a day out, this is conservation in action.
Step into the Wild at the Heart of Africa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Chester Zoo’s Heart of Africa!
This immersive habitat transports families straight to the African savannah by exploring a NEW ecosystem, observing a mixed savannah, like majestic giraffes, playful zebras, and ostriches, and even learning all about the Maasai Olympics! You can also enjoy African craft sessions, observe the science that shapes their conservation and even let loose on the new Pamoja Village play area, where you can also grab a bite to eat!
With exciting viewing areas, interactive learning opportunities, and stunning scenery, the Heart of Africa is a must-see for families looking to experience wildlife up close and make magical memories together!
Get Even Closer To Wildlife
Make your visit to Chester Zoo unforgettable with a unique Experience. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, up-close animal encounters, and exciting ways to connect with nature.
From learning about wildlife conservation to meeting truly incredible animals, there’s an adventure for everyone to enjoy. Book your Chester Zoo experience for an even more memorable day out!
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
ATM
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Pushchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Chester Zoo opens daily from 10:00, with last admission 1 hour before closing. Closing times vary by season: 17:00 until 22 July, 18:00 from 23 July to 1 September, and 20:00 on selected Afterglow evenings from 31 July to 16 August, excluding 3 and 10 August. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (3-15) : £25.45
- Adult (16+) : £34.21
- Child (1-2) : £2.50
General Admission
- Adult (16+) admission: from £34.21
- Child (3-15) admission: from £25.45
- Student admission: from £33.63
- Child (1-2): £2.50
- Under 12 months admission: Free
- Carer admission free
Prices vary by date and ticket type. Chester Zoo offers value and standard online prices, with optional donation pricing also available. Booking online in advance can be cheaper than buying at the gate.
Please note that tickets will not be available to buy online on the day after 9:30 am. You can purchase tickets from the ticket windows on-site when you arrive!If you want to visit the zoo a lot, then a membership may be for you. With a membership, you can get unlimited free entry for a year, plus loads of other great benefits, from discounts on food and drink in the zoo, to exclusive member previews to special events, and so much more! Members are the first to hear all the latest zoo news!
Chester Zoo Annual Membership Standard Prices: Adult (16+): £146.34Child (3-15): £110.39
Child (1-2): £10Infants (under 12 months): FREE
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Chester Zoo by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time more than 5 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Train
Chester Zoo is a couple of miles from Chester Station and Bache Station.
By Bus
You can take the Stagecoach 1 & X1 Service from Chester to Liverpool, as well as the PR3 and 5 buses, which run seven days a week.
By Car
Chester Zoo is not far from the M56 or Chester city centre. Follow the motorway signs to Chester, then follow the brown tourist zoo signs.
Once on the A41, stay on that road until you reach a roundabout with signs for Chester Zoo. Don’t turn down Flag Lane North; it’s a dead end.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 13:28 14/07/2026
Chester Zoo Reviews
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