See & Do |
Family Friendly Attractions
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
Get the X1 Bus from Chester Railway Station. It runs every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytimes.
Explore Chester Zoo
Home to over 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo invites you to explore, unwind and reconnect - with nature, each other and yourself. Explore 130 acres of immersive habitats, from dense rainforests and tropical caves to open wetlands and Himalayan mountains.
Get back to nature
From blue spaces like the penguin and otter habitats to multi-sensory environments like Monsoon Forest, the zoo is full of places that can support wellbeing. Join one of the daily animal talks or download the app and take a self-guided zoo walk. Whether you're moving more, noticing more, or simply playing together, there's something for everyone.
Designed with families in mind
Young adventurers can take on the Treetop Challenge or drive all-electric off-road vehicles. There’s also face painting, fairground rides and five epic playgrounds across the zoo packed with climbing nets, water play, giant slides and sand pits.
For a slower pace, wander through award-winning gardens, with sensory-friendly spaces, Changing Places facilities, and mobility scooter hire to help everyone enjoy their day.
Refuel your adventure
From sizzling street food to relaxed family lunches, there’s something for every appetite. Visitors can grab fresh food from kiosks and cafés, or take a break at The Oakfield, the zoo’s Grade II listed pub with garden views. You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options, plus picnic spots and shaded areas.
Experiences at Chester Zoo
Choose from more than 20 Experiences where you can dine, tour or get even closer to some of the zoo’s most extraordinary animals – including giraffes, penguins and meerkats. It’s a chance to see the zoo from a new point of view and make lasting memories.
Easy to get to. Easy to get around
Chester Zoo is just a short bus ride from Chester Train Station. There’s free on-site parking, including dedicated EV charging spaces, and step-free access throughout the zoo. Visitors can download the free Chester Zoo app for live talk times, maps, animal facts and more.
A day out that gives back
Chester Zoo is a not-for-profit conservation zoo. Every ticket, meal, and souvenir helps fund projects that protect wildlife in the UK and across more than 20 countries. That makes a day out here not just memorable, but meaningful too.
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Content from around the site
Dates: 27th Nov - 19th Dec 2026
Celebrate the festive season at The Square, nestled in the heart of Chester Zoo.
Nature Fest
Dates: 12th Sept - 13th Sept 2026
Discover the wonders of UK wildlife at Nature Fest, a fun-filled, free-to-enter event celebrating the beauty of native wildlife and plant life conservation.
Earth Photo
Dates: 21st Aug - 27th Sept 2026
Discover Earth Photo 2026, a striking outdoor exhibition from the Royal Geographical Society.
Perfect timing for the bank holiday weekend ahead. £10 afternoon tickets are back until 6 September. Whether you're planning a spontaneous trip or just don't have a full day to spare, the afternoon ticket makes it easy to fit in a visit.
Businesses close to Chester Zoo
The Oakfield at Chester Zoo
Once the home of the Mottershead family who founded Chester Zoo, The Oakfield is a truly unique contemporary British pub
The Reserve - Chester Zoo
Stay overnight at Chester Zoo in a luxury safari-inspired lodge, enjoy exclusive wildlife experiences and help fund conservation in Africa.
Upton by Chester Golf Course
All who play here comment on the excellent natural landscape and sculpting of this wonderful course. The course offers a fair test to golfers of all levels.
Upton Park and Ride Car Park
Upton (Zoo) Park and Ride: Liverpool Road (for Countess Hospital) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange (for University) – Bus Interchange – Foregate Street stop BB (for shops and visitor attractions) – Liverpool Road Abbotts Grange – Liverpool Road (Countess Hospital) - Upton (Zoo) Park & RideMonday - Friday: every 15 minutes from 07:00am until 08:45amFirst bus 07:00amLast bus 08:45amThen every 20 minutes:First bus 09:05amLast bus 18:45pmSaturday: every 20 minutes:First bus 08:30amLast bus 17:30pmSundays and public holidays: every 20 minutes:First bus 10:30amLast bus 17:10pm460 total parking spaces (10 disabled spaces)TicketsAdult day ticket - £2.50 - Valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceYoung persons' day ticket - £1 - Available to persons aged between five and 18 inclusive - valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceGroup ticket - £5 - Up to five persons of any age who are travelling together - valid on day of purchase on any park and ride serviceMulti 6 ticket - £12.50 - Offers six days tickets for the price of five - Valid for one year from activation of the first ticket - each day ticket is valid on any day of purchase on any park and ride service - This ticket is only available via the Stagecoach appCountess ticket - £1.50 - Valid on day of issue on service PR3 only, between Upton park and ride and Liverpool Road, Countess of Chester HospitalFree - £0 - No charge for children under five years of ageView the timetable