Chester Zoo in Chester, Cheshire is one of the UK’s largest and most acclaimed wildlife attractions, home to more than 30,000 animals from over 500 species across more than 130 acres. This guide provides key practical information for first-time visitors, including the latest opening hours, ticket prices, parking details and useful planning tips.
History and overview of Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo was founded in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, who envisioned a ‘zoo without bars’. They transformed a former army camp site at Upton into a spacious, naturalistic habitat for animals and visitors alike. Since then, the zoo has grown substantially in both size and ambition.
Over decades the zoo has added major themed zones, indoor habitats, aquariums and play areas. Notable additions include the “Monsoon Forest” indoor dome and the “Realm of the Red Ape” for orangutans. The site’s blend of immersive exhibits and conservation work sets it apart from many older zoos.
In recent years Chester Zoo has emphasised global conservation and education programmes, collaborating with 62 organisations in over 20 countries around the world. The charity status of the zoo means that admission revenues support both visitor engagement and animal welfare initiatives.
Visitors today can explore a huge variety of habitats, from African savannahs and Asian tropicalhouses to local British wild-life zones.
How to get to Chester Zoo and parking
The zoo is located at Upton by Chester, Chester CH2 1EU. It lies just a short drive from the city centre; take the A41 and follow signs to the zoo’s main entrance. Train travellers can alight at Chester Station and either take a taxi (around 15 minutes) or bus (Stagecoach number X1) to the zoo.
Parking is free for visitors on-site with a large car park that opens with the gates. For peak times or school-holiday weekends, arriving early helps secure a convenient space close to the entrance. Accessible bays and EV charging points are provided nearby.
Opening hours and ticket prices at Chester Zoo
Opening hours vary by season. The zoo opens daily from 10am. The closing time changes depending on the month: for example, during summer the zoo remains open until 6pm, but it closes as early as 3pm in winter. Last admission is typically one hour before closing time.
Ticket prices (online value rates) are as follows:
- Adult (16+): from £34.00
- Child (3-15 years): from £25.59
- Student: from £33.00
- Toddler (1-2 years): £2.50
- Under 1 / Carer: Free
On-the-day gate prices and prices during peak periods are higher, with adult tickets costing £38.00.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
The zoo is committed to being accessible. It offers free-entry carer tickets when accompanying a paying guest, has full mobility access in most major areas, wheelchair and mobility-scooter hire, Changing Places toilets, and sensory-friendly support for hidden disabilities.
Facilities include multiple cafés, gift shops, picnic spaces, and animal-talk schedules each day, all included in general admission.
Best times to visit and how long your visit takes
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday outside school holiday periods. The earliest hours right after opening and the last hour before closing tend to be less busy. According to a visitor guide, arriving 15 minutes before opening helps secure better parking and smaller crowds.
For a full exploration of the site including major habitats, exhibits and play areas, allow five to seven hours. A quicker visit prioritising key zones may be done in three to four hours.
What else to see nearby and how to combine your visit
- Explore the historic city of Chester with its Roman walls, medieval streets and riverside cafés.
- Visit the nearby Cheshire countryside or take a short drive to Delamere Forest for a woodland walk.
- Consider staying until dusk for special seasonal events like “Lanterns & Light” in November-January.
Tips for a smoother visit to Chester Zoo
- Book tickets online ahead of your visit to secure the lowest price and your preferred date and time.
- Arrive before 10 am to maximise quieter time and good parking.
- Download the site map or use the zoo mobile app to plan a route. Crowds often head anti-clockwise, so you may prefer the reverse route for fewer people.
- Bring comfortable shoes and expect a lot of walking—over 130 acres means a large area to cover.
- Check the animal-talk schedule on arrival and plan your lunch break accordingly. Some cafés get busy at midday.
Frequently asked questions about Chester Zoo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is parking free? | Yes, on-site parking is free for visitors. |
| What are the opening hours? | Daily from 10 am. Closing time varies by season (e.g., 6 pm in peak summer). |
| What are the ticket prices? | Online value pricing from £34 for adults and £26 for children (3-15). |
| Are children under 1 free? | Yes. Under-1s are free, carers accompanying visitors with accessibility needs are free. |
| Is the zoo suitable for wheelchairs? | Yes. Most major pathways and indoor exhibits are accessible; hire available for mobility scooters. |
Disclosure: This guide is for planning purposes. Please check the official Chester Zoo website for any changes before your visit.
Meta description: Visit Chester Zoo in Cheshire – open daily from 10 am, ticket prices from £34 adult, free parking onsite, full visitor planning guide including accessibility info.
